Everyone deserves a place where he or she can feel safe. Whether it’s church, your local YMCA/YWCA, or a recreational center, some often need a place to go to just chill without judgment of being himself or herself. Thanks to Miracle Clubhouse, people who need a safe space have just that. Welcome guest bloggers of the clubhouse as they share what an awesome place it is.
Shari
A Clubhouse is a community dedicated to supporting and empowering people living with mental illness, known as Clubhouse members.
Our members possess a large range of ages, cognitive and emotional ability, ethnicity, educational levels, and interests. With such a diverse population, we set boundaries for each unique person, allowing for personal growth and acceptance. Our differences encourage each of us to work hard to make everyone feel welcome; we promote an inclusive family environment. Many people here are rejected by the world but feel safe and included by our Clubhouse community.
Clubhouses effectively help people build self-confidence and end the social and economic isolation so often associated with mental illness. It is truly a unique community that works.
Enjoy this remarkable poem from Dawn, a Miracle Clubhouse member, about how much the clubhouse means to her.
Importance of We
By: Dawn Butler
We are not meant to experience rejection and collective inspection
We are flawed people who need love and affection
We are broken people with weaknesses and strengths
Critiques and correction cause emotional infection
But meaningful, purposeful words said in respect Can cause one to grow and connect
Inclusiveness heals, hurts and binds up wounds Scars from terrors return to the womb
Safe groups provide acceptance and friendly banter No matter how awkward or silly the enchanter!
Even the angry and the sad find this a safe place to be No one is worried, concerned, or wants to flee
Deep acceptance produces deep healing The diverse gifts of the group
Like encouraging, providing and teaching Make goals and growth to be far-reaching
To feel wanted, and welcomed, to find joy and to be Is power of the group, the power of we
What an awesome poem….you are very talented
Thank you! I love the Clubhouse and it has rescued me from isolation and an a fractured ability to relate to people!
That is a great poem, thanks for sharing, Dawn!
Thank you for the kind comments! Kathy Trick has created the culture that I wrote about in my poem. She is a competent and kind leader and her staff readily follows suit.
I benefited from this culture from the moment I stepped through the door six months ago. Fresh out of the psychiatric hospital I was lost and isolated. I felt I had come home and have been well ever since!