Patrice's Powerful Message in SAMHSA’s Gallery of Hope

At McClendon Center, we are proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of our clients, and today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Patrice, a dedicated art therapy participant at our Day Program. Her powerful piece, Everything Starts and Ends With Me, has been chosen for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Gallery of Hope 2024, which highlights the role of artistic creativity in mental health and substance use recovery. Patrice’s work showcases both her talent and her inner journey to self-discovery and healing.

Patrice shared, “I used to blame everyone and everything for my substance abuse. I suffered low self-esteem because of it. From group therapy for dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and Bipolar disorder, I now know that everything starts and ends with me. This is me looking at myself for the answer.”

View the featured artwork here

Her insight reflects a profound transformation that many of our clients experience, illustrating how art can serve as a vital tool for reflection and empowerment. At McClendon Center, we celebrate stories like Patrice’s, where creativity meets resilience, proving that recovery is not only possible but also deeply personal.