Before joining the Clubhouse, I struggled with my mental health, I felt like I had no purpose, and I was dealing with suicidal thoughts.
I had a difficult time socializing with others but since joining the Clubhouse it has brought me out of my shell, and I have become better at socializing. The kind members and staff have welcomed me into a judgment-free zone that allows me to open up more.
The people at the Clubhouse are a great support system and are always there to help me when I need. The Clubhouse has given me the opportunity to work and become more involved in my community. When no other place would hire me because they knew I have a diagnosis, the Clubhouse did, and now I have been on the work crew for 1.5 years. This opportunity has taught me not only the responsibilities required for the job but also the skills required to work with others in a team-based environment. They have also helped set me up with housing and this has greatly helped me and now I have a place to call home and have made some amazing friends living there. Since the recent news about the contract being taken away and the imminent closure that would follow, the thoughts of suicide have crept back in but using the skills from the Centennial hospital and the Clubhouse, I can work through those thoughts, and I know if I need help with that there are people waiting to help.
With this all said, the Clubhouse has made a big impact on my life and has helped to make me the person I am today.
Preston
