the clubhouse haverhill clubhouse connection...write your thoughts and feelings down (in a journal,...
TRANSCRIPT
February 2015
Haverhill Clubhouse
The Clubhouse
Connection February Birthdays
Maureen M. 2/1
Linda H. 2/3
Kenny S. 2/3
Shawn M. 2/5
Patrick T. 2/5
Ellen H. 2/8
Taylor D. 2/8
Brian R. 2/14
Deb M. 2/15
John S. 2/17
James M. 2/18
Faith H. 2/19
George G. 2/19
Dan D. 2/26
Aydan R. 2/27
Our MVP
This year, Teryl Watson has been an exem-
plary team player, and we bestow the Most Valu-
able Player award to her. She does a fabulous job
running our busy Kitchen and Café areas. She is a
team player on all units as well; Terry would drop
anything to help a fellow staff or Clubhouse
member.
Despite some of our harder days at the club,
she is always smiling and is very positive to mem-
bers and staff. She really has a genuine heart and
spirit that she puts forth to our members.
-Kerry C.
Gena S. Recovery Story
Page 2 The Clubhouse Connection
“What is mental illness… To me it is not what I would of
ever thought I have now achieved. From a very long road
and life at early childhood of darkness and so much more.
Within having a mental illness. Doctors hospitals, media-
tions many years later; so many years later after being
considered hopeless, there is some how new medications
and a breakthrough. Then you learn what semi-recovery
and supports are as well as goals and growth dreams and
forgiveness, caring and sharing, loving and laughing, learn-
ing and achieving.”
Education We would like to congratulate
Erin C. and Olivia B. for starting school
this semester at NECC. Erin is majoring
in psychology, and Olivia in counseling. If
you see them congratulate them!
Page 3 February 2015
20 STRATEGIES for COPING and STRESS RELIEF
Get enough sleep. If possible, try to go to bed and get up at the same time. Remember that alcohol and caf-
feine contribute to sleep problems.
Take a brief media fast – turn off the phone, the TV, and the computer once in a while.
Practice radical acceptance of yourself and others – all humans are imperfect – practice forgiving not only
others, but yourself.
To the greatest possible degree, don’t lie and don’t do what you hate.
Reduce your caffeine and sugar intake. Eat meals or snacks regularly throughout the day – hunger and low
blood sugar can increase stress and negative emotions.
Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you need to do today, consider doing it now.
Breathe. When stressed, most people take short, shallow breaths – this reinforces anxiety. Do the opposite
and take some long, deep breaths whenever you remember during the day.
Increase your pleasure and fun. Every day, do something you really enjoy. Make an effort to see the humor
in situations and people…laughter is a great stress reliever.
Spend some time out in nature, relax by taking a walk outside or sitting in the sun; sit next to a tree or pond
and look at the sky or the water.
Find some reason to get out of bed in the morning… find something that you love, or something that gives
your life meaning and purpose, and then do it. Every once in a while, review what you have accomplished
and celebrate.
Be careful about using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate: Sometimes what starts our as the solution for
upsetting feelings, later on becomes a problem in itself. Self-harm and cutting or piercing can become
problematic in the same way.
Talk to yourself the way that you would talk to a good friend…with compassion, acceptance and non-
judgment. Identify your strengths and remind yourself that you have them when things are bad.
Get moving: Research has proven that exercise is a better anti-depressant than medications for mild to mod-
erate depression.
Write your thoughts and feelings down (in a journal, or on paper to be thrown away) – writing can help you
clarify things and can give you a renewed perspective.
Talk it out. Discussing your problems with a friend or another trusted person can help clear your mind of
confusion so you can concentrate on problem solving. But don’t expect your friends to solve your problems
– own responsibility for solving them yourself.
Focus on understanding, listening to, or doing something kind for somebody else.
Don’t try to control events or other people. Many circumstances in life are beyond your control, particu-
larly the behavior of others. Instead focus on taking right actions and making choices that have integrity
for you.
Ask yourself “Is this my problem?” If it isn’t, leave it alone. If it is, can you resolve it now? Once the
problem is settled, leave it alone. Don’t agonize over the decision, and try to accept situations you cannot
change.
Turn to spirituality for solace: attend a service, pray, talk to God, or ask for help or grace. Consider taking
time to meditate, relax, or practice mindfulness.
Life is persistent in teaching you lessons: Life is like graduate school for the soul; it will keep presenting
you with the same stressful problems, until you finally get the concept and learn what you need to learn.
So when problems show up repeatedly, don’ take it personally, just know that there’s more for you to
learn.
Page 4 The Clubhouse Connection
Bowling With the
Point After Club
“For me this was my first outing with
the Clubhouse. I got a cool pair of
bowling shoes. It was fun to have a
friendly competition with peers. My
team put Journey on to make it more
fun, everyone encouraged each other
when they were bowling,. Little Jenn
and I tried different bowling techniques
and we all had a blast. I would encour-
age other members to attend more
outings.”
-Stephanie M.
Page 5 February 2015
Employment
Member Story: “My name is Gregg Nihan. I have
been attending this particular club for a year here,
looking for a job. I am thankful to have one now,
thanks to Basillio and the club. I make a day’s pay and
feel good about it, makes me happy to work and I
get a sense of pride about it. Thank you Haverhill
Clubhouse very much. I needed a job and they got
me one.”
-Gregg Nihan, Liberty Tax
The Clubhouse would also like to con-
gratulate Isaiah L., Gregg N., for getting jobs as
entertainers at Liberty Tax in Bradford. Stop
by when in the area and wave to them.
Deborah M. started back at CVS in Plais-
tow this month. You can see her stocking
shelves. Congratulations to all!
Page 6 The Clubhouse Connection
Food Pantry
The Clubhouse food pantry
is now up and running! Sup-
plies will be distributed at
these times during the week:
Wednesdays 10:00 AM
Fridays 10:00 AM
The New Floors
Page 7 February 2015
Music Group
We have redone the floors of the Clubhouse! This is a great improvement,
and we would appreciate if everyone could pitch in to take better care of our
building. This means always wiping our feet upon entering, especially with the
snow, salt and slush outside, avoid damaging behavior (dragging furniture, for
example), and helping to sweep and mop at the end of each day! Let’s keep
our shared space looking good!
A big thank you to Vinfen Facilities, Billy B and Lee for their hard work on
putting us back together!
Fridays the music group meets at 1:00
PM in the music room upstairs. Mem-
bers include Katie, George, John, Erin,
Taylor, Kerry and anyone else who
wants to join to learn more about mu-
sic theory, rhythm and performing!
Through our Legacy Fund, we were
fortunate to be able to purchase a
Guitar, Keyboard, two wireless micro-
phones, several symbols, various per-
cussion instruments and a conga drum
to enhance our program. A big thank
you to our intern Mary Olga who ar-
ranged our purchases through Tewks-
bury Music.
Page 8 The Clubhouse Connection
February Activities 2015
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
Pet Rocks
4 5
Westgate
Plaza
Shopping
6 7
IHOP Salem
Shops
8 9 10
Closes @ 5pm
11
Bowling
3:15pm
12
V-Day
Celebration
2:30-5
13
PAC
Valentines Day
Dance
14
Romance
Movies and
games
15 16 17
Barnes and
Nobles Salem
18 19
Plaistow Shops
20 21
Movies and
Shopping @
the Loop
22 23 24
Open Mic
Coffee House
25 26
Mystery Ride
27 28
Brunch with
PAC
Young Adult Corner 18-29yrs old
Page 9 February 2015
Once a month the Haverhill Clubhouse host a movie night for
young adults. It is a chance to meet new people, have a yummy meal, and
watch a movie.
The young adults have a meeting every Thursday at 1pm to plan ac-
tivities to do in the community. We would love to have new members
join us. See Lisa with any questions.
MOP
This month the MOP team was busy. We
went to Anna Jacques, Holy Family and
Tewksbury State Hospitals. Our regular
MOP crew Katei L. Tom W. and Russ J. did
a fantastic job, and we welcomed Diane P
to the team. It was so great to listen to
Diane speak to the patients. Kudos to all
of them!
Phone: (978) 521-6957
Fax: (978) 521-7028
Email:
Haverhill Clubhouse
100 Locust Street
Haverhill, MA, 018306957
Clubhouse
Mission Statement
The Haverhill Club-house
offers respect, hope, and
unlimited opportunity for
membership to access
friendship, housing, educa-
tion and employment in
their community.
Vinfen Mission Statement
Vinfen transforms lives by build-
ing the capacity of individuals,
families, organizations and com-
munities to learn, thrive and
achieve their goals.
Our services promote the recov-
ery, resiliency, habilitation and
self-determination of the people
we serve.
As a human services leader, we
strive to be the provider, em-
ployer and partner of choice. Valentine’s Day Search!
This is the season for love! And no, not
just romantic love and singles mingles...I’m
talking about self-love! See how many
hearts you can find in this month’s newslet-
ter; these are our Valentines gifts to you!
Wishing you health, love and community,
something you can always find at the Club-
house!
Sincerely, The Clubhouse Connection
Answer: there are approximately 47 hearts in the newsletter this month!