April’s Journey to Recovery

I started with the Milestone Clubhouse a year ago. Before I started Clubhouse I sat home not doing anything. I didn’t socialize. I was very isolated and very depressed.

When I first came to the Clubhouse I was nervous. I started slowly coming a couple hours at a time. I began helping in the kitchen preparing meals. After a while I really got into it and was enjoying myself. I began feeling really welcome and got more confident. I started coming all day. I now help with more of the snack bar and the business side of tracking attendance, transportation, and meals.

I now come 5 days a week. I’m involved in all aspects of the Wellness Unit and a few things in the Business Unit. I helped develop the structure of our work ordered day board and identifying the work of the Unit and breaking it down so the work would be accessible to all members. I also keep everyone, including the staff, focused on task.

When I first started coming to Clubhouse I was struggling to walk, using a walker. My weight was very high. Partially due to the healthy meals at Milestone and the increased walking I do every day my weight has dropped significantly. I am now walking with just my cane.

Thanks to the Clubhouse grants I am finishing my Associates degree. I have lots of friends. I’ve gotten to travel and I will be attending the national Clubhouse conference this October in Salt Lake City!!! I’m much happier and don’t have to see my therapist but every six weeks now.

CLUBHOUSE WORKS!!!