AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — For many people living with mental illness, finding stability and purpose can be a challenge. In Amarillo, the Agape Center is working to change that through a new storefront where members create and sell handmade items while building job skills and independence.
The Love in Action Shop opened in April as an initiative through the Agape Center. The program is designed to help people battling mental illness learn practical skills and become more independent.
Tony Foster, executive director of the Agape Center, said the shop helps members develop “real-life world skills, work skills, like learning how to navigate Excel spreadsheets, learning how to market, learning how to handle money, and so forth.”
Penni Nichools, a member, described seeing people grow more comfortable after arriving at the center. “When they first walk in the door and are scared and nervous to coming and laughing and cutting up and participating and doing stuff. It’s amazing,” Nichools said.
Malaki Abery, vice chairman of the Agape Center, said he came to the center nine years ago and found hope. He said the shop also helps members give back to the center that supports them.
“We’re selling to help us; it’s also to be able to help the center to give back for the help that they give us from time to time,” Abery said. “Because sometimes we may not have enough money to buy groceries, pay the electric bill or get gas in a car. So they will help fund us with those needs.”
Joyce Castillo, board secretary of the Agape Center, said the initiative also helps address stigma and shows the community that people living with mental illness can contribute.
“Each one of us has a mental diagnosis of one or another of sorts. We are trying to be people helping people and not trying to break that stigma of mental health. We are sorry. We can be a part of the community. We can connect with others,” Castillo said.
Members also shared how the center has affected their lives.
“I had never had friends do nothing like that. Then, I get ill and stuff. I came here, and I started making friends like I have a second family. These people are my second family,” said Melissa Barbarino of the Agape Center.
Martha Harris, a member, said baking has brought her joy.
“On my baking, it made me feel happy because, with the center, I do it for fun because I love to do it and everything,” Harris said.
The Love in Action Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Amarillo’s Agape Center shop helps people with mental illness find purpose, stability (KVII)