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TRANSCRIPT
The Meeting Place Clubhouse:
A Welcoming Community By Chris
TMP colleagues take pride in creating an atmosphere
where members feel welcomed. In establishing a
community that strives to be inclusive, members who are in
recovery from mental illness can work toward realizing their
strengths and building confidence.
During our August Teambuilding Picnic in Balboa
Park, we talked about why members continue to come in
regularly to the Clubhouse even though attendance is volun-
tary. Caleigh read excerpts from an essay written by Tom
Sweet called Stigma Within the Clubhouse Community, but
more specifically from a section in the essay entitled
“Engaging and Attracting Attitudes: A Contribution We All
Can Make.” She had previously studied the text while at her 2
week Clubhouse International Training in South Carolina. After it was read aloud, the essay started a fruitful con-
versation about the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment at TMP, not only from saying “hello”, but
from taking an extra step and starting a conversation to really get to know other folks in the Clubhouse. “All of us
can and must treat ourselves and others with honesty, respect, decency and warmth,” the essay states. “This, not
the specific roles we perform, is what creates the essence of the healing Clubhouse community.”
The importance of a welcoming Clubhouse com-
munity has not been taken for granted at TMP. For
example, Visitors-in-Progress rely on their first impres-
sions to decide whether or not they want to go forward
with membership. According to Julia, who had just
completed her V.I.P. orientation, “The Meeting Place is
becoming my home away from home. When I’m not
caring for my mom, I find myself increasingly drawn
here. Not only have the members warmly welcomed me
and look to get to know me, but the staff has been
amazingly patient and helpful. I get to be a part of
something larger than myself at the Meeting Place.”
September 2018
The Meeting Place Clubhouse Funded by: San Diego County HHSA
The Meeting Place is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm with Introductory Tours Mon., Tues., Thur., & Fri. at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm.
Our Unit Meetings are held at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Check out our monthly calendar for mid-week and weekend recreational activities.
Caleigh leading a discussion after presenting excerpts
from the essay “Engaging and Attracting Attitudes”
Jaki (right) creating a welcoming first impression at the front desk
Unit 2 enjoyed spending August making decorations
for the birthday dinner. Members spent time looking up
things about Michael Jackson, August Birthday Dinner’s
theme. We came up with décor for the dining room and reci-
pes for the dinner.
Manda, our new staff member, started working in Unit 2. Caleigh and
members from the unit have been training her. She has been working on
important tasks such as stats and the daily slide show.
There was some concern about making the Unit 2 work table less cluttered. Jaki has
been tending the table lately and we’re very appreciative. We also made plenty of birthday cards in August.
A whopping 8 colleagues had their birthdays during the month. Wow, what a month!
Unit 1 Update by Robert G.
SPOTLIGHT
September
Birthdays
The Meeting Place News Volume 18 Issue 3
Welcome our Newest and Returning Members
Mark, Julia, Ethan, Yesenia, Thomas, & Danny B.
Let’s Get to Know Mark! by Jaki
Unit 2 Update by Jaki
Mark Youngblood is our newest Clubhouse member. He hails
from San Diego and claims to have been a real wild child in his
youth. He finds being at the Clubhouse keeps him busy and out of
trouble. His attendance also allows him to meet new people and
learn essential life and job skills. Adding to that, he finds great unity
at TMP.
His mother was an immigrant from Philippines and his father,
who was in the military, was stationed in San Diego. The family en-
joyed the city so much, they decided to stay. His father passed
away when Mark was only twelve, which led to depression.
Mark’s hobbies include skateboarding, reading, drawing and doing research. He also
finds music very relaxing. We’re happy to have such an enthusiastic young man at
the Clubhouse. Welcome, Mark!
Unit 1 had an eventful August. Our peer specialist, Jason
returned and we appreciate his knowledge in Unit 1 tasks and
genuine concern for the Clubhouse. With his help, the newscast
has become a more member-led task. Jeff has taken on the writ-
ing and editing part of the production. I’ve become more involved
with the camera and production. We’ve also involved Unit 2 more
in front of the camera and they’ve been great.
Unit 1 also is continuing to get more folks trained on
making the caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages on the
café’s new drink menu. We’re very proud of our café crew and
thank them for helping pick up the energy in our Clubhouse.
Denise
1st
Roger
8th
Charlie
13th
Emily
15th
Jovi
17th
Lindsey
17th
Roby
25th
Elise
26th
Rick
29th
Page 3
SCHOOL & EMPLOYMENT
Life as a Phlebotomy Student by Roger
Recently, I have been working toward a phlebotomy certifi-
cate at Vista Adult School. While the coursework has been very
challenging, the information I have learned is very rewarding. Also,
my time in the Clubhouse, especially in Unit 2, has helped to build
my capacity to take on longer hours of schoolwork.
Most of the information I have learned so far focuses in on
the basics of the healthcare field, but eventually I will be trained on
the blood drawing technique that comprises phlebotomy. This se-
mester I will be taking “Medical Terminology” and “Anatomy and
Physiology”, with one of the classes being online and the other,
classroom-based. I will have a heavier course load than last semes-
ter as I am taking one more class; however, I imagine I will be able to do well because of the better work ethic I
have from coming to The Meeting Place often.
Once I complete the curriculum track, I will take the certification test for phlebotomy, and hopefully, draw
blood at a health center.
Members Take Advantage of Art Enrichment Classes by Lee
There are many options for Clubhouse members to benefit through self-enrichment classes offered in San
Diego. These courses are an alternative to degree and general education courses and often are free.
Long-time member, Alan Brue, is taking a pass/no pass class in composition and painting at City College.
“I’ve only worked in water color and a very little acrylic, never in oil,” said Alan. He is proud of an acrylic painting
of a mermaid he did on wood. “I like to be around people when I paint; its boring and dark in my condo.”
“He is the first one we ask when we do chalk wall drawings in the TMP Café,” according to Chris. Alan’s
favorite museum is the Legion of Honor in San Francisco where he enjoys the Rodin sculptures. He has done
sculpture as well and his Shamu was mass produced with one
thousand copies.
The painting course is free, but there is a fee for
materials.
Mary Clarke is also continuing her education in painting
and is starting her third year at the Mission Valley Library this
month. The course, Japanese watercolor, is free but she pays
for materials which are cheaper than acrylic and oils. She
paints flowers, fish and plants using the correct brush strokes
she has learned in the class. “Its really fun and therapeutic,”
said Mary. “It’s a good time.” Mary has distinguished herself
with two second place ribbons for her Japanese watercolor
paintings at the San Diego County Fair, winning with a flower
in 2016 and a geisha in 2017.
Check with Chris to find about self-enrichment classes
of interest to you.
Pro-Wrestler Manda Joins
Clubhouse Staff by Lee
Manda O. has joined TMP as a Staff Generalist. “She’s
our first professional wrestler,” commented Sharron. “We are
the only Clubhouse with a wrestler on staff.” It is rumored that
Jason and Chris have challenged her to a match. “Hopefully her
pro wrestling skills aren’t as good as her generalist skills be-
cause she is whooping butt in Unit 2,” exclaimed Chris.
Manda’s wrestling “gimmicks” or characters include
MantaRay, a half human, half manta ray hybrid created in his
lab by Dr. Hostyle. She escaped, and the other wrestlers are
trying to bring her back. Hilda Wildschwein is her other gim-
mick. A burly punk bouncer from Austria by way of New York,
she is a former Galactic Co-Champion.
“Our show, Super Awesome Showdown, is different, fantasy based with things like outer space and time trav-
el,” Manda said. She is also a filmmaker and is part of a team competing in the San Diego Film Consortium’s 15-
minute horror video competition.
Manda is a San Diego native, studied psychology at NYU and spent 10 years in New York. Building on her
degree and family experience with mental health issues, Manda has always wanted work in behavioral health.
She got into wrestling by way of performing in a circus where she did puppetry. Manda also has been a gardener
since elementary school and this year she has squash, melons, beets and green beans – lots of green beans – in her
garden. An amateur chef, she says that it is rewarding to grow your own food.
You’ll have to wait until January to see Manda in action with Super Awesome at the Tengo del Rey in Pacific
Beach, but you can come in now and meet her. She looks forward to beating, um, meeting you.
Page 4
THE CLUBHOUSE
At the beginning of August, the Clubhouse hosted an ice cream social after
sending invitations to inactive members who we haven’t seen in the last year. We
also celebrated Lindsey’s last full-time day at The Meeting Place as Program Super-
visor. Although we were sad to see her go, the Clubhouse is looking forward to
seeing her again when she comes back in to help with special projects.
During the party, we
were also glad to see folks we
haven’t seen in a while like Ste-
ve M. and Elio. Seeing them re-
ally brought home the idea that
once you’re member, you’re al-
ways a member! As expected,
the ice cream was a hit. At-
tendees had the chance to choose from a wide variety of top-
pings for their scoops of either vanilla or peanut butter ice
cream. What a day!
New generalist Manda and her alter ego, Hilda.
Ice Cream Social and Lindsey’s Last Full Time Day by Chris
Page 5
HEALTH & WELLNESS
How to Do a Proper Squat at TMP by Natalie & Steve L.
Health Benefits from Decluttering by Mariah and Christina
(A) (B)
Have you ever thought you need to declutter and organize your life? This happens when we collect too
much stuff. It causes chaos and can negatively impact our environment and well-being. During one Wellness on
Wednesday in August, we discussed the mental health benefits of decluttering. If, in the past, your mother told
you to clean your room or your teachers told you to straighten your desk, science can now back this up. Re-
search shows that clutter affects your brain’s ability to concentrate and process information. In fact, the
amount of stress you experience at home can be proportional to the amount of stuff you have accumulated.
Clutter frustrates you, makes you lose things and waste time. This is one of the many reasons members
and staff in the Clubhouse work tirelessly to keep our Units and work spaces free of clutter and unnecessary
items. A common source of clutter can be too many clothes. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of what you
haven’t worn in 2 years, or that you’ve had for 5. It’s a good idea to get rid of things that you do not use or if
you have too much of the same thing. Look for products that have been long outdated, even magazines. It is a
sign you have too much stuff when things pile up, you shove things under your bed or hide them away.
You will see changes in yourself getting rid of the old and onto the new. Practice purchasing things more
mindfully and stop wasting money on things you do not need. Surround yourself with things you love and have
a happier outlook by keeping your favorite items close. Keep things clean and tidy with the mentality of every-
thing having a place. You will detach from material possessions and place more importance on other things in
your life. This can reduce anxiety and improve sleep, productivity and creativity. If you want more tips on
keeping your surroundings neat and orderly, we have handouts from our W.O.W. meeting!
For the past few years, our post-Unit Meeting routine is to do twenty five squats. Not only does the rou-tine help keep us in shape, it also gives us a natural kick of energy before we take on our tasks. Here are a few of the benefits of doing daily squats and an overview on how to do them properly. Benefits * Builds muscle
* Burns fat
* Helps maintain mobility
* Helps maintain balance
* Boosts performance
* Prevents injuries
* Strengthens your core
* Strengthens your joints
* Can be done anywhere
Standing Position (A) 1. Look straight ahead 2. Keep your back straight 3. Put each foot shoulder-width apart
Squatting Position (B) 4. Keep your arms straight in front of you to maintain bal-ance 5. Bend your knees up to 90 degrees. They should not go passed your knees and not point inwards. 6. Your heels should not leave the floor.
Summer Pool Party at Roger’s House by Robert G.
On Saturday, August 25th, we had a most excellent party at Roger’s family home in Rancho Santa Fe.
Roger and his mother, Irene, welcomed members to a great get together around their pool and even served
lunch. Luck was with us as there was a cool breeze and it wasn’t too hot. We played Cornhole, a bean bag
tossing game and the winning team won Starbucks gift cards. We also played a rousing game of Uno. There
was a choice between home-grilled cheese burgers and
chicken-kabobs. Both were very good. There was also a
huge bowl of home-made guacamole. Then, of course,
many opted to go in the pool. The Jacuzzi was used by
about half a dozen members! For the land-lovers, there
were plenty of chairs and shade. The conversation was
lively. Irene was a delightful hostess. There was also a
tour of the very clean and spacious house. After dinner
there was this killer chocolate-chocolate cake with large
chocolate flakes on it! Navajo had difficulty finishing her
slice and mentioned hitting “The Chocolate Wall”. After-
wards, Roger said that the party went very well. He en-
joyed grilling the food, playing Cornhole, and enjoying
time in the pool with his Clubhouse colleagues. Muchas
gracias to the Lowe family!
The Meeting Place News Volume 18 Issue 3
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Michael Jackson Birthday Dinner by Jaki
The August Birthday Dinner theme was “Michael Jack-
son”. The party was a “Thriller” and everyone in attendance
felt the vibe. The decorations were definitely appropriate for
the party. Caleigh dazzled us with her
dancing rendition of the choreography
from the zombie scene in the famous
Thriller video. She did an excellent job
and we are still amazed by her dancing
skills. Michael Jackson’s favorite food,
believe it or not, was Kentucky Fried
Chicken. Accordingly, our wonderful cus-
tomized meal would have been fit for a
King of Pop: Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough Chicken, Billie Jean Green Beans, Bub-
bles Biscuits, Orange Smoothie Criminal, and a Jackson 5 Layer Chocolate and Strawber-
ry Cake.
Birthday Dinners are such special events for TMP. Members who don’t usually
get a chance to spend time with others on their birthdays get to celebrate amongst their
friends and colleagues at TMP. Please join us later in September when the birthday
party theme will be “Country Western.”
Page 7
Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Gift Cards
for our healthy, organic meals
Monetary donations
Individual Hand Sanitizers
Gas Gift Cards
Transitional Employment Leads
Here is my gift to help The Meeting Place Clubhouse
$10 $25 $50 $75 $100 Other $_______
Your generous donation will go toward the growth and advancement of
The Meeting Place Clubhouse, Inc., as one of the leading Mental Health Recovery Programs in
San Diego County.
I would like to receive The Meeting Place Clubhouse monthly Newsletter
Name: ________ Thank you
for
E-mail: ________ your gift!
YES! I WANT TO SUPPORT THE MEETING PLACE CLUBHOUSE
ODDS & ENDS
WARMLINE Peer to Peer
Funded by the County of San Diego
HHSA
1 (800) 930-9276
Or
1 (619) 295-1055
What is The Warmline?
The Warmline is a friendly
telephone support line, answered by
Peer Support Specialists. We listen to
concerns, offer referrals and provide
understanding because we have been
there, done that.
The Warmline is a non-crisis,
non-emergency phone service.
The Warm-line is in operation from 3:30 P.M. to
11:00 P.M., 7 days a week (except holidays).
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words The Meeting Place Wish List
2553 State Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-294-9582 Fax: 619-294-9588
Email: [email protected] Website: www.themeetingplaceinc.org
WHAT WE GUARANTEE
A PLACE TO COME
The Meeting Place is open to any adult age 18 or older with a diagnosed mental health disorder who resides within the county of San Diego. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. We also offer evening and weekend activities for fun and
relaxation. Individuals who participate in our Clubhouse are called members.
MEANINGFUL WORK
At The Meeting Place, we believe everyone has something to contribute. Members and staff work side by side to facilitate the day-to-
day operations of the clubhouse and perform numerous tasks to ensure smooth operation of the program.
Examples of tasks performed by members include: answering phones, preparing breakfast and lunch, gardening, typing, filing,
entering data and maintaining records, tutoring, mentoring, writing, and coordinating the publication of the monthly newsletter,
The Meeting Place News, and everything that goes into creating our daily in-house newscast, KTMP Daily News.
MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Through the shared work of the clubhouse, meaningful relationships are developed between members and staff. But it’s not all work at
The Meeting Place! Membership has its privileges. These include outings to local restaurants, plays, tourist attractions, and other
special activities.
Members and staff celebrate holidays, birthdays and achievements together. The Meeting Place is a place to come when you’re happy
or when you’re sad—you’re always welcome and you’re always among friends.
A PLACE TO RETURN TO
Membership is for life. No matter how long you’ve been gone, you can always come back home. Returning members are welcomed and they are immediately returned to active status if they request it.
The First Clubhouse International Accredited Clubhouse in California
Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award
and Lilly Reintegration Award