November 2017

The Haverhill

Clubhouse

November 2017

As far as drugs go there is no compromise

Either you take drugs or you don’t

I know one too many that loved that

high

Twenty-one was far too young to say

good-bye

One may try to escape from reality

They are hurting others along with

themselves

From pain killers to shooting heroin

It is best never to begin

Never satisfied with one hit

They always try to do less but demand

more

Drastically until their veins are sore

This describes an addict to the cure

Easy access makes conquering drugs

hard

Would you want needles in your own

backyard?

Far too many people know someone that has overdosed

Something must be done to not make this the norm

I have tried to keep away from the shock and gore

Drugs I do abhor

A drug addict has no magic cure

Death is knocking at their door

David D. Haverhill Clubhouse member presenting his poem at The Merrimack Valley

Prevention And Substance Abuse Project. MVPASAP. Haverhill Clubhouse attended the

4th annual event: To Be Aware is to Be Alive “The Miracle of Recovery”

Our goal was to promote awareness, education, prevention and treatment of substance

abuse in our communities. The poem is presented below:

Birthday

Page 2 November 2017

Russ G. 11/3

Ray A. 11/6

Mason G. 11/6

Orlando

S

11/9

Stacey F. 11/13

Stephanie

M.

11/13

Jude D 11/15

Bill C. 11/17

George V. 11/17

John R. 11/26

Mark R. 11/28

On October 4, 2017 Northern Essex Community Col-

lege (NECC) Nursing Students came for their quarterly

visit and presentation. The nursing students talked to the

members about diabetes. The members learned how to

check their blood sugar, learned the symptoms of high

blood sugar and low blood sugar. Many members

learned a lot and everyone enjoyed the presentation.

Northern Essex Community

College Visit

Page 3 November 2017

Vinfen’s 10th Annual

Celebration of Family

Partnerships

The Haverhill Clubhouse was honored

to nominate Joanna Fortna for Vinfen’s

Family and Partnerships award. Here is

an excerpt from the event program:

“Joanna Fortna is respected as a power-

ful leader in the mental health field. She

has served on numerous boards and has

been a strong advocate for over 20

years. She is currently President of Es-

sex North Department of Mental Site

board and the Haverhill Clubhouse Ad-

visory Board. She and her husband Fran

are also longtime members of NAMI.

Joanna designed a workshop called Re-

designing the Quilt of Family Experi-

ence and worked with a task force that

was responsible for a new requirement

to have one person at Northern Essex

Community College work with students

with psychiatric conditions. She taught

family-to-family classes and facilitated a

family support group in Haverhill. Jo-

anna is committed to making this world

a better place for people with psychiatric

conditions and has been tremendous

support for Haverhill Clubhouse; pro-

viding advocacy, education, and hands

on assistance. Joanna’s daughter Melissa

has been a member of The Haverhill

Clubhouse for many years. She and her

mother share a great love of nature and

reading. They enjoy walking together in

the morning and share breakfast on Fri-

days. They also recommended favorite

books to each other and love visiting

bookstores.”

Page 4 November 2017

Education Updates

EDUCATION TRIVIA QUESTIONS

1. History: Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president born in a what?

2. Geography: In what mountain range is Mount Everest located?

3. Art: Which famous British artist had himself tied to the mast of a ship so that

he could paint a storm?

4. Sports: What does SCUBA stand for?

5. Science: Which planet in our solar system has an axis that is titled by 98

degrees?

Answers on Pg 10

Michelle is a clubhouse member

who is taking part in the com-

puter class. She had the following

to say about the class:

“I love taking the computer class

because I am learning a lot and it

helps me to connect with events

that are happening in the world.”

Page 5 November 2017

Answers on Pg 11

Page 6 November 2017

Health and Wellness

Terri and Lynn recently started a Nutrition Class that has been well attended and

well received. They have shown members many healthy recipes such as, how to

make homemade tomato soup and turkey taco lettuce wraps. They also made

healthy pizzas with wheat tortilla’s and homemade BBQ sauce. Members during

this class get to eat what they make. They have also learned proper serving sizes

and how to read label on foods.

This month’s nutrition tips include the thought to read labels to make sure there are

no added sugars. Carbohydrates count as sugars. To improve your general health

and wellness consider joining the YMCA exercise group. The YMCA group meets

Monday, Wednesday and Friday they leave the clubhouse at 12:30. Please see

Chris W. for more details. Also, don’t forget to attend the Yoga Group that meets

on Tuesdays’ at 10:00 am. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

One of the success stories provided by the Health and Wellness unit was Sam C.’s

growing self confidence. Sam had difficulties being able to travel on the bus and

recently he has been able to learn how to overcome his anxiety and travel on his

own to the clubhouse. Sam is challenging himself to work on his recovery and has

been active in learning new cooking techniques and has participated in the medita-

tion group. We appreciate Sam for all of his accomplishments and the courage he

has shown in his recovery.

Page 7 November 2017

Employment and Housing

By Toni W.

Leah M. has recently got a new house along with a new job. We would

like to congratulate Leah. Leah moved from a two bedroom house to a

three bedroom house. Her two oldest children now have their own rooms.

Leah enjoys seeing wildlife in her back yard. As far as her new job, Leah

is working as a substitute teacher at Head Start at the Fox Center in Hav-

erhill. Leah is excited to start a new chapter in her life.

Lynn C. has been very tenacious

and patient in getting a job. Lynn

recently landed a seasonal job at

Party City. She is very excited

and the clubhouse is very proud.

We would like to congratulate

Lynn in her accomplishment of

getting a job.

Employment Lynn C.’s First

Day!!

Page 8 November 2017

Don’t

Forget to

Check on

the Hot

Jobs Board

Located

next to the

Activities

Board.

Employment Interview with Bobby

C. On His 10 year Anniversary!!

By David D. (HCH reporter)

Bobby C has his tenth year anniversary as an employee working at

Marshall’s Department Store. He said that he has enjoyed his co-

workers and staff at Marshall’s in Newburyport. Bobby works in the

shoe department as a floor representative and helps to sell shoes. On

his downtime, he can be found opening boxes of merchandise. He

uses this activity as a form of exercise. Bobby says he owns plenty

of shoes and sneakers because he works in the shoe department.

Bobby is so dedicated to his work that he works through his breaks.

Recently Bobby has gone from working from one day to three days.

Last time Bobby was recognized was for his five year certificate. He

is deserving of this ten year certificate coming up. We can all learn a

lot about perseverance from him.

The Clubhouse would like to

congratulate Ron B. Ron has

been working extremely hard

in getting a job. Ron is a

sales associate working at

Marshalls in Haverhill.

Ron with Linda and Basilio

Employment Coordinators

for Haverhill Clubhouse.

Linda C was able to establish

a great relationship with

Marshall’s creating a Transi-

tional Employment position

for Ron.

Once again Congratulations

Ron!!

Page 9 November 2017

My Success

Story

By Donna G.

“One year ago on November 26, 2016 I was hired

by CVS on Pound St in Newburyport MA. Prior to

being hired, I had completed a ten week training

program, at the end of which I received a certifi-

cate for the CVS Training. I love my job. My du-

ties include but are not limited to cashier, clean-

ing, stocking cooler, facing the store, and I

learned how to work the photo kiosk where you

pick the pictures you want printed . I also learned

how to take passport pictures and print them, then

cut them to legal size for different countries . My

favorite part of the job is the opportunity to inter-

act and help the customers find items they need.”

CVS Graduation

On October 17th, Basilio Vargas our Em-

ployment Coordinator along with our

member Donna G. were invited to speak

at the Greater Merrimack Valley Employ-

ment Collaborative third Graduation for

the CVS training program’s newest gradu-

ates. Both Donna and Basilio were very

honored to present at the graduation.

Donna herself went through the training

and as you can see by the article to the left

this training changed Donna’s life.

Basilio has also had a big impact influenc-

ing our membership: “ Today a door is

open for you. When you are ready to take

the journey don’t stop keep going only

you would know how far you can go, you

can achieve the success if you want it.

Aim for the stars but try and touch the

moon.”

Top picture: Nicolle V Educa-

tion Coordinator, Kerry C

Director, Basilio V. Employ-

ment Coordinator and Donna

G member.

Bottom Pic; Heather Mantell

Project Coordina-

tor/Employer Liaison

Greater Merrimack Valley

Employment Collaborative

along side Donna G. past

CVS graduate.

Page 10 November 2017

Education Trivia Answers

1. Hospital 2. Himalayas

3. J.M.W. Turner 4. Self – Contained Underwater

Breathing Apparatus 5. Uranus

TIPS FOR DEPRESSION

1. Unload Your Schedule

2. Laugh More

3. Accentuate the Positive

4. Food, Glorious Food (Eat foods such

as sunflower seeds, oranges, beets and

leafy green vegetables every day to main-

tain that happy mood.

5. Try an Alternative Approach (Some

natural treatments or approaches may

help manage depression such as Aro-

matherapy using concentrated essential

oils from plants. Those that may help in-

clude clary sage, bergamot, geranium,

lavender, lemon and rose.

6. Know Your Symptoms

If you’re still having trouble beating the

blahs, you may be clinically depressed.

See a doctor if you have at least six of the following 10 symptoms:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or emptiness

Decreased appetite and weight loss

Insomnia, waking up early in the morning or oversleeping

Restlessness

Fatigue or less energy

Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism

Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or excessive guilt

Loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities

Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions

7. Talk to a Doc ( He or she can determine if medication is right for you.)

8. Go for Psychological Counseling (Research shows that medication and therapy together

are more effective at managing depression than either by itself, says O’Connor.)

Depression Skills

Page 11 November 2017

Page 12 November 2017

Member Art Work

Looking for a

Job??

Come visit

the

Clubhouse!!

This is the art we created at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence this

month. We took pages from a book and blocked out words to make a

poem and a picture at the same time. Every member took the project and

made it their own. If you would like a closer look they are hanging up in

the CASR Unit.

Pictured above is art work done by Christian, Orlando S.

Katie L. Michelle L. Lynn C. and Becky C. we all hope to

see you all next month at the Essex Art Center.

Page 13 November 2017

Activity Update

At the beginning of the month the Clubhouse

went to the Topsfield Fair. We got to see the

giant pumpkin and enjoy the fair with each

other. All who went enjoyed.

Page 14 November 2017

Activity Update Cont.

Pictured above is a group of

members who went hiking in

the Plaistow Town Forest and

then went for ice cream after.

Pictured below the clubhouse took a Satur-

day activity to Sandown and Chester NH to

look at the scarecrows and zombie decora-

tions throughout those towns.

Don’t forget to attend the

Haverhill Clubhouse

Holiday Craft Fair

November 30th - December 2nd

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Hand knit crafts, candles, and works of art for

sale

All proceeds go to support the Haverhill

Clubhouse

Work Order Day is 8 AM to 12 PM

& 1 PM to 4 PM

Groups and meetings are available throughout the day!

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

10am Meditation

11am Art and Relaxa-

tion

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Peer Support

2-3pm Act. Planning

10am Yoga

11am Community

Meeting

1:15pm Nutrition Class

10:30 MOP Holy Family

11am DRA

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10:30am Job Club

11am Newsletter

Group

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Organized Chaos

Band Practice

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10am Meditation

11am Art and Relaxa-

tion

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Peer Support

2-3pm Act. Planning

10am Yoga

11am Community

Meeting

1:15 Nutrition Class

MOP Anna Jacques

11am DRA

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10:30am Job Club

11am Newsletter

Group

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Organized Chaos

Band Practice

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10am Meditation

11am Art and Relaxa-

tion

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Peer Support

10am Yoga

11am Community

Meeting

1:15 Nutrition Class

11am DRA

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10:30am Job Club

11am Newsletter

Group

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Organized Chaos

Band Practice

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10am Meditation

11am Art and Relaxa-

tion

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Peer Support

2-3pm Act. Planning

10am Yoga

11am Community

Meeting

1:15 Nutrition Class

11:00 MOP Anna Jacques

11am DRA

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10:30am Job Club1

11am Newsletter

Group

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Organized Chaos

Band Practice

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10am Meditation

11am Art and Relaxa-

tion

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Peer Support

10am Yoga

11am Community

Meeting

1:15 Nutrition Class

11am DRA

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

10:30am Job Club

11am Newsletter

Group

12:30-1:30pm YMCA

1pm Organized Chaos

Band Practice

1:30pm Creative

Expressions

November 2017

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1. 2. Shopping at

Westgate

Leaving at

3:30pm

3. 4. Meredith NH

Sculpture Trip

Leaving at 9:30am

6. 7. Make a

Key Chain

with 550

Cord and

Pizza

8.

Employment

and

Education

Luncheon

9. Michaels and

AC Moore

10. 11. WWII

Museum Leaving

at 10am

13. 14. Bowling

Leaving

3:30pm

15. 16. Shopping

Leaving at

3:30pm

17. 18. Movies at the

Loop Leaving at

10am

20. 21. Essex

Art Studio

Leaving at

2:30pm

22. A Day of

Thanks !1 PM

Coffee and

Congeniality.

23.

Thanksgiving

Club open at

8am

24. 25. In House Arts

and Crafts

27. 28. Create

your own

T-Shirt

29. Holiday

Bazaar Haver-

hill Clubhouse

10 to 3.

Paint Night

4 PM

Holiday

Bazaar

Haverhill

Clubhouse

10 to 3

Holiday

Bazaar

Haverhill Club-

house

10 to 3

The Clubhouse Connection

Clubhouse Mission Statement

The Haverhill Clubhouse offers re-

spect, hope, and unlimited oppor-

tunity for membership to access

friendship, housing, education and

employment in their community.

Vinfen Mission Statement

Vinfen transforms lives by building the ca-

pacity of individuals, families, organiza-

tions and communities to learn, thrive and

achieve their goals. Our services and advo-

cacy promote the recovery, resiliency, ha-

bilitation and self-determination of the

people we serve.

As a human services leader, we strive to be

the provider, employer and partner of

choice.

Phone: (978) 521-6957

Fax: (978) 521-7028

Email:

theclubhouseconnetion@gmail.com

Haverhill Clubhouse

100 Locust Street

Haverhill, MA, 018306957

Fax 978-521-7028

Page 18

Looking for old

newsletters or more

about our clubhouse.

Please go to our

website:

www.haverhillclub.org