Jackie Ricupero has been off heroin and alcohol for 16 months, the longest she’s been clean for at least 20 years. But she’s worried that what she credits most for her progress — the Towne House Clubhouse on Purchase Street — may soon be taken away because of state budget cuts.
The 55-year-old, who was first diagnosed with mental illness at 15, spends her days at Towne House, a rehabilitation and recovery center where she volunteers, spends time with others like her and is working toward her GED. She hopes one day to work in human services. “It’s the ability to come here every day and just get involved,” she said. “This place gives me a purpose.”
Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed cuts at the Department of Mental Health, among other places, to help close a budget deficit of up to $600 million. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition, which oversees a few dozen [...]

Original post by Grant Welker