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B’More Clubhouse Times
April 2015
Mission Statement: The B’More Clubhouse empowers individuals with mental
illness to lead meaningful and productive lives of their choice in the community.
B’More Gives Back
By: Jeanae Samuel & Natalie Etter
At the end of last month, we decided to do something different for our Thursday
social event on March 26th. We made a plan to give back to the community and
help brighten someone else's day. After some brainstorming, we decided to create
flower arrangements for the residents of Keswick Multi-Care Center. We used
plastic flowers, sand, ribbon, construction paper and mason jars. We attached
small notes and inspirational sayings to the jars for added cheer! The members and
staff thoroughly enjoyed this activity and created about 20 arrangements. The
following week, a group of us brought the flowers to Keswick Multi-Care Center.
To our surprise, we were able to help their staff distribute the flowers around the
center instead of simply dropping them off. We were able to witness the pleasant
reactions from the residents and see how truly grateful they were! If we can make
a difference in another person’s life, we have done a good deed for the day
and hope to do many more!
B’More Clubhouse
9 East Franklin Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-727-2030
www.bmoreclubhouse.org
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Becoming A Better Gentleman
By: Tommy Rice
On Wednesday April 8, I accompanied four male members of the Clubhouse to check out a
local Mt. Vernon based non-profit called Sharp Dressed Man. Sharp Dressed Man is run
and managed by two of the top professional tailors in Baltimore City, Christopher Schafer
and his son Seth Schafer. Sharp Dressed Man’s mission is to empower men to improve their
lives through professional dress ware.
When we walked into the boutique, we were blown away by the selection of beautiful suits,
ties and wingtip shoes. More impressive than the variety, Seth Schafer was incredibly
helpful pairing colors and taking measurements to find the perfect fit. There is no doubt,
that Sharp Dressed Man has the apparel to give confidence and swagger to any gentleman
living in Baltimore City.
As one of our members Allen put it: “I was really amazed by all of the suits they had. Some
of them were tailor made to fit. If I was still wearing suits today, I would definitely go there
over any of the big-time retailers.” In all, we had a great time and walked out with over an
estimated $1,000 worth of donated merchandise. A big
thank you must go to Seth and Sharp Dressed Man for
helping several of our men at the Clubhouse look great!
http://christopherschafer.com/partners
Job Development at B’More Clubhouse
Please join us every Tuesday at 2pm for Job
Hour at the Clubhouse!
We also have our Employment Dinner every 3rd
Thursday from 4-6pm at the Clubhouse.
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Standard 4: No Barrier to Entry
By: William Lockett
“All members have equal access to every Clubhouse opportunity with no differentiation
based on diagnosis or level of functioning." This is important because members can check
their mental illness at the door and individuals are welcome to leave any lingering stigma
from society outside too. As a result, this makes one feel apart of a community with no
strings attached. People are not alone no matter what one's background or illness may be.
We are treated like the dignified human beings that we are. This standard applies to me
because I've had the opportunity to give tours, conduct Meet the Clubhouse arrangements
with our outside supporters, work in the kitchen and most importantly, have a sense of
belonging to something I can't find staring at four walls. I truly feel like I am accepted as a
family member and this standard allows me to welcome other additions to my family within
the Clubhouse. This standard defines what it means to be a member, not a patient, client or
consumer. I love it.
"Weak Lines"
By: Mike Wheeler
"Shishh!" Then, a "disconnection." I mean, the dude
"beat" lymphoma twice! He'd no "time" for my trivial "tales
o' personal physical painful EXPERIENCES." No. None. I
let it "GO." I did not "hold fast" to the fact that, finally, we,
both, "realized" we'd NOTHING "in common," and, NOTHING
about which to talk. Apparently, I just did not get ("it"). Oh, well.
"People 'drift' apart."
Maybe...I "drill 'IT' into him." The fact that he's married,
with a beautiful wife, two great kids, a JOB... "The WORKS."
And, maybe, there is "the envy." (A "sure ROAD" to "depression.")
*after Thomas Moore
Yet, he is not "happy" with his life.
Why does he just come right out and say it?
I'm s'posed to be "a friend," for Christ's sake!
Perhaps, he does not "perceive" (it) that way.
When I talk of copping "a small dirt bike..."
"Bubbahjon" is a sore SPOT, and Kenneth is still "with grief."
...and, ALL he wants to "speak of," ALL the time, is his "new drum kit," and the
people he cannot get to JAM with him.
"People 'drift' apart." 's"time"for me to give Kenneth, and "his life," a BREAK.
He, surely, is NOT "supporting, or, BACKING me up."
THIS is "from my Heartmind," although seemingly "off the top o' my head," yet I
will make it a "point" to CARRY "this" to "Follow the Buffalo," because…
["People 'drift' apart."]
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My Wellness Plan
By: Jeremiah Pollitt
I, Jeremiah Pollitt, regarding wellness that’s
important for me. I work out twice per week at
the Wellness Center League or at home doing
sit-ups, push-ups and cutting back on ice cream
to trail mix and eating more baked foods. But in
due respect, I’m looking forward to rejoining
the YMCA, which has a variety of activities. I
use the treadmill, the bicycle, lift weights, swim
and shoot hoops at the YMCA. I hope to engage
my wellness one day at a time.
Wellness at B’More Clubhouse
Please join us every Monday at 2:30pm for our
Wellness Committee.
We also have Meditation every Friday at 1:30pm.
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Me
By: Harry Burkhead
My name is Harry Burkhead, but please call me Chip. I was born
September 11, 1972 at St. Agnes Hospital, right here in Charm City.
I have lived all 42 years of my life in and around the area, with stops
in Halethorpe, Catonsville, and, currently, Arbutus. I live with my very
supportive parents, two dogs, and a cat.
I have a wide variety of interests. I enjoy reading, writing, video games, and sports. I also
like watching animation and going to the occasional movie. My biggest interest, by far, is
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Specifically, I enjoy reading fantasy novels. I've read
Lord of the Rings, most of Anne and Todd McCaffery's Pern novels and even George R. R.
Martin's, Song of Ice and Fire series. I also typically write fantasy stories and fantasy games,
but I've also written poetry and plays. In video games I generally play turn-based strategy
games and role-playing games, usually fantasy ones. I avoid action and shooting games because I lack the reflexes to do well, even with practice. I do like playing golf games. My favorite sport to watch is football, and I am an avid Ravens fan. I also like watching golf,
bowling, soccer, and basketball. Sadly, I'm not much of a baseball fan, but I would prefer to
watch an O's game, over a NASCAR race. While I enjoy such television shows as Ghost
Hunters, Face Off, Defiance, and Lost Girl, my favorite form of entertainment is animation.
I was a big fan of the toy tie-in shows of the 1980's, such as He-Man and the Masters of the
Universe, GI Joe, and Transformers. I am also a large consumer of
Japanese animation and have fond memories of Sailor Moon and Voltron.
My favorite animated series, by far, is My Little Pony. During the summer between my
freshman and sophomore years in high school, I was awake at 8:30 virtually every morning
to watch the original series. Nowadays I watch and re-watch the newest version, Friendship
is Magic. The ponies have given me great joy and I've done my best to take the show's lessons to heart, many of which are very important to the Clubhouse. Speaking of which, I just
recently joined on March 18, 2015. Thus far it's been a positive experience. I've contributed
in different ways. I've cleaned the cafe, updated the database, assisted with mailings, and
printed the menu. I've cashiered at lunch, counted the money, and even tried reach out. I've
even cooked and, by the time you read this, have even contributed to the newsletter. Moving
forward I plan on still working on the database and "lending a hoof" wherever I can. I may
contribute more to the newsletter and attend Clubhouse social events. I want to close by
sharing a bit of "pony wisdom", with you all. At the end of this article is an excerpt from
one of the songs from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. The song, by Daniel Ingram, is
called, "Let the Rainbow Remind You." I think it sums up the Clubhouse pretty well. Now,
without further ado, the lyrics:
“Each one of us has something special that makes us different, that makes us rare
We have a light that shines within us that we were always meant to share.
And when we come together combine the light that shines within
There is nothing we can't do, There is no battle we can't win.”
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Forgiveness
By: Quinton Carter
Everybody has had someone who has
"done them wrong."
When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back.
We live with anger and thoughts of revenge
We want to see them suffer.
We want them to feel what we have felt.
We want them to know they can't get away
with what they did.
But they did get away if your anger keeps
you stuck in the situation
When the table turns
We make mistakes, we create pain for others, and we
cannot understand why they do not or cannot forgive us.
Perhaps it is because there is someone we need
to forgive.
Forgiveness frees us from the pain of our past and
moves us beyond our mistakes in the future.
What you give, you get.
When you forgive, forgiveness is there for you if you need or want it!
Coming Home to B’More Clubhouse
By: Debbie Parker
One of the things that I found out about coming back to B’More is the love I have for
not just the people and the staff but the community. And how B’More embraces it.
When I walk through the halls, I get a sense of remembrance and it gives me that ah-ha
moment, that moment that says when I initially came to B’More it was like okay what
can I get, can I set some goals, will I be able to do that - in a sense, it was always asking
what B’More could do for me. But as I reflected in coming back, it is always what can I
do in turn for B’More giving out so much to me to a place in the community that has
sustained me physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally and it has fed my spirit to
the point of growth and that is when the ah-ha moment kicks in and you can’t help but
say how can I give back to B’More and that is not only what I take it but in turn
transcends everything and the thoughts of the healing process each and every time I
walk through the doors of B’More. So that is my reflection of this homecoming journal.
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From the Big Apple to Charm City
By: Natalie Etter
This time last year, I was living in New York City with my husband,
Sean and our dog, Nessie. I was working at Fountain House, while
anxiously awaiting the birth of our first child. Fast forward to today and
I'm living in Baltimore, working part time at B'More Clubhouse, and
staying home two days a week with our almost one year old daughter,
Abigail. This year has brought on many changes, to say the least!
After working at Fountain House for nearly two years, I was extremely sad to leave the
members and staff that had become a part of my extended family. For those who know a
thing or two about Manhattan, you know that the concrete jungle can be quite an
intimidating place for a non-New Yorker. However, Fountain House proved to be a
welcoming oasis set within the surrounding hustle bustle. The Clubhouse community
quickly embraced me and became my home away from home. Therefore, the decision to
permanently relocate to Maryland for my husband's job was far from easy. It meant giving
up a city that had grown on us, friends that were close to us, and the first job that I had
truly loved. Little did I know the opportunities that would accompany this big change...
The move to Baltimore started off a bit rocky with many sleepless nights spent with a
newborn and failed attempts at navigating this city--many wrong turns and desperate GPS
moments! But, finally, the charm in Charm City began to unveil itself and a new world of
opportunity emerged once I visited B'More Clubhouse.
After a few email exchanges with Jason, I took a tour of the Clubhouse and scheduled my
interview. Much like at Fountain House, my tour with Price immediately made me feel
welcome and at ease. I was able to feel that unique warmth that only exists within the
walls of a Clubhouse. Being a new mom, I was also thrilled to learn that there was an open
part time position and gladly accepted the offer!
Since starting in October, I've gotten to know our members and staff, as well as the way in
which a smaller Clubhouse operates. I've had the opportunity to take part in job
development, fundraising, community networking and learning collaborations. I'm also
excited to help get the Communications Unit up and running. While I thoroughly enjoyed
my work in the Research Unit at Fountain House, I did not have as many opportunities as I
do here, based on the number of staff and Clubhouse size. I look forward to developing
new projects and hopefully helping B'More increase its membership and funding
opportunities. I've come to realize that the members of B'More are a close-knit, talented,
and ambitious group of leaders. Each day at the Clubhouse, I learn something new and
grow both professionally and personally. The Clubhouse community is unique in that it
spans across cities, countries and cultures, yet keeps that common thread of community,
hope, and strength. I have once again found a home away from home at B'More Clubhouse
and I am very grateful for that!
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Seeking Solace
By: Jax Brondi
This may sound cheesy, but B’More Clubhouse felt like a home away from home the first
time I walked in. Maybe it was relief. I had spent an hour driving through Baltimore like a
nervous wreck. I had nearly hit three cars as I switched lanes and was confused by the fact
that people seemed to park in the middle of the road. All of these fears were compounded by
my residual PTSD from a car accident a few years ago, and my prejudices against Baltimore
and people of a lower socioeconomic class. I didn’t realize how much I was going to learn in
the next few months while volunteering at the clubhouse, but it was already a sanctuary from
the stressors I was facing.
I chose to volunteer at the B’More Clubhouse because of my own experiences with mental
illness. Through previous volunteer experiences, I found that I love listening to people’s stories and being able to assist an organization in small ways. At B’More Clubhouse I have been
able to do both, with an added bonus. I too have benefited from the work unit structure of
B’More Clubhouse. I have had meaningful work experiences and built relationships with people here. Coming to volunteer helps me to forget myself and the problems I am having at
school and at home. Instead I get to build and help the clubhouse run for a few hours. More
so, I have gotten to know a city that I had previously tried to stay away from. I learned more
about its beauty and the resources that it has for the members of its community. I have learned
to dispel my own prejudices and fears and to question the way I judge people as I drive by,
thinking of the people I already know living in the city. I am grateful for all of the lessons the
clubhouse has taught me.
APRIL SOCIAL EVENTS
April 16th (4-6pm):
Employment Dinner
April 18th (12-4pm):
B’More Brunch
April 23rd (4-6pm):
Talent Show
April 30th (4-6pm):
Games at Homeslyce
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Saturday, May 2nd
from 6-8 PM: Flower-
Mart 2015
Featuring Kirstie’s Band!
Thursday, May 7th from 4-6 PM: Ice Cream at the
Inner Harbor
Thursday, May 14th from 4-6 PM: Employment Dinner
Saturday, May 16th at 10 AM: NAMI 5K Walk at the
Inner Harbor
Thursday, May 21st at 12:30 PM: Orioles Game
Monday, May 25th from 12-4 PM: Memorial Day Cookout
Thursday, May 28th from 4-6 PM: Ping Pong Tournament
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To the following members...
Ben Arrowood
Crystal Smith
Charles Booker
Roseann Richardson
James Williams
Donald Morgan
Samuel Teitlebaum
Arlene Henry
Willette Cox
Alvin Harris
Vaugh Jones
Bridget Barrera
King Conaway
Kiona Lawson
Wendi Wheatley
Chris Mannel
Judith Joiner
David Kaufman
Sherwood Dorsey
Allen Haskins
Andrew Tanner
David Lentz
Zach Taylor
Anthony Stokes
Karen Richard
Illya Winn
Raphael Johnson
Ellison McNear
Lillian Abrams
Treena Henschell
Jackie Edmonds
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The B’More Clubhouse
Weekly Schedule
Monday
Thursday
8:30 am – Clubhouse Opens
8:30-8:50 – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 am – Morning Meeting
9:30-11:45 am – Lunch Tickets on Sale
10:00-11:00 am – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
10:00-11:00 am – Food Shopping
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00-1:30 pm – Afternoon Meeting
2:00-3:00 pm – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
2:30 – 3:30 pm – Wellness Committee
4:30 pm – Closing Time
8:30 am – Clubhouse Opens
8:30-8:50 am – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 am – Morning Meeting
9:30-11:45 – Lunch Tickets on Sale
10:00-11:00am – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
10:00-11:00am – Food Shopping
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00-1:30 pm – Afternoon Meeting
2:00-3:00 pm – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
2:00-3:00 pm-Social Planning/Communications
Meeting
3:00-3:30 pm – Menu Planning Committee
4:00-6:00 pm – Social Activity
6:00 pm – Closing Time
Tuesday
8:30 am – Clubhouse Opens
8:30-8:50 am – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 am – Morning Meeting
9:30-11:45 am – Lunch tickets on Sale
10:00-11:00 am – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
10:00-11:00 am – Food Shopping
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 pm-1:30 pm – Afternoon Meeting
2:00-3:00pm – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
2:00-3:00pm – Job Hour
3:00pm-3:30pm – Resume Workshop
4:30pm – Closing Time
Friday
8:30 am – Clubhouse Opens
9:00-9:30 am – Morning Meeting
9:30-11:45 am – Lunch Tickets on Sale
10:00-11:00 am – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
10:00-11:00 am – Food Shopping
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00-1:30 pm – Afternoon Meeting
1:30-2:00 pm – Meditation
2:00-3:00 pm – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
4:30 pm – Closing Time
Wednesday
Saturday
8:30 am – Clubhouse Opens
8:30-8:50 am – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 am – Morning Meeting
9:30-11:45 am – Lunch Tickets on Sale
10:00-11:00 am – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
10:00-11:00 am – Food Shopping
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00-1:30 pm –Community Meeting
1:30-2:00 pm – Afternoon Meeting
2:00-3:00pm – Tours/Orientations (if needed)
4:30 pm – Clubhouse Closes
5:00-6:00 pm – DRA Meeting
12:00-4:00 – Brunch (3rd Saturday)
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Aber D. Unger Foundation
Achsah O’Donovan
Amazon Smile
Anonymous
Barbara Hathaway
Betsy Scott
Betsy Sheehan
Bob Williams
Clayton Baker Trust
Carla Harrison
Dawn and Joan Pettit
Dayton and Carolyn Males
Deutche Bank
Diane Gray
Dixon and Janet Harvey
Eddie and Suzy Dunn
Francis Goelet Trust
Hannah Gould
Hylton and Gonzales
Jane McConnell
Jean McGarry
Jean Wyman
Joe Harrison
Leigh Hall
Lindsay D’Ambrosio
Margaret Obrecht
Morton K. and Jane Blaustein
Foundation
Paul and Dorothy Wolman
Sonya and David Hannan
Susan Knott
United Way
William Magruder and Patricia
Dolgert
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