Wild Acre Inns Belmont Program

“Belmont was a very important step in my transition back to the apartment where I Had been living with three other women.  I had had a serious setback.   I was at Mt. Auburn Hospital for two weeks, then went to a rehab facility for a month, and finally went to Belmont Wild Acres.  It was the perfect place for me.  After an extremely difficult rehab, Belmont felt like heaven.  The staff at Belmont house are some of the best staff I have ever worked with.  They are both incredibly competent and incredibly compassionate.  This is a combination that is very rare to find in mental health facilities.  Also, the staff at Belmont have a wonderful sense of humor!  I did not get to know all the residents at Belmont as much as I would have liked to, but they were and still are very special to me.  Although I may not have shown it, I grew very fond of all of them.  Belmont is an exceptional mental health facility, because of both the staff and the residents.  There is a very real positivity about Belmont.  Belmont certainly provided the help I truly needed to return to my apartment.”

“Here’s to Donna, Stacie and Tom!!!  A great staff!  Thanks so much for today and…all the other days.” “I am so happy that I am back to see all of your wonderful smiles!  You have always made me feel happy and welcome at the Belmont house, and I will always remember all of our wonderful memories!  Thanks for having me!” “I look forward to your parties and seeing everyone.  And the food is great.  Thank you for inviting me.”

Wild Acre Inns Gateway Program

I arrived at Gateway from another Wild Acres program so that I could live in an independent, yet supportive environment.  I have also found wonderful opportunities in terms of having successful employment in the Boston area.

Throughout my life, I have found it very difficult to cope with life’s many stressors both emotionally and physically.  I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and an eating disorder.   I have felt at times misunderstood by my family and close friends.  To finally know what sustains me from the inside and if I truly like the company that I keep in the empty moments.  Gateway has indeed helped me find the antidote in the core of myself.  The root of myself molded of clay, yet kneaded from the substance of certainty.

My four years at Gateway were wonderful.  I enjoyed the chores (mainly cooking) and the monthly outings.  I also benefitted from the women’s group that was held on Saturdays.  The Wednesday meetings were helpful.  The yearly Christmas presents were fun.  I enjoyed the creative writing group.

I’m in my second year at the Annex and I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent here so far.  My apartment mates are nice people and we all get along well.  The community meetings every other Thursday are useful and fun.  I enjoy the check-ins on Tuesdays with staff.

Both Gateway and the Annex have helped nurture me and I have grown in my personal life.  I’m very thankful for both programs. 

I have been here for one and a half years.  It has helped to share my problems and I feel really better after this time spent in this place.

Wild Acre Inns is a good place because there are structured activities as well as unstructured activities.  When I first arrived at WAI, I was stubborn and scared, but after gradually getting used to the routine I found the place to be helpful.  There are no “cliques” – I like that.  The staff is available, for you or anyone when not busy…to help work on goals like managing your bank account or to talk with if you feel down or discouraged.  Besides the staff, the residents are there for support and comfort. 

People really care and reach out to individuals if they are sad.  I enjoy playing scrabble or Scattegories in the afternoon if there aren’t any activities or there is a shortage of staff.  When I was sad, two residents, Paul and Melinda, gave me encouraging words and hugs when I heard my father was ill—he’s on the mend now—I felt better.

I like the way the structured activities work around the errands I do each week.