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United Way Duke Partnership Campaign Underway
Kathy Winn has not led an easy life. Since age 17, she's struggled with a chronic and disabling mental illness that causes depression, disorientation and hallucinations, forcing many hospitalizations.
In 1992, she was robbed and assaulted in Charlotte, exasperating her illness and prompting her move to Durham with her son. She sought help from her sister who lives here, and later, from social services agencies, Genesis Home and Threshold Clubhouse in Durham.
The agencies that helped Winn receive financial support through the Triangle United Way's Community Care Fund — one of many funds that Duke faculty and staff choose to contribute to during the United Way Duke Partnership Campaign now underway through Nov. 2. The Triangle United Way is a non-profit organization that provides resources for basic community needs such as hospice, homelessness and hunger.
"If it weren't for the United Way and their contributions, Threshold Clubhouse would really be struggling," said Winn, who is 50. "I credit Threshold so much for the life I have now."
During last year's campaign, Brenda Kerr, a Duke insurance claims specialist, was among the Duke faculty and staff who contributed to nearly $1 million raised for the campaign, making Duke the fourth largest contributor to the Community Care Fund.
"Life can change on a dime," said Kerr, who has contributed to the fund for several years. "One day you may be walking in the sunshine, and the next, you're in the pits of despair. It's important to give back when you can."
Winn and her son lived at Genesis Home for about a month in 1992 until she found a job and home. Genesis Home helped her adjust to the area, and she got out on her own. But two years later, Winn was nearly overcome by her illness. "I was really sick. I couldn't handle taking care of myself," she said. "I couldn't handle my finances or keep a job."
She went to a shelter, but after she said she was robbed a second time, she lived in her car until she was hospitalized. She recuperated with help from her sister and later joined Threshold Clubhouse, which provides employment, education, socialization and recreation for adults with mental illness.
"Eventually I started doing some office work and began to build my confidence," Winn said.
Winn is now an advocate for the mentally ill and homeless, speaking publicly on behalf of Threshold and the United Way. She serves on the Threshold Board of Directors. She has stayed on her medication and visits her therapist regularly, reducing hospitalizations.
"Without Threshold," Winn said, "there's no telling what would have happened to me."
— By Elizabeth Michalka
Writer, Human Resources Communications
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