A Publication of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse
Dream Weaver Volume 26 Number 1
Founded 1991
Winter 2016-2017
Twenty-five Years To Remember… by Joyce Rupp 2016 marked Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse’s 25th Anniversary as a Clubhouse—a milestone indeed! On December 1, 1991, the determination was made by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Board (presently known as the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority) to convert the existing psychosocial day activity program (Suburban Oakland Life Enrichment Inside this issue: Center-South) to the Clubhouse Model. This transition happened during a time Cover…..……..…25 Years for DUC when the words “recovery”, “person-centered planning”, “self-determination”, Page 2…..…A Year to Remember “empowerment”, “engagement”, “choice”, and “peer support” were virtually Page 3……….From Our Members unheard of in terms of describing the mental health service delivery system. 1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034 Fax: (248) 544-2152
For psychosocial rehabilitation programming, the conversion to the Clubhouse Model meant an entirely different way of working with persons that were then Page 5…………....About Our Units known as “patients” or “clients”. In addition, it meant that, instead of staff doing Page 6……………..Valentine Party things “to” and “for” those recipients of services, we were now being trained to do things “with” them and to call them “members” if they attended the Page 7…………..From Our Interns Clubhouse. This concept seems so foreign to those of us associated with a Clubhouse today--but for those who had lived through those times--it was very Thank you to the Clubhouse Members, Staff and Volunteers real. Page 4……..Employment & More
who contributed to this edition of Dream Weaver: Joyce R. Nancy H. Shayne R. Casey J. Tom F. David H. Norman S. Melanie B. Anna L. Lyndsey S.
A special “thank you” to Norman for all of the Valentine Party pictures!
These significant changes that were made to improve the mental health system in Michigan over these past twenty-five years were in no way made easily and without causing a lot of confusion and frustration for all involved. But together we have struggled--both members and staff along with administration-to learn “why” and “how” Clubhouses work so well in helping members to regain their self-worth and to improve their overall quality of life. Yes, in so many ways, the Clubhouse Model has been way ahead of its time since the very first Clubhouse opened its doors in New York City in 1948. Clubhouses have always been about recovery, empowerment, engagement, choice, person-centeredness, self-determination and peer support. But yet the model itself remains so simple and yet so profound—provide an environment where people feel welcomed, needed, and missed—and their overall mental health improves through the supportive relationships that they have formed with others. On Friday, May 19th from 2:00-6:00 pm, Dreams Unlimited will be officially celebrating our past 25 years as a Clubhouse during an Open House Event where the community-at-large will be welcomed to join us. More information about the specifics of the day will be forthcoming.
2016 IN REVIEW A Year to Remember…2016 by Joyce Rupp, Program Manager
2016 was a very sentimental and watershed year for our Clubhouse for two basic reasons. The first reason included celebrating our 25th Anniversary as a Clubhouse on December 1st; the second involved having to share with many of our longtime members that they were no longer authorized to attend Clubhouse. The latter was directly due to severe budget cuts to Michigan’s General Fund that previously supported the funding for those members who did not have Full Medicaid Insurance at the beginning of each month. A major challenge for Dreams Unlimited in 2017 will be to find sufficient funding for any non-funded member. In spite of our challenges, our Clubhouse was able to accomplish significant outcomes in areas of importance to our members and the community-at-large. Three areas of focus included increasing Employment Opportunities for our members, Community Building & Partnerships and Quality Improvement. Please see highlights associated with those important goals below:
Employment: We are very proud to report that 13 of our members were gainfully employed during Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and earned combined total wages of $53,408 at eleven different community-based employers.
Community Building & Partnerships: As an organization, we continue to be a proud member of both the Royal Oak & Ferndale Chambers of Commerce. We also work very closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Clubhouse Coalition. Dreams Unlimited formed partnerships with two new local employers and hosted 181 community visitors, including students from many of the local community colleges and universities.
Quality Assurance: 2016 marked our 3rd consecutive Clubhouse International accreditation review to insure that the quality of our programming continues to meet all 36 Clubhouse International Standards as an evidenced-based Clubhouse. As a result, we achieved a full 3-year accreditation.
30 Years…..Oh My!! By Nancy Heinz
February 3, 1987 — Phyllis and Joyce came to our former location on Oak Park Blvd., each for the first time and, as the story goes, together. Phyllis was coming in as a member and Joyce as a staff member of the Suburban Oakland Life Enrichment Center-South (SOLEC-South). Together, they helped lay the foundation for what became Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse nearly 5 years later. Today, Phyllis, as one of the founding members of DUC and Joyce, our longstanding Program Manager, collectively know the history of our program, including the many highs and even the lows. Notably, in 2006 Phyllis was featured in the U.S. Department of Justice 5-Year Report, representing Dreams and the legal battle we fought to occupy our current location. We honored these ladies on their 30th Anniversary — February 3, 2017 — with cake, balloons, a collection of old photos and lots of reminiscing. Thank you, Phyllis and Joyce! 2
FROM OUR MEMBERS DIA and Cranbrook Institute of Science By Shayno 8 Hip-Hop Deacon
Thank you, Dreams, for taking me to the DIA-Detroit Institute of Arts. It was a blessing; if I had not gone there with you I probably never would have gone. I saw some wonderful art and bought me a little something, thank you Jesus, that I probably can pass on to my kids and they can pass on to their kids. Thank you, Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse, for taking me to the Cranbrook Science Center; it was a wonderful thing. I learned a little something here and there that I didn’t know. God is good all of the time, helping me see things I didn’t know about. If I wouldn’t have gone with Dreams, maybe I would have never gone. I saw some amazing stuff. Thank you, Jesus, for delivering me on that route; please keep me and Dreams in your right hand.
Dreams Visits Cranbrook By Casey J.
On February 3rd a group of members, along with staff Nancy Heinz took an outing to visit the Cranbrook Institute of Science. The museum had several displays behind glass encasements with various subjects specific to Michigan and around the world. The display that had my interest was about Native Americans. It included a full-sized handcrafted birch canoe, a full-length headdress made with eagle feathers and the audio recording of their chanting and drumming---all authentic. I contemplated the hours and work spent sewing by hand a child’s jacket fully covered (front, back and sleeves) with glass beads the approximate size of sesame seeds. Incredible! We also attended the free 40-minute Cranbrook Planetarium’s presentation of the February night sky. The slideshow displayed above us on the dome ceiling showed the location of the moon, planets and constellations for the current week. I learned that Polaris is the North Star and a shooting star is the common word for meteorites. There was much more to see and do such as hands-on experiments and viewing mineral samples. Truly a place of intrigue, wonder and an opportunity to spend time with my Clubhouse friends. 3
EMPLOYMENT & MORE On My Road to Recovery By David H.
Before coming to Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse I did not have many friends besides my family. I would stay at home, just really doing nothing with my life. I was feeling depressed, lonely and scared, not knowing what was out there beyond the four walls in my room. I wanted to go back to work, be more independent, get out of the house, make more friends and expand my horizons. My case manager at Easter Seals really wanted me to go to Dreams, but I resisted. After a good year of her pushing me, I finally gave in and became a member. After attending regularly for almost 2 years, Toni and Emily approached me about working the new Transitional Employment (TE) position at TJMaxx in Beverly Hills. I was surprised, because I never thought I would see myself working again as I hadn’t worked in over 10 years. I realized that coming to the Clubhouse had given me the confidence to believe in myself again, so I said, “Yes!” I was the first person placed in this TE and I love my job, interacting with the customers as a Fitting Room Associate at TJMaxx. I received a great deal David is all smiles with his first paycheck! of support during on-the-job training from my Clubhouse Placement Managers, Lyndsey & Tom, as well as from Emily who has twice taken me to see a Benefits Counselor. I received the assurance that my benefits are safe even though I am working and learned what I need to do to keep them safe. I’m working 3 days a week and attending Clubhouse the other two. That’s part of the TE agreement — to stay active in the Clubhouse. Plus, I know that, for at least 6 months I have a paycheck, which is really helping not only me, but my family as well. After my TE ends, I hope to apply for a permanent position at TJMaxx; that’s how much I love working there! I am no longer depressed, lonely and scared, stuck at home. I’m getting out of the house more, making more and more friends, and my confidence has gone through the roof! I am now also happily engaged! I can truly say it wouldn’t have been possible without all of the opportunities and resources provided to me by Easter Seals Michigan and Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse. I couldn't be happier.
Overcoming Depression During the Holiday Season for Millions of People By A Member
Millions of people suffer with some form of depression over the holiday season. The holidays are a particularly painful and trying time for the mentally ill. Their thoughts may turn to suicide and that is why a Clubhouse New Year celebration is so important. At Dreams Unlimited, 2017 was brought in on a positive note, the day starting with a meal to share with one another. Everyone pitched in to help prepare, serve and clean-up. After lunch, a board game was played to break the ice and one of the members brought in a fun sci-fi movie which we enjoyed together. We even rang in the “Noon Year” with party hats and noisemakers! The central theme of the day was that one person can make a difference in the world when all hope seems gone. It is okay to laugh through the storms of life. You know that this, too, shall pass. You have a chance as long as you have life and you can move right past mistakes. Even though you have a mental illness, you have value. You can overcome any obstacles with faith and trusting in God. It is not over until God says its over. No matter how bleak it gets because of depression, you can rise from the darkness and have a wonderful life. When focusing on the good things in life, good people, and a good God, all who are always there to help in a time of trouble, your life can be a life affirming. You can overcome depression and face a bright future with great expectations! 4
ABOUT OUR UNITS Transitioning from Hospital to Clubhouse By Norman S.
It all started in 2011—I was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction. In the past, I would go to the hospital once a month. (I used to take an ambulance to the Emergency Room which became very expensive. Now, I take a cab to the hospital, which is a lot cheaper.) I am doing alright now and haven’t been hospitalized in over four months. Members and staff from Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse call me or come and visit me when I am in the in the hospital. It always makes me feel better. People from my church also come to see me, including the pastor. I am always happy to get back to Dreams and they seem happy to see me, too! I prefer working in Member Services, participating in data collection, calling off member’s names, the times they were here or what they did while here. All of this information gets recorded into our DUC database in addition to modes of transportation and whether or not a person was here for lunch. We keep really good statistics! Another task I enjoy doing is scheduling tours in advance for prospective members and guests, making certain they have good directions so they know how to get here. Tours are offered five days a week and are conducted by members, with an opportunity afterwards for questions & answers with members and staff. When I give a tour, I show them every inch of the Clubhouse, explaining what we do in each area. Without tours, we wouldn’t have new members; besides, I really like showing off Dreams. I am also a frequent contributor to this newsletter and hope that this article has been an informative one for you. If anyone reading this has any questions about Dreams or what it is like to be in and out of the hospital all while being an active member of a Clubhouse like Dreams Unlimited, please call me at Dreams at 248-544-2034. I look forward to hearing from you and would love to schedule your tour!
Hydroponic Gardening By Tom Frontier
We are trying a new indoor growing method for fruits and vegetables called Hydroponic Gardening. For our first attempt we are trying Heirloom Tomatoes, Organic Romaine Lettuce, Cantaloupe, Organic Honeydew Melon, and, perhaps, some Grapes. Hydroponics, by definition, is a method of growing plants in a water-based nutrient rich solution. Hydroponics does not use soil; instead, the root system is supported using an inert medium such as perlite, clay pellets, peat moss or vermiculite. With hydroponics this is an easy task; in soil, it is far more difficult. With hydroponics the plants are grown in an inert growing medium and a perfectly balanced, pH adjusted nutrient solution is delivered to the roots in a highly soluble form. We will show the results in our Spring Newsletter. Until then, Happy Hydroponic Gardening! Our Hydroponic Gardening starter kit. 6
OUR VALENTINE PARTY ROCKED!
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FROM OUR INTERNS A Wonderful Welcome from a Wonderful Community Melanie: As a student in Eastern Michigan University’s Master’s of Occupational Therapy Program, I am required to fulfill fieldwork requirements. For the Winter 2017 semester, I was assigned Dreams Unlimited as my placement and could not be happier. I have learned about mental illness and recovery in classes, but being able to see it firsthand is a much different experience, and that is what I get to see here at Dreams. Ever since I walked in the door at Dreams Unlimited, it was evident that Anna and Melanie make a great team! this was a place which supported its members through and through, and I am not talking only about the staff. Each member supports one another, and many of the members call one another their closest friends. This kind of support is essential in an individual’s journey of recovery. One of my favorite things to do is just talk to the members. Getting to know members’ stories, journeys, and current successes helps me understand mental illness in a way that I have never understood it. Coming to Dreams Unlimited each week is by far the best part of my week and something that I look forward to. It has completely changed my perception of mental illness and I am grateful to have gotten this invaluable experience.
Anna:
I am an Occupational Therapy fieldwork student from Eastern Michigan University and am here to learn more about the Clubhouse and reflect on how Occupational Therapy could contribute to the Clubhouse. I have been coming every week on Tuesdays, and will continue to do so until early April. I really appreciate how members and staff have welcomed me into the Dreams community. I have been hard at work in the Member Service and Hospitality Service Units, and members have been patient in showing me new tasks. It has been great collaborating with members and staff in doing projects to benefit the Clubhouse. I worked with Pepa and Tom to organize the blue Clubhouse shirts into long sleeve and short sleeve shirts and then into sizes. We also made labels to make it easy to find shirts for new members. It was a huge project, but our work resulted in an efficient system. I worked with a number of people in helping prepare for the Valentine’s Day Party. Pepa and I decorated the Clubhouse with hearts. We also worked with other members to create the photo booth. I also helped in preparing the vegetable trays and serving them up with the famous dip. It was refreshing to get up and dance to some great songs. Though I am not a very good singer, it was fun to sing festive songs with Casey. I also got the opportunity to meet other members that do not regularly attend Clubhouse on Tuesdays. I thought it was great how everyone worked together to put on such a fun event.
L to R: Norman, Charlene, Pepa and Lyndsey presented to EMU’s OT students on January 25th
I think the Clubhouse is a remarkable place of teamwork, learning, and community. It has been enlightening to learn how the Clubhouse has benefited members. It has truly been a pleasure to come to the Clubhouse and meet so many friendly people. 7
CLUBHOUSE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER….. DETROIT, MI 1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034
MARCH 2017 ACTIVITIES Sun
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Sat 4 Bowling Fundraiser for Gathering Place Meet at DUC 11:30 am; $5 pre-pay for Pizza, Pop, Bowling & Shoes!
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7 Thrift Store Shopping & Dinner Leave DUC at 4 pm
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16 *Irish Luncheon Today BINGO & Dinner at Dreams 4:00 pm $2.00
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Happy St. Patricks’s Day!
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22 Game Night & Dinner at Dreams 4:00 pm $1.00
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30 Craft Night & Dinner at Dreams 4:00 pm $3.00
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