Goodbye Lydia

As her time at the clubhouse comes to an end, she leaves with a

heart full of gratitude and reflection. What began as a new and

slightly overwhelming experience soon turned into a journey of

connection, healing, and community.

One of her favorite experiences was participating in the walking

group. She loved being able to step outside, enjoy the fresh air, and

share conversations with others who joined. It wasn't just about

getting exercise—it was about creating space for connection and

promoting both physical and mental wellness. She especially enjoyed

talking with Parker and Wes, whose conversations about movies and

video games were always fun and engaging.

Throughout her time here, she came to deeply appreciate the role

relationships have, especially in healing. Everyone is at a different

point in their journey, but there's something incredibly beautiful

about how people come together here to support one another and

build community, regardless of where they‟re at.

She remembers feeling nervous and overwhelmed during her first

few days. The Clubhouse has an unstructured work oriented day,

which made it difficult to learn since they weren't set tasks, and she

had to get to know so many people all at once. But even in those

early moments, she felt welcomed. Colleagues were kind, patient,

and intentional about helping her feel comfortable. Over time, they

did a wonderful job integrating her into the work-ordered day, giving

her both support and space to find her own rhythm.

She was also struck by how accessible the services are at the

Clubhouse. Unlike many other places, where barriers like income

verification or paperwork can get in the way, the clubhouse keeps

things simple. With only a few requirements—being 18 or older and

having a mental health diagnosis—people are able to access a wide

range of supportive resources.

As she says goodbye, she carries with her the lessons, relationships,

and memories that made this chapter so special. It was more than

just a place to work—it was a place to grow and connect. She leaves

with deep appreciation for everyone who made her feel at home.

“Embrace the chaos, it won't always be chaos”

- Cora Dale Clubhouse