Vail Place Helps Adults with Mental Illnesses
The Tour de Vail raises money for Vail Place, which helps adults with mental illnesses find friendship, employment, wellness and more. The Tour de Vail begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, in Robbinsdale.
About Vail Place
Vail Place is a nonprofit providing comprehensive services, support and resources for adults with mental illnesses. The organization uses a clubhouse model to give members a place to have purpose. Adults can come to one of the clubhouses to find friendships, employment, education, housing, health and wellness.
“We’re a place that’s a central clearing house of support and services. It’s a one-stop shop for helping people who are trying to figure out what’s next,” says Chad Bolstrom, clubhouse director. “Part of Vail prides itself on is a preventative, recovery-based model that helps you get well before things break all the way down.”
In the time Bolstrom has worked at Vail Place, he’s seen many success stories. Lisa Bandemer has battled anxiety and depression for years. She lives in Golden Valley, but she’s at Vail Place quite a bit.
“When I came here, I was in a really bad place,” explains Bandemer. “It really saved my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. I really don’t know where I would be without Vail.”
There are Vail Place locations in Hopkins and Minneapolis.
Raising Money for Vail Place
“Private fundraising is a fact of life for most nonprofits, especially nonprofits that deal with mental health,” says Bolstrom. “Events like this are part of how we keep the lights on and keep the doors open as well as create new and innovative recovery paths.”
The 17th Annual Tour de Vail –Roll and Stroll for Mental Health will raise money for Vail Place. The event will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Lakeview Terrace Park in Robbinsdale. Participants will walk, bike, run, stroll or blade around Crystal Lake. Participants could sign up as an individual or as a team.
