Stronger in Mind, Body, and Community

Liz Lambert moved to Duluth 12 years ago from south Minneapolis in search of a fresh start. She moved into a group home, and her goal was clear when moving out four years ago: after she got healthy, she wanted to go back and help her people.

“I consider the group home people my people,” Liz said. “When I moved in, my family thought, ‘she’s never getting out.’ I felt like they kind of forgot about us. It was lonely.”

Life in the group home came with significant limitations. Each resident received $98 a month for activities, snacks, and essentials, like clothing. Staff did their best, but many had never experienced life in a group home themselves. Liz knew firsthand how hard it was, and how much practical guidance could help.

“I want to go back and teach skills,” she explained. “How to best utilize your money with offers already out there.”

About four years ago, Liz started personal training at the Downtown Duluth YMCA, and started working with a nutritionist. At first, she wasn’t fully serious, but started incorporating healthy changes she was learning into her life, like getting off the bus one stop early to add extra steps to her day.

Last January, Liz experienced a grand mal seizure that dislocated both of her shoulders. The event changed everything. After that, she became fully committed to her health and wellness.

“At the Y I’ve met a couple of people who have become friends,” she shared. “It’s nice to not work out alone. I feel safe at the Y. I love the adrenaline of working out. With my mental illness, working out makes me feel great. I always look forward to it.”

Liz likes variety in her workouts. She has started taking yoga and aqua aerobics. She loves to lift weights and feel strong. She tries to do something different every day.

“My trainer taught me that,” she shared. “I was very rigid and dedicated when I started. Now I can be more flexible. Now, I work out to have fun.”

Lynette Marble, Liz’s aqua aerobics instructor shared, “Liz is an inspiration—to herself and others. She’s a go-getter who is always working to improve herself, whether she’s in the water or upstairs in the wellness center.”

Today, Liz is married, has lost 70 pounds, and has started a new job at Trillium Services, supporting people with disabilities as a Peer Support Specialist.

“I just want to share what I’ve learned. I want to be a mentor now that I’m doing well,” Liz shared. “For a long time, I was so medicated that I felt like I was walking around in a fog. Now people can look at me and see the difference.”

Liz’s advice? Start small, be kind to yourself, and do something—anything—that helps you feel better.

“If it’s a positive change for you, that’s good,” Liz said. “I just try to live each day to the fullest now. I’m happy to be alive.”

Support wellness at the Y