A History of Our Place Clubhouse by Paul P.

I started attending Our Place Clubhouse around 1993 or so, maybe even earlier! At that time, the Clubhouse was on 6th Avenue, across from the Ronstadt Transit Center. The Clubhouse was on the first floor, and the Arizona Hotel occupied the second floor. Members had the option of working as janitors of the Arizona Hotel, and some of the members even lived upstairs in the Hotel.

It was a very friendly environment with plenty of activities and opportunities to be productive with such things as sorting clothing donations, helping in the kitchen, or cleaning parts of the Clubhouse, very similar to the current Clubhouse, now located on Pennington Street.

I remember around 1998, the Clubhouse relocated from 6th Avenue to Pennington Street. With the move to the new location, a new program, Café 54 was started, opening in 2004. I was one of the first graduates of the Café 54 training program. It was a stepping-stone to my getting a job out in the community. Café 54 also had catering at that time and had occasional soirée parties for employees and members.

I remember being in the Café, working, and Mindy, the Director, showed me an empty room which I remember sweeping. At the time, that room had concrete floors. They are now wooden floors, and it was made into a very nice room and workspace. It is now the Clubhouse’s Integrated Resources Unit, which has computers available for members to use. They took out a wall which made a corridor pathway connecting the Clubhouse and Café 54.

When I’m here at the Clubhouse, I like to hang out in Membership Services. It is a good, serene place to chat with other members and staff, or even just look at the fish in the Clubhouse aquariums and relax. I gravitate towards places where I feel comfortable.

I always have someone to talk to at the Clubhouse if I need to. If I ever have any kind of problem, I can always bring it here and seek some feedback and help. Our community is understanding and open to our needs.

Music Group by S. S.

Music is a universal language, no matter what background you come from or what language you speak. There’s always music and the love and soul that a person can feel when listening to music. Music takes you to wild and exciting places, and it can open a new world to the mind and the body. Music can express various emotions and enhance mood. It can be uplifting, fun, and help us get through sadness and sorrow.

Music heals and saves lives. Music can be used as a healthy coping skill. Learning to play a musical instrument can be a good way to pass the time, explore the world around us, and express ourselves. There are different aspects of music that can be healing such as, acquiring music through internet sources, listening to music, attending concerts, taking music lessons, playing musical instruments, constructing your own musical instruments, singing, chanting, dancing, etc.

We have a Music Group at Our Place Clubhouse every Friday at 2pm-3pm. We have had jam sessions outside in the back patio, karaoke inside, walked to free downtown musical performances, etc. Please join us!

Member Artwork

In addition to boasting many talented writers who share their skills during the Thursday Afternoon Writing Group, Our Place Clubhouse is also home to many accomplished visual artists. Here is some of their work, which can also be found in the July 2023 Clubhouse newsletter.

by Brian M.

by James M.

by Brian M.

by Xenon M.

Forgiveness by Sandra S.

For me, growing up with lots of trauma in my life, I grew up very negative. I thought life was just problem after problem. I turned to drinking and drugs. It took several things for me to realize that I deserve to be happy. Forgiveness was key to making me change and to begin to treat people better than what I used to. I used to have a chip on my shoulder. Forgiveness helped me learn to give people a chance. It helped me to be positive with other people. I see things a whole lot differently now. When I say something nice to somebody else, it makes me feel good about myself. Putting a smile on somebody’s face means a lot to me. I can identify with people who are having a bad day. I can empathize and I know how it is to have a bad day. I try to reassure others. I was a Peer Mentor at Nueva Luz. That experience taught me how to have a heart and have compassion for others. I think that those of us with a mental illness all have problems and struggles that we are not alone in experiencing. Seek help if you need it. Come to me—I’ll listen!  I don’t judge others. I share some of my experiences.

The Effects of Grief by Bobby C.

Grief is a powerful thing. Grief can come from many places, mainly the loss of a loved one. It can have different effects on the person. It can affect not only their emotions, but their heart, too. There are many levels of grief. Some cause a person to completely shut down. Some are not so strong. Grief can overwhelm you, but it can also, in a small way, help you. When you experience grief and don’t let it consume you, it can help you move forward. if you need to, talk to someone you trust who can help you through the grief. Grief is something that is painful to experience, but you cannot let this pain overwhelm you. Some can actually deal with this pain themselves. Others need help. One way to help lessen the full pain of grief is to remember the loved one as you saw them, at their best. That may help ease some of the pain. Never let go of any happy emotions, feelings, memories that you had with that loved one. Do whatever you can to keep them in your life, in any way you can, especially in your heart. These words are from my experience in dealing with grief. Others may have an equally different valid way of experiencing their own grief. The main thing is to never let the pain of grief get the best of you. Do what you can to handle this pain.

Honoring Fathers on Father’s Day by Bobby C.

Father’s Day means more than everyone realizes. Some actually do not have the privilege of having a father, but those who do may not realize how special a father can be. A father can be strong, caring, even a hero to their child. So, this Father’s Day, do not take your father for granted, because he may not be around for long. Cherish the moments that you have. Show your father how much he means to you, show him all the love you can, and be grateful that you have a father. To my father, I love you with all my heart and soul, and I always will.

On Meditation by Chris B.

Meditation means different things to different people, such as sitting quietly with eyes closed, listening to nature sounds or soft music, sitting on the floor or on a chair with spine straight and chanting either mentally or out loud, focusing on a specific word, image, or the breath, or simply praying silently. The objective of meditation also differs from one person to the next: easing anxiety, for example, achieving better physical health, or growing closer to God.

No matter what technique we use or goal we strive for, meditation has been proven for centuries to have holistic (body, mind, and soul) health benefits. Some of these include decreased blood pressure, fewer panic attacks, increased ability to stay focused and centered throughout the day, and greater peace of mind. Meditation can also be an effective tool in substance abuse and mental health recovery.

If anyone is interested in learning more about meditation and practicing a short guided meditation, please plan to attend a workshop at the Clubhouse on Thursday, May 12th, at 10:30am.

Member Interview: "So Welcomed" by Felicia R.

I’ve been a member at the Clubhouse since I was 23 in 2003. At that time, I identified as gay. I felt so welcomed by all the members right away. I have always enjoyed interacting with everyone here. I’ve always been what you would call a social butterfly. I’ve always had friends here. I used to be a big eater, so I looked forward to the lunches every day. The variety of foods has been amazing. Over the years, we have had several cooks, but TwoFeathers has been my favorite. Everything is so healthy compared to what it was before. We have an activity once a month. If I had to pick two of my favorite activities, they would be: dinner out and karaoke/dance party.

I love that the Clubhouse is into diversity. We now have a lot of members that are part of the LGBTQIA community. A lot more than before. So, there are several members that I relate to a lot. The staff have always been very professional and friendly. When I started having trouble with hearing voices when I was 29, they were always supportive and would sit with me until the crisis team would arrive to take me to CRC or the hospital. I now identify as TS and really always did but was afraid of hormone treatments and was unaware of how much of a woman I always was. The Clubhouse has been accepting towards my ultra-femininity. I have changed over the years. I still have a lot to work on when interacting with others, but I’ve become more reserved and polite. But also, more nervous and self-conscious of what I say or do and act while here. At times, I become depressed or sad, but I feel that I get the proper support and love from the staff and my friends here. I recommend Our Place Clubhouse to anyone who is recovering from an SMI and anyone who wants a safe place to belong.

Member Interview: "There Is Such A Thing" by Gem H.

I have been a Clubhouse member about nine years. At first it was scary, because there were all these new people I didn’t know, but I soon learned everyone is so friendly, and now I know everybody. I enjoy working in the Clubhouse Kitchen Unit. I enjoy cooking Mexican food. I’m learning cooking skills so I can cook at home for my family.

One thing I’ve learned at the Clubhouse is that there is such a thing as a road to recovery. When I first started, I didn’t even know you could work towards recovery from mental health issues. I thought it was something I just had to deal with on my own. I have more support systems now than I ever have in my life! My current goal in the Clubhouse is learning independent living skills like budgeting and learning how to buy food that will keep longer in the refrigerator.

If you’re really wanting to work on your own Road to Recovery, then the Clubhouse is the right place for you! Know there is hope.

Member Interview: "My Friendly Side" Francesca H.

I joined Our Place Clubhouse the third week of January this year. I heard about it through my home health agency. At first it was difficult, because I didn’t really know anybody, but then after a few weeks it got easier, because I received support from members and staff. I consider my best accomplishment so far to be working in the Clubhouse ReThreads Thrift Store and learning how to use the cash register. I meet new people, and I am able to show my friendly side with the customers. I am considering participating in the Work Adjustment Training at Café 54. I would suggest coming to the Clubhouse, because you can express yourself, nobody judges you, and there’s lots of support.

This interview will also appear in the April 2022 issue of the Our Place Clubhouse newsletter.

Member Interview: "Fun to Come In" Michelle C.

I’ve been part of the Clubhouse for three years. I heard about the Clubhouse through my recovery coach. My favorite part of the Clubhouse is the good lunch meals we have here. It is fun to come in. No one judges us. I like helping in ReThreads Thrift store unit. You can come to the Clubhouse anytime you want. I come to the Clubhouse a couple of days a week consistently. So please come visit the Clubhouse, because it’s fun. We have outings sometimes, too!

This interview will also appear in the April 2022 issue of the Our Place Clubhouse newsletter.

Niceness is Not Weakness by Bobby C.

Being nice to others does not mean you’re weak. It means you’re kind, compassionate, and caring. So, be nice to those that you meet. Show them that you are kind and caring. Though it might be hard, you still must try. If you fail, then try again. Keep trying until you succeed. Not everyone will accept this kindness but don’t get overwhelmed by their refusal to accept your kindness. Some will accept it; others may not. Also, try to be kind to yourself. Though times may be hard and difficult, you still must be kind to all you meet. Kindness, caring, and compassion: those are the most powerful words to ever exist. Share these words and feelings to all who you meet. Also, never judge others solely by what you see in their outward appearance.

Our Place Clubhouse: Description of the Different Units by Emilio B.

Our Place Clubhouse consists of four main Units:

The Kitchen Unit prepares and serves an affordable, healthy lunch daily. Members can learn basic household cooking and kitchen skills through participation in tasks such as food preparation, dish washing, taking out trash, sweeping and mopping, food shopping, and menu planning.

In Membership Services, members can learn customer service skills by answering phones, taking messages, greeting visitors, paying Clubhouse bills, checking in mail, and giving Clubhouse tours.

In the Re-Threads Thrift Store Unit, members can learn customer service and retail vocational skills by helping collect donations, sort donations, price items for sale, stock shelves and racks, work the cash register, or serve as a greeter for customers.

The Integrated Resources Unit publishes a monthly member newsletter. Members can learn basic computer skills, look up and connect with community resources, plan peer recovery workshops.

Members also participate in home and hospital visits to other members.

Additionally, members plan monthly outings or activities outside of the Clubhouse.

A selection from the OPC Newsletter: "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover," by Bobby C.

Many have heard that saying. Some may not know what it means. It means never judge a person by what you see, because you don’t know what they’re going through. Everyone goes through their own hard times. Everyone needs to be treated with respect, never harshly. By judging someone by what you see, you do not know the pain they’re going through. We all need to treat everyone with respect. We all need to care for one another. If we can understand one’s pain, we may fully understand the meaning of that statement. So, be kind to one another, and never judge anyone by what you see.

“Invisible Morsels to Eat”

At first glance, the Clubhouse is not much to look at. Old wicker chairs sit in a tiny lobby, fighting for space with huge plants. There is a shelf of dusty books and even dustier games. The paint on the walls is a dingy off (way off) white hue. The dining room and common area is very clean. Small individual tables not much bigger than card tables are spaced six feet apart with one chair each.

There is a fish tank full of Mollies, black ones and gold ones. The gold ones are Balloon Mollies. The Mollies scour the gravel and fake plants, plucking invisible morsels to eat. In the years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never seen anyone changing the water, adding or removing fish, but the tank is always pristine.

I hear staff talking with members. I hear traffic outside and people walking talking on their cell phones. I want to say to them. “Hey, we’re here. We are a part of this community too. Let us tell you what we’re all about.”

—Silver M.