Whatcom Clubhouse is a non-profit in Bellingham, WA. Our mission is to end social and economic isolation for adults with a mental health condition through daily support, psychosocial rehabilitation, and a safe environment.

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

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Members Achievements

A focus on members’ personal milestones

(right to left) Steven, Sean, Enzo, and Matt jamming

Matt is focusing on physical wellness, ranging from learning Tai Chi at Majestic Ballroom to receiving chiropractic adjustments.
Brandon is developing his outreach, podcast, and public speaking practice, presenting his keynote speech at Rotary clubs.
Steven, Josh, and other members are building out the music room at the Clubhouse to practice music and record podcasts. A bi-monthly jam session has been established.
Evynn and Cypress are developing their art practice. Evynn currently has an art exhibit on display at the Majestic Ballroom.

Success Story

Highlighting development

Burbank public speaking at local Rotary Club

An Interview on Creating Opportunities

Brandon Burbank is a Whatcom Clubhouse member passionate about mental health advocacy. Ranging from public speeches to a self-published memoir, Burbank has transformed a diagnosis into an opportunity to connect with the community, working to educate and inspire self-improvement.

How did you begin your public speaking journey?

“I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, and I've gone through many challenges with my mental health. In a nutshell, I decided to take my experiences and turn it into more value to help other people. I've done many speeches and have been very committed to it. “

How have you transformed this interest into a passion?

“Even though I still have a lot of room for growth, it's helping me to stay focused and have a purpose in life. I think a lot of people who have a mental illness lack purpose. If they have more purpose in their life, like going to the clubhouse and having an opportunity to socialize and connect with other people - that connecting point inspires people to change their mindset. So that they can allow themselves to grow. I get that some people have their own limitations with their mental health, but most of the time, people still can make some type of progress over time.

What advice can you provide for others looking to create their own opportunities?

“You have to start getting very intentional with your life. You have to be able to commit yourself to a mindset that will help you work on yourself instead of worrying about noise in the world. Focus on that one thing, that one thing that gives you drive, that one thing that gives you passion. And once you continue to stick to that, eventually things will start to open up. And that's what I'm facing with my own patience, with my speaking business. I think the biggest thing that comes to mind is you can't do it alone. You have to be willing to ask for help.”

Wellness Tips

Practical advice suporting mental health

An Interview on Wellness Routines

Kelsey Ottum is a mental health therapist serving the Ferndale School District.

How would you define wellness?

“I would say that wellness really is a practice - doing things that are healthy for your whole being. Something that's physically healthy, whether that's eating healthy or movement. Or it could be something for your mind, like reading or socializing with another healthy person. It’s taking action to feel well.”

How can one work towards prioritizing wellness in their life?

“Getting outside. I think the biggest thing is finding time for it and making it a priority. It doesn't have to be all day. A lot of times when we struggle, we stay inside. It doesn't have to be a huge thing. It can be, ‘I'm going to sit outside to listen to the birds for five minutes’. Really reframing how we think, so we don't feel overwhelmed and continue to engage in it.”

What would be an outlook to keep in mind that prioritizes wellness in ourselves and our community?

“Like a drop in a pool of water - if I do something for my own wellness that ripples into everybody else. Because if I'm well, other people are able to benefit from me being well. So every time I do something, even if it's for five minutes - it is healing. Not just for me, but for everyone.”

Community Activity

An event bringing members together

Bellingham Goodwill Store and Job Training Center

An Interview on Employment Support

London St. Germain is an employment specialist at the Whatcom Job Training and Education Center. Whatcom Clubhouse members toured this location on a group outing.

What is the goal and function of the JTEC?

“Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that provides job training, education and support services to individuals in our Job Training and Education Centers (JTEC). Our classes and workshops help change lives by supporting our students’ educational and employment goals, providing opportunities to learn new skills, and helping them achieve financial security.”

How does JTEC support the educational and employment needs of community members?

“All programs and services are offered to Evergreen Goodwill students free of charge. We offer beginner level computer, GED and High School Completion, and English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) classes. We also provide job labs and workshops that are open to the community to provide job skills training on resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and application assistance. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them to overcome barriers to employment and achieve their career goals.”

What external developments could be made to make JTEC services more accessible for the community?

“One way that the Whatcom JTEC makes their services more accessible for the community is through the use of our Digital Equity Bus (DEB). This wi-fi equipped, mobile classroom serves students in rural areas. The DEB offers job training, workshops and classes to students that may have difficulties accessing one of Evergreen Goodwill’s job training centers. We are always looking for more community organizations to partner with to bring DEB to their locations to provide job training services to the community.”

Thank you for supporting Whatcom Clubhouse!

Please consider a charitable contribution to work towards ending isolation for adults with a mental health condition.