Dream Weaver - Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse newsletter

A Publication of Easterseals Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse

Dream Weaver Volume 28 Number 3

Founded 1991

Summer 2019

A New Life and a New Job By Margaret P. On October 28, 2017, I found a new life and became a better person for myself and my family. Attending Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse has been a wonderful experience.

I have met many amazing people and, thanks to Dreams, I found employment at Detroit Taco Company.

I`m very grateful to be a member of Dreams Unlimited and have a job that helps me cope with my mental illness. Dreams is a part of me and I am a part of Dreams.

1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034 Fax: (248) 544-2152

Congratulations Margaret!

Inside this issue: Cover…….Employment and Supports Page 2……………..……From a Member Page 3……..……Accreditation Results Pg. 4.Look What We’ve Been Up To Page 5…..New Member Perspective Page 6 ………………..Fun With Friends Page 7………..…Community & Family Page 8….The Clubhouse Community Thank you to the Clubhouse Members, Staff and who contributed to this edition of Dream Weaver: Margaret P. Emily B. Elizabeth T. Nancy H. Bridgette L. Shayne R. Rick H. Karen B. Delilah ML.

Individual Placement and Support By Emily Burnett

Every month Individual Placement and Support (IPS) hosts 2 separate Orientation Meetings to educate individuals about different employment programs available to them. There are representatives from Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), IPS, and Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse (DUC). A member and a staff representative from DUC explain Clubhouse and how we can benefit those who are on a job search. The meetings are usually very small, and attendees get a lot of individual attention and can get any and all questions answered.

IPS and DUC work very well in conjunction with each other. IPS assists individuals during every stage of the job search including finding and applying for jobs, preparing for interviews and job retention. They even help people figure out what kind of work they might like to do through questionnaires and conversations during one-on-one meetings. But their focus is strictly employment.

Members of the Clubhouse can get similar assistance with their job search from staff or other members. Members may also build employment skills by volunteering for tasks throughout the Clubhouse. These can be practical employment skills such as how to not use a cash register or a commercial grade oven as well as practicing time management and customer service. Some members find that getting support from both the Clubhouse and IPS helps them to stay accountable and eases some of the tensions of their job search. It also gives them a BIG team of cheerleaders.

The September Orientation Meetings are on Tuesday, September 24th from 10am-11am at the Easterseals Southfield office and Thursday, September 26th at the Easterseals Southfield office, also from 10am-11am. Feel free to drop in to learn more and to even self-refer! If you still have questions about how either of these Easterseals programs can aid you in your employment search, ask your case manager or any Clubhouse staff for more information.

A MEMBER’S STORY OF HOPE & RECOVERY Dual Diagnosis Days of our Lives

By Elizabeth 1 am 2 am 2:39 am 3:37 am I checked my phone again, anxious, and for lack of better term, worried. It felt as though I was living in a perpetual state of fear and imbalance. I had to be to work in how many hours? I coined the term “mental health sick day.” I surrendered and started the coffee. My self-esteem was highly contingent on my work ethic, and I was determined to not relate to the words “disabled” or “debilitated.” Those words were offensive to me.

I was 12 years old when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1. Issues with substance abuse began at that same age, and over the last 15 years I’ve been stuck in a vicious cycle of rising up, just to topple down the tower that was my life, ad infinitum.

I had developed a belief that even with taking my medication as prescribed, the struggle would remain real for me for even the most basic of functioning in modern society. But, I was determined to live like everyone else and not use the “mental illness card” as an excuse when I was going underwater. What I had failed to realize is that I wasn’t being honest with my doctor, friends or family about the fact that I was battling suicidal thoughts. Though I appeared (or at least attempted to appear) stable, my thoughts were dark. I didn’t tell anyone because I feared they would just throw me into the psych hospital. I hadn’t been hospitalized in over 7 years and that was a feat for me. But I didn’t believe it was a matter of switching meds. I didn’t think there was hope for me.

Though earnestly wanting to succeed at finding peace, wellness, stability, and, dare I say, happiness, at 11 months sober (just one of my many terms of sobriety) I went to work. I was not okay mentally and I felt myself slipping, but we were already understaffed, and I was a server. While waiting for 4 tables’ food, I told one of my coworkers I felt “off”. Despite having a very loving and understanding boss, I wanted to leave. I was past talking about it. I wanted to run. I got the idea that I could grab my backpack and leave with no one noticing. And that’s exactly what I ended up doing, adrenaline pumping and impulsivity being the name of the game.

I escaped as swiftly as I could through the backdoor and began to run as fast as I could across the street and next door to TJ Maxx. Within about 5 or 10 minutes my boss started calling and texting me, asking me where I was. I was humiliated and pacing the aisles. All I could keep thinking is I blew it, like in a game of Jenga when one rushed move causes the whole monument to crumble. I called my AA sponsor and she told me she would come with me to go back into the restaurant, but I refused. I was cemented that I was not going back in there. Her final reply to me was, “Then you’re not willing.” I simply responded, “I guess I’m not.”

When I hung up with her, I scrolled through my phone to order an Uber to take me home. It wasn’t until that moment that I got the idea to relapse. Over the years, my slips went from alcohol, which turned into pills and eventually led to heroin and crack addiction. They say the disease of alcoholism and addiction is progressive; this I found to be true. I was devastated about what I had done at work, and guilt and shame were usually the predators to be the devil on my shoulder. “I could just Uber down there,” I thought to myself. And I had over $100 on me; just enough to spend a few hours at one of my old spots. My perfect excuse was that I have a mental illness. I know from experience I could stay sober for a while with AA but there was always that inevitable relapse in a manic or depressed moment. I felt like I had no control.

After about 3 hours spent on the east side of Detroit, a close friend of mine came and picked me up. I remember being so grateful she would be willing to drive down to such a dangerous area, but she didn’t hesitate. I put together a couple months sober after that until, again, that “inevitable” relapse. Since then I have been to multiple rehabs, detox centers and psychiatric hospitals.

I know that my story may be shocking or extreme, or maybe hard to read, but it gets better. Now, today, I have 8 months sober and I am completely reunited with my family. I also have a large support network from my friends in sobriety and my friends here at Dreams. I’m on new meds that are working very well for me. I’m living in a group home in a transitional period where I’m safe and supported until I’m ready to get back on my own and my perspective on life has become much brighter and lighthearted. I’m a musician and getting back into my music. My relationship with God has become very strong and I have so much gratitude for having the chance to start over, and to have my life at all. I no longer have any type of suicidal thoughts or wanting to die. I’m excited for what’s next for me. And I hope one day I can help others like me, who fall down the well and can’t seem to get up. One of my common phrases is, “I know how it is.” Because Lord knows I surely do. One day at a time, recovery is possible.

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ACCREDITATION—WE DID IT! On August 16th, we were recently notified by Clubhouse International that we have earned a Three-Year Accreditation! We are pleased to share some excerpts from the letter we received from Joel Corcoran, Executive Director of Clubhouse International: Dear Joyce and Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse community, We are delighted to inform you that your recent visit from the Faculty for Clubhouse Development has resulted in Accreditation from Clubhouse International. After reviewing your Self-Study, the Clubhouse Profile Questionnaire (CPQ) and the written report from the faculty consultants, we conclude that Accreditation with a return visit in three years is indicated...

Accreditation with a three-year return review is awarded to Clubhouses that substantially adhere to each of the categories of the Standards (Membership, Relationships, Space, Work-Ordered-Day, Employment, Education, Functions of the House and Funding, Governance & Administration). These Clubhouses operate in a truly effective manner providing excellent opportunities for Clubhouse members. Solid peer relationships exist and are fostered by the cultural norms of the Clubhouse community as expressed in the Standards...

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge your community’s commitment to excellence in Clubhouse practice as evidenced by your willing participation in this process. Thank you for participating.

Sincerely,

Joel D. Corcoran — Executive Director

Dagmar Brooks, at center in striped blouse and Pam Weisser, to the right of Dagmar in floral sweater, posed for a picture after spending three days at Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse.

Marty Alward, Clubhouse Coordinator from the state’s MDHHS is on the far left, back row.

Pam Weisser from Grand Avenue Club in Milwaukee, WI, along with Dagmar Brooks from Genesis Club in Fowlerville, MI were the Faculty for Clubhouse Development from Clubhouse International who visited Dreams Unlimited in June. Pam had this to say after her visit:

“Congratulations Dreams Unlimited colleagues. You work hard to assure a strong Standards Based community. Your efforts to live the Standards comes through in the relationships you build and the manner you carry out the work-ordered day and array of Clubhouse philosophies. It may be easy to have a nice welcoming community, but it takes effort and attention to assure (and ensure) that the member rights outlined in the preamble of the Standards are fulfilled by conscientious application of the philosophical foundation. You are doing that. You have my best wishes and encouragement as you move forward in growing Dreams Unlimited.”

Long before Pam and Dagmar visited Dreams Unlimited, we had to take a hard look at how we felt we were doing in meeting the Clubhouse International Standards. This “self-study” pushes us to reflect on whether or not we are doing our best to meet the 37 standards that have evolved over many years from the global Clubhouse community.

Categories include: Membership, Relationships, Space, the Work-Ordered Day, Transitional Employment, Education, and Funding, Governance & Administration. While there is always room for improvement and growth, we are very proud of achieving our Three-Year Accreditation from Clubhouse International. Thank you to all!

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LOOK WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO...

Funday at the Zoo

by Bridgette L.

Three members of the Clubhouse and I, along with staff member Antonio, went to the Detroit Our Diva Zoo on Saturday, June 8th. It was a beautiful day to be outside with my Clubhouse friends. We saw a lot of animals including Penguins, Lions, Bears, Polar Bears, Giraffes, and more! Oh my!

Going on this activity made me feel alive and happy. I hope the animals were as happy to see me as I was to see them! After touring the zoo, we went to eat at Wendy’s before we headed back to our homes. I was glad to be home and out of the heat, but have a lot of good memories from our “funday at the zoo.”

Dreams Rap

By Shayno8 - hip hop deacon

Thank you my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for putting me into Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse It was truly a blessing I have seen things I never thought I would see Done things I never thought I would do Been places I never thought I would go It was truly a nice changing appearance in my time Dreams is beautiful, outstanding and amazing It gets you off your feet And that’s something I need If I like to be somewhere it’s a place I can go If I want to do a little something All I have to do is find a way.

Shayno always has a smile for everyone!

Mental Health Fair

Nancy and Nora

By Nora B.

On May 29th, Emily took Rick and I to the Royal Oak Beaumont Mental Health Fair.

Karen, Nancy H., Joyce and Advisory Board Member Norma Jean were already there.

Our “mission” was to take our turn educating others about Dreams Unlimited, so Joyce and Karen were able to leave when we arrived as they had taken the early shift.

It was a very rewarding event as we were able to speak about Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse and all it has to offer; everyone we spoke to seemed very interested in what we had to say. When we had a chance, we visited the other exhibits such as NAMI’s Suicide Prevention table, Rose Hill’s exhibit and many others, too.

It was a great time and very rewarding.

We are hopeful that the people who approached our table and voiced concerns about their loved ones were able to take advantage of the information we gave them, whether it was about Clubhouse as a service or the array of mental health services we are so fortunate to have available in our area.

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NEW MEMBER PERSPECTIVE

Through the Eyes of a New Member

By Rick H.

Needless to say, being a new member of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse is overwhelming in itself. Who will I meet? What will they be like? Will I mesh well with others? What is there to do? There were so many questions on my mind.

I came to find out that there certainly is a plethora of personalities at Clubhouse. Some are easier to connect with than others. None, of course, are unworthy of finding a means to become friendly with them. It is just a matter of circumnavigating each person’s differences.

In addition to the people, I found that the Clubhouse is creating positive experiences for me by allowing me to utilize my own personal skills to contribute in positive ways. It makes me happy that I can contribute in many ways even on a small portion to the sustainability of the Clubhouse with much gratitude for the Oakland County Health Network’s Clubhouse Engagement Grant qualifying me to attend regularly.

The Clubhouse, being a program of Easterseals’ nonprofit organization, still requires a means in which to operate. By the members attending, the Clubhouse offers services that help individuals address their own personal concerns by involving them in the daily operations such as food preparation, running the Snack Shack, collection of prior day’s data of who did what, etc. The Clubhouse allows people to come together and work as a team achieving goals which gives them a feeling of importance and “Yes I can do it!” Member participation data is sent to Medicaid, which is most crucial in order to keeping the Clubhouse up and running.

I have recently had the opportunity to join the Dreams Unlimited Advisory Board. I learned that there is a concern for increasing the membership and attendance as the importance of both were the main focus of the meeting. I cannot stress enough about how critical the requirement of resources is needed to sustain the Clubhouse. Strategies were discussed in order to increase membership through networking. In addition to increasing membership, attendance is the next most important thing. The Clubhouse has acquired a second van to enable an additional resource in helping some of the club members to be able to come, perhaps, an additional day.

I can personally attest to how the Clubhouse is helping me. It is my personal hope that Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse remains successful for years to come for not only me, but for many others. So please come and be a part of the success!

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FUN WITH FRIENDS

Rita, Akisi and Karen

Walk a Mile Rally 2019 Betty, Jennifer, Lyndsey and Nora

Karen and a new friend at the rally

By Karen B.

On Thursday, May 9th, a group of us from Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse went to the “Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally” at the State Capital in Lansing, Michigan. The weather was rainy on the way there, but, behold! the sun came out when we arrived, and it was a beautiful day to spend outside the capitol building!

We went there by bus, an Oakland County Parks and Recreation bus. The driver was nice and joked around with us. When we got there, we sat with people from other Clubhouses in Michigan, and I met a lot of great people. We did a march around the capitol building, then we heard speeches from representatives of all the participating counties in Michigan.

People told their stories of recovery and it was very touching! “Walk a mile in my shoes” was the recurring theme in their storytelling. A great time was had by all, and we hope to attend next year!

VIP’s Visit Clubhouse

“Make new friends but

(Very Important People)

keep the old…

By Bridgette L. and Nancy H.

one is silver and the other is gold.”

Dreams Unlimited was have Christina “Kitty” R. return to the Clubhouse visit and spend a day Clubhouse friends.

Kitty hard at work in the kitchen.

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

honored to and Kim P. recently to with their

Kim proudly displaying her certificate of accomplishment!

Kitty was visiting all the way from Texas and Kim was in town from Saginaw, MI. Of course they happily volunteered for the work-ordered day. Kitty plans to visit again in October and Kim promises to see us again when she is done with her internship in Saginaw.

“Once a member, always a member!”

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COMMUNITY & FAMILY CONNECTIONS We Are Everyday People

By Delilah ML.

Hello, my name is Delilah. I am a woman of God who became a member of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse, located in Royal Oak, Michigan. It was necessary for me to fellowship with people who make me feel like family and that are important to each other.

I was introduced to Clubhouse through Easterseals Michigan and my first experience was the Tour; I was very excited and impressed about becoming a member. I was all in!!! During this transition I have met many new people, some with the same struggles. It is very encouraging to know that you are not alone.

Photo courtesy of the “Michigan Chronicle”

Daily participation reminds me of my mother, who was a great part of my life, and a person who realized that mental health is as important as physical health. My mother, Beverly Moultry, at far left in the picture above, is shown working in the store of the Wayne County Mental Health Authority’s building in December of 2004. This was a job that her mental health provider placed her in, nearly 20 years ago. Our family is grateful for the services of both Wayne and Oakland counties that have helped my mother and I in our journeys to recovery.

It’s Not All Work!

By Nancy Heinz

One of the key components of the Clubhouse model is that it is member-driven and of a benefit to all members. Each month, we gather together to plan our after-hours activities based on suggestions collected from both members and staff. This process, based on consensus, results in a well thought-out calendar of fun and affordable weekly activities.

Our activities are wide-ranging and might include a trip to the zoo, in-house movies and popcorn, visiting a cider mill, going out to dinner at staff Antonio’s family’s restaurant, hiking a trail, bowling, going to a Detroit Tigers or Pistons game, touring the Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village, a craft night, a picnic, a parade, celebrating a holiday together or even one of our very popular Halloween or Valentine Parties! Whew!

Recently, we enjoyed an evening at Shain Park in Birmingham, listening to the performance of Steve Acho, a local entertainer whose family has been long-time supporters of Dreams Unlimited. As a staff member, it was great to see the members “kick back” and relax in the setting sun and just enjoy the music.

One of our other very popular activities is BINGO night, with staff Lyndsey’s son Nathan as our caller.

Nathan is now 6½ years old and has been our caller since he was only 2 years old. It is these connections— family and community—that make our member-planned social events truly special and memorable.

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THE CLUBHOUSE COMMUNITY

L to R: Scott Nason, Joyce Rupp, Kerry Gravelle, Janna and Charles

Recently, our Program Manager Joyce Rupp took a long and well-deserved vacation to the Upper Peninsula. If you know Joyce, it is difficult for her to get “Clubhouse” totally out of her mind.

On a previous trip to the U.P., Joyce peeked in at one of Michigan’s newest Clubhouses, Water’s Edge, in Sault Sainte Marie. The building itself, which is southeast of the Soo Locks, was still being prepared for operations and its eventual membership. During her trip this July, however, Joyce found Water’s Edge fully functional, up and running with its director Scott, staff Kerry and a growing numbers of members — 22 as reported in their August newsletter.

This newsletter also shows that Water’s Edge Clubhouse has jumped right into the community, with one member applying to be on the local Planning Board; reaching out to members who are “missing in action”; participating in “Freighter Watch” and the “Feeding America Food Drive”; attending activities such as the Farmers’ Market, Music in the Park, the Ultimate Paddle Day and the Chippewa County Fair; planting a garden and helping members find gainful employment (4 so far). Congratulations, Water’s Edge members and staff! Please know that you are always welcome at Dreams Unlimited if you ever find yourselves in the Lower Peninsula, just north of Detroit. It’s only 335 miles, via I-75.

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