Good News

Pathways Clubhouse is a certified charter member of Clubhouse International

Recovery: Then and now

May 2019

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Executive & Directors’ Report

We made it! We are accredited by Clubhouse Interna-tional for 3 years, the highest accreditation level there is. We received some suggestions and 1 important recommendation. All suggestions and recommenda-tions are already being worked on as per the Action Plan presented last month. Spring is here and with it we have fun events and the pleasure of hosting practicum students who will most certainly develop into great professionals. On May 15 the RCMP hosted a BBQ in our common area. We all enjoyed a good time with burgers, chips, pop and prizes. We are enthusiastically thankful to the RCMP for the constant participation and initia-tive. During the month of April we had a very dynamic student from Douglas College. From May until Au-gust we have David and Natasja at the Clubhouse. David is a Psychology student from Kwantlen Poly-technic University who is helping implement the Ac-tion Plan and keeping a journal about Psychosocial Rehabilitation and the sense of community in the Clubhouse. Natasja is an Anthropology Master’s stu-dent from Denmark, who is doing research for her thesis. Natasja is interested in hearing your story to contribute to her research about emotions and mental health. We hope the Clubhouse community can contribute to David’s and Natasja’s academic endeavors and pro-fessional development.

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Food And Fun Unit Report

The month of May was super busy because we were getting ready for the Spring/Summer menu change over. We like to have a month to get ready for the big change. On the first week we have 2 or 3 (or more) unit meetings dedicated to brainstorm-ing about what will be on the new menu. Then we have a meet-ing to narrow down the choices to our final picks. On the 2nd and 3rd weeks we come up with the recipes and we take some afternoons to do “Test Kitchen”. Test Kitchen is when we make the recipe and then we invite the clubhouse to join us to try the food and give us their feed back. Test kitchens helps us to know 1.) whether we it’s practical and enjoyable to make that item—if it isn’t we may make a change to the menu, and 2.) if we need to make some changes in our recipe—it might need more salt or less heat, or it might be too soggy etc. Also some-times we can’t make up our minds which recipe for a certain item we like better, so we make both and then we all decide to-gether which one is better. On the 4th week, is when we get the physical menus ready, choosing seasonal borders, writing out descriptions and then the Membership and Business prints them and laminates them for us. As you can see, it’s a major produc-tion to change the menu and we get help from members and staff in all the units and we just want you to know that we ap-preciate you! We welcomed a new staff member to our unit in May. Her name is Janine Lockhart and she is our new part time staff. Come get to know her and make her feel like a part of our clubhouse! Fun activities we had in May included pitch n’ putt, a night at the CIRCUS and bike rides on the dyke in Steveston. If you have ideas for some fun and affordable activities please join us at our Social Planning Meetings or just let us know! We love new ideas!

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The M&B unit is trying out something new…..a mobile healthy

snack cart! We make our rounds at the Clubhouse twice a

day...once at around 10:30 and again after 2 pm. Also, snacks are

available to purchase all day. What do we sell? We have granola

bars, fruit snacks, cheese and more! Everything (except for tuna

snacks) are $1.00 or less! If you have any suggestions for snacks

that you would like to see for sale on our snack cart, please let our

unit know. If you would like to join us for a shop at Costco to

pick up the items, we would love your help.

Membership & Biz Unit Report

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Thank you to Annette from Community Employment Developer

at Community Futures South Fraser and Ashley from Disability

Alliance of BC for presenting on the Canadian Pension Plan

(CPP) and Persons with Disability (PWD). Staff and members

of Pathways came out of each presentation with more knowl-

edgeable about how they work.

Thank you to Natasja who led our new stretch class at the club-

house. Way to go Natasja for leading a wonderful class and to

the members for participating. It will be on Fridays 10:30am-

11:15am, open to everyone.

This is just the start to our new wellness initiatives! Next up

will be Chair Tai Chi with Mary and Weight Training with Dan.

Stay tuned for the start dates.

If you haven’t heard, Wellness Walks have been reduced to 3

times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays now

leaving at 12:40.

Add this to the yoga class at 4pm on Mondays and Chair Aero-

bics at 10:45am on Tuesdays and you have a full range of activi-

ties to meet your physical wellness needs!

In Employment news: Congrats to Glenn and Lira for starting

new TE sites. Glenn is the first placement at the new Minoru

Seniors Centre and Lira is the first placement at the Medicine

Shoppe Pharmacy in Steveston. We also welcome Andy back to

our TE program at Richmond Holdings, who replaces Christian

who completed his 9 months on the site. Well done everyone!

Career & Housing Unit Report

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Where were you with your recovery when you start-ed at Pathways and where are you now? I was with the Richmond mental health team when I started at Pathways, and now I am at the outpatient unit of the hospital.

What was your first impression of Pathways? My first impression of Pathways was good, and every-one was very friendly.

How do you feel about Pathways now? I feel that Pathways is a good place to volunteer.

How has pathways helped with your recovery? Pathways has allowed me to participate in the communi-ty. What else have you done to aid in your recovery? Healthy habits, eating and exercising. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery

and what did they do to help you? My family members have supported me in recovery.

Vicki L.

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Dear Readers, Today I will tell you a little about my recovery. My recovery be-gan when I was admitted to the Richmond Mental Health Team. But my true recovery and growth began when I became a mem-ber of Pathways. Although other societies have helped me too, such as Catholic Christian Outreach, St. Paul’s Parish, Richmond Mental Health Consumer and Friends Society etc… Pathways helped me the most with my career growth. Through Pathways, I learned to improve my punctuality and keep a job. It was always easy for me to get a job, as I had many job interviews in Custom-er Service and I had practiced for many of them. However, with Pathways I had my true beginning. They helped me when I was not here too by reaching out to me with Outreach Calls, Emails and Text Messages. Another organization that was instrumental in my growth was the City of Richmond, by being so understanding with my mental illness. Kelly Mack from the City of Richmond created many jobs for many of our members at Pathways. Now that he has re-tired, I really miss him! He was an excellent HR coach! City of Richmond has really accommodated me, through the ups and downs. I am proud to currently hold two jobs in the City of Rich-mond – One at Thompson Community Centre and one at the Mi-noru Senior Centre for Active Living! Life is still not easy, but I never give up. One song that personal-ly really helps me is “God will make a way” by Don Moen. It is a song of hope that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will make a way for me and will help me overcome all my challenges and will help me grow! Thank you for reading and getting to the end. Hope you find the information useful. Love, Melcia

RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

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RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

Where were you with your recovery when you start-ed at Pathways and where are you now? I was at a very bad time with my recovery when I start-ed, now I am very good with help from Pathways.

What was your first impression of Pathways? My first impression of Pathways was that I was scared, because I didn’t know anybody and was nervous.

How do you feel about Pathways now? I feel awesome about Pathways. I have more friends than I have ever had before and I have an awesome home at Alexandra Court. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? The support is awesome and it seems to me I have more

people on my side than ever.

What else have you done to aid in your recovery? I do more Transitional Employment sites now and I just feel way better now.

Is there a person who has helped with your recovery

and what did they do to help you?

When I became homeless, Connie helped me get into a downtown homeless center, The Lookout, I was there for 3 weeks.

Steve B.

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RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

Where were you with your recovery when you started at Pathways and where are you now? In the beginning, I had a lot of anxiety. My medication was not helping. I felt like I was not accomplishing much. Now, I feel like I am contributing, improving, and living a fulfilling life. What was your first impression of Pathways? I went on a tour and I was early and read through the brochures in the dining room of the old Elmbridge location. I was surprised by how much Pathways Clubhouse does for its members! How do you feel about Pathways now? I feel like Pathways Clubhouse does a lot for those with mental health issues. I feel like it has improved the lives of many people who suffer with mental illnesses. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? I have interacted with people from various walks of life. It has improved my life and given me hope. I have participated in so-cial, wellness, food, and employment programs that have assisted in my recovery. What else have you done to aid in your recovery? I tend to exercise regularly and go watch movies for fun. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you?

My dad and mom have done a lot to help reduce my anxieties. They keep me positive and optimistic. Also, the Pathways Club-

house community keeps me engaged and active. Mashood K.

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RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

Where were you with your recovery when you start-ed at Pathways and where are you now? I was partially on my path, after being at Bridge house for 2 weeks. What was your first impression of Pathways? Very welcoming and a low stress environment. How do you feel about Pathways now? I like coming here and helping out. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? It is a safe place for me to come to when I am having a bad day, What else have you done to aid in your recovery? Mental health classes at the hospital. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you?

My friend Jim, he gave me a place to live when I was suddenly homeless . He also provided food for me, gave me companionship and helped me move into my new place.

Anonymous

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Where were you with your recovery when you start-ed at Pathways and where are you now? I was about 3 or 4 years into my recovery and I’ve been a member for 5 years. What was your first impression of Pathways? I loved how the members are treated equal to the staff and the environment is chill. How do you feel about Pathways now? I love it, it’s the best place ever! How has Pathways helped with your recovery? Helped me with getting my own place, getting a job and giving me a lot more confidence. What else have you done to aid in your recovery? Listen to music and spending time with my family. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you?

My mum and the staff at the clubhouse. My mum told

me about the clubhouse and just being there. The staff helped me get a job and my own place. Caitlin

RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

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RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

Where were you with your recovery when you start-ed at Pathways and where are you now? At the start. I was really ill, and not enjoying life .I soon changed and I have got a lot better now. What was your first impression of Pathways? Friendly people How do you feel about Pathways now? I feel I owe Pathways a lot. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? By challenging me to do more What else have you done to aid in your recovery? I do volunteer work, doing interests for VCH Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you?

I think the most valuable advice has come from Mireya

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Where were you with your recovery when you started at Pathways and where are you now? Recently I have just attended pathways due to needing help in housing. A while back I was not well, but through the Richmond mental health team and Pathways I am able to grow and have more stability in my life. This has allowed me to achieve better mental progress in my life. What was your first impression of Pathways? I was a bit weary at first, due to feeling like I would get judged and I thought it would be worse then it was. But, as I have come here I have changed my view and feel that it is a positive place for people with dis-abilities and that I support their goals and helping people. Also, it has a welcoming presence that shows non-judgement and peacefulness. How do you feel about Pathways now? I feel a lot better, I can truly see that it is a positive environment that will allow for better progress in people’s lives. Also, it is nice to see a community for people who need help. I feel that Pathways is a good place to volunteer. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? It has made me feel like I can have a better peace of mind about myself and others who share disabilities. What else have you done to aid in your recovery? I have done lots of self help work, also seeing the mental health team, reading, writing, cooking and work. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you?

My sisters and family along with the mental health team and a few past people I have known. They have really opened my eyes to my condi-tion and my actions and made me realize a lot about myself that I did not realize in my life.

Anonymous

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Where were you with your recovery when you started at Pathways and where are you now? I was on leave from work when I started my recovery at Path-ways. I haven't gone back to work and probably won't due to too much stress, but I enjoy helping out at Pathways. What was your first impression of Pathways? I liked how it was laid out and was blown away by the afforda-ble delicious lunches. How do you feel about Pathways now? I like the new building and it's new location. I still enjoy volun-teering and meeting new staff and members. How has Pathways helped with your recovery? It has helped me believe in myself and helped me understand my illness and removed the stigma that I carried around about my-self in regards to my illness. What else have you done to aid in your recovery? I have talked to therapists and stayed with a med regime that seems to be finally working. Is there a person who has helped with your recovery and what did they do to help you? Dr. Harris my psychiatrist of 11 years, he was very understand-ing and compassionate and retired in 2015. I miss him he was the best Dr. I've had so far in regards to my mental health. Judy

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RECOVERY: THEN AND NOW

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Pathways Clubhouse- Then & Now

When I first came to Pathways Clubhouse, I was not very active. Even in my first couple of months, I participated at Pathways Clubhouse, but only did office tasks and then went home. I decided to give social events a try and found it enjoyable. By doing this, I started to interact with people and get to know members of Pathways Clubhouse a lot better. However, I was very discouraged that I would never find a job. My social worker talked to the program manager during that time, and we discussed a possible TE Site. My social worker let the program manager know about my interest in law. The program manager let me know that there was a TE site at a law insurance company. Soon, I was employed at Mass & Co. I was nervous in the beginning, but was able to complete eight months of work. I am fortunate to be doing a second TE Site at Richmond City Hall, which I also enjoy. I found confidence from these TE Sites that I can do challenging jobs. Moreover, it has taught me many other skills such as time management, organization, and communication. I was also for-tunate enough to do colleague training and got a chance to go to an international conference. I was able to create a plan to find ways to improve the clubhouse for our members. Through the international conference, I learned more in-depth knowledge about the clubhouse model. In addition, I was given a chance to give a speech at Pathways Clubhouse fundraiser. I shared my personal story of struggle with mental illnesses. Also, how Pathways Clubhouse has impacted my life and supported my recovery. Pathways Clubhouse has influenced me in many ways. One of the major influences is that I have became even more passionate about trying to make a difference to improve the lives of those who suffer from mental illnesses. Pathways Clubhouse has given me a chance to contribute to society. The more I get involved, the more I enjoy interacting with other mem-bers and giving back to the community. I am very grateful for the op-portunities, and for the clubhouse members and staff for letting me into their community. One of the things I am most grateful for in life is the ability to participate at Pathways Clubhouse.

By Mashood Kamal

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MAY EVENTS: RCMP BBQ AND

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MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

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Invisible Illness Day Event

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Housing Dilemma Event

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10 Tips For Mental Health

LAST MONTH’S EMPLOYMENT STATS

STATS TE Statistics SE Statistics

Members Working

17 Members Working

9

Hours Worked

402.19 Hours worked

1043.50

Wages Earned

5139.19 Wages Earned

12,853.48

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TE Placements

Alexandra Court

Janitorial

Hours: M/W/F 9:30-11:30am

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: March2019

Member: Ashley-

Mass & Co

Hours: Thurs 12-4pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Feb. 2019

Member: Ashley

Stacey Green Catering

Hours: M-F 11:30-2pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Sept. 2018

Member: Michael H./Jamie

City Hall

Hours: T/Th / 9:00-1:00pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Nov. 2018

Member: Mashood K.

Art Centre

Hours: M-F /11:30-3:30pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Feb. 2019

Member: Julian

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Heatherbrae Office

Hours: M/W/F 6:30-8:30am

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: 2018

Members: Karim/ Glen

Heatherbrae Shop

Hours: T/F 1:30-4:30pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Jan. 2019

Member: Henry U.

Richmond Chinese

Community Society

Hours: M/T/W/F 6:30-8:30am

Wage: $240/month

Start Date: Jan. 2018

Member: Bruce A

City Centre

Community Center

Hours: Tues/Thurs 9am-noon

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Aug. 2018

Member: Larry

Storey's Landscaping

Wage: $20

Start Date: Nov 2018

Member: Steve B.

TE Placements Continued

Foodbank Cleaners

Hours: M/W/TH/F 1:30-3pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: Oct./Feb. 2019

Members: Caitlin & Stuart

Richmond Holdings

Hours: M/W/TH/F 1:00-

3:00pm

Wage: $16.00/hr

Start Date: May 2019

Member: Andy B.

Mothers Choice Products

Hours: Fri 10:00–12:50pm

Wage: $13.00/hr

Start Date: Sept. 2018

Member: Stuart

Minoru Senior Centre

Hours: M-F 11:30–3:30pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: March 2017

Member: Dean & Matt

Medicine Shop Pharmacy

Hours: Thurs 11:00–4pm

Wage: $12.65/hr

Start Date: May 2019

Member: Lira

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Armin G Outside Cleaner

Supported/Independent Employment

Name Site Name Site

Susan S. Support Worker Karen P.

Food Services

Matthew A.D. Baggage Handler - Airport

Gregory D. Dishwasher

Paulie B. Tech Support Chris N. Peer Support Worker

Jose C. Peer Support/Recreation Leader

Steve F. Packaging

Debbie C. Dishwasher Darren H. Health Care Aide

Richard H. Maintenance Maria P. Food Services

Jeannette V. Office Assistant Tiffany E. Lobby Cleaner

Derek Y. Front Desk Attendant Scott W. Labourer

Glenn C. Peer Support Worker Trevor D. Labourer

Kristie C. Building Manager Tyler C. Building Manager

Jane N. Cafeteria Worker Patrick C. Math Tutor

Nelson B. Labourer

Vincent K. Dishwasher

Armin G. Cleaner Samuel E.

Lot Attendant

Taryn C. Cashier

Wendy W.

Labourer

Chris C. Labourer Ariel H.

Machine Operator

Raylene S. Customer Service Mark L. Dishwasher

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The Good News requests your articles about the

Clubhouse, your personal story, what is happening in the mental health community, employment and education. Submit your articles to the Membership

and Business Unit.

A Guaranteed Right To a place to come To meaningful work To meaningful relationships To a place to return

Thanks to everyone who helped

get the Good News out!

315– 8111 Granville Ave. Richmond B.C.

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