My name is Mike Sursely and I have been a member of bridgeways since the early 1990s. Back then, we were called Rainbow Resources and a lot of positive changes have happened in that time. I had been struggling with severe mental illness but now feel as if I am no longer struggling but living, thriving, and taking control of my own recovery. First of all, I gave up my cigarette addiction about 6 years ago which has been a blessing to me both health wise and financially. I also started a music group at Madison House that meets every week where I help to teach other members how to play the piano. Last fall, bridgeways purchased a new electronic Casio keyboard which has really helped to improve the instruction.
My recovery has been aided by the fact that bridgeways has really evolved in the last year. Madison House has been completely remodeled and the drop-in center has been improved where we have classes there everyday. We also have breakfast and lunch there every day which is provided for free. We also have a music room (where I teach my classes) and have a variety of musical things for members to play. The music group is a "peer monitored" group which means that members run the groups on their own, without staff supervision. I would really like to thank all of the staff here who have been integral in helping me and all the other members here in their recovery. I was recently hired to start in a janitorial position which I am excited about, it means that I can give back to bridgeways and to earn some extra money. I also started to represent Bridgeways on the Snohomish County Mental Health Advisory Board and am hoping to be appointed for a 3 year term as a regular member there. With the many positive changes in my life I look forward to many more ahead.
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also have been playing every day and have recorded a music CD
which is now on the bridgeway's website for your listening enjoyment.
Playing, sharing, and teaching others to play music has helped
me in my own recovery because I am valued for my passion for music.
I also discovered the guitar and play regularly. I live for my
music. In January 2006, I was invited to play the guitar and piano
at the North Sound Mental Health Recovery Conference in Mt. Vernon.
It was a great success and I hope to do it again next year. I made
many new friends there who also are on their journey towards
recovery. 
