Get to know what’s happening at the Clubhouse! The Weekly Word includes the menu for the week at the Clubhouse, news for our members, an upcoming calendar of events and socials, and some fun activities!
Category: Clubhouse
Clubhouse Weekly Word (4/1-4/5)
Clubhouse Weekly Word (3/25-3/29)
Clubhouse Weekly Word (3/18-3/22)
It’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
March has been officially proclaimed as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and we’re honored to be part of this crucial initiative!
Developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions that typically arise in childhood and can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, from communication to independent living.
Some examples of developmental disabilities include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Down Syndrome
It’s staggering to think that approximately 16 million Americans live with developmental disabilities. Nearly 200,000 of these individuals live in North Carolina alone. With developmental disabilities affecting so many people, raising awareness is critical. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure they have access to the resources they need to thrive!
At our Clubhouse, we’re dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities to build essential life skills, foster relationships, and take charge of their well-being. Through our programs, we create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential!
This month, we challenge you to take a moment to think about how you can make a difference in the life of someone with a developmental disability. Together, let’s work towards a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and supported!
To read Governor Cooper’s proclamation, click here.
For more information about Thrive’s Clubhouse Day Program, click here.
To learn more about developmental disabilities, visit some of the resources below:
Clubhouse Weekly Word (3/11-3/15)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Our Clubhouse members wanted to show their appreciation for all of our donors, volunteers, and advocates! Thank you for being part of the Thrive family!
A Clubhouse Success: Mike’s Story
Mike, a Thrive participant, experienced depression symptoms for a few years but was able to “get it together.” He did not want to seek help and believed that others would look down on him if he was truthful about his symptoms. He maintained a profitable business as a tattoo artist for 25 years. Over that time his mental health symptoms worsened. He experienced increased depression and what he describes as “incapacitating anxiety.” He didn’t know where to turn for help and he felt that he was useless to his family.
He began self-medicating and as a result, lost his job. His marriage ended and his ex-wife obtained custody of their two children. Mike was hospitalized and felt so hopeless that he attempted to end his life at the hospital. Upon discharge, he found that he had nowhere to live and no one to turn to. Mike began living at a shelter and was linked to Thrive Clubhouse services in 2013, where his recovery truly began.
Since that time, Mike has moved into independent housing that is safe and affordable. He has had two successful transitional employment placements, reconnected
with his children, and started taking art classes again. Mike is enjoying reconnecting with his artistic activities and offered to let us display some of his recent watercolor paintings. We believe Mike is an accomplished artist and we were thrilled when he agreed to share his story and his artwork with us for this article.
Mike is just one of the individuals that Thrive has supported this year. The change in his life could not have happened without the generosity of our supporters! Please consider making a donation to enrich the lives of individuals living with mental illness.