June Newsletter
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.
Thank you for supporting Whatcom Clubhouse!
Members Achievements
A focus on members’ milestones
Brandon at Whatcom Clubhouse’s Art Group Installation
Art Group created a room-sized diorama installation, inspired by Matt’s creative vision, to be featured in Bellingham’s June Art Walk.
With guidance from a coach, Brandon is working on writing and presenting a new keynote speech.
Joe is preparing to travel to a Clubhouse International Conference this month.
Members have come together to produce a weekly podcast and promote our upcoming fundraiser, ‘Run for Lives’.
Success Story
Highlighting development
Mike at the YMCA for a swim
An Interview on Self-Improvement
Mike Bragg is a Whatcom Clubhouse member passionate about self-help. Through recovery and ministry work, Bragg has grown into the role of a programming staff team member at the Lighthouse Mission, utilizing faith to connect and inspire.
How did you get inspired to focus on self-improvement?
“I just didn't like the way I was living. I didn't like where I was, and I knew that there was a better place that I could get to. I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I just did it one day at a time - one step at a time. I would have days where I was in my head a lot, and I had all kinds of negative energy and negative thoughts coming through my mind. But I knew that I had to get to a better place. So I just started focusing on letting go of the old and building the new. And pretty soon, I would start to add these little habits that would become part of my daily life. And these little habits were all positive things, like reading, going for a walk, swimming, going to therapy. I didn't give up on myself - on my recovery. I just kept going. I wanted to be well so bad that I just didn't give up. Just kept going for it and kept striving for it.”
How does your perspective benefit your ministry work?
“I'm able to meet people right where they're at. I have that shared lived experience. So I'm able to empathize and understand where they're at and basically offer them hope.”
What advice would you offer others to create positive momentum in their life?
“Just put one foot in front of the other and just start somewhere. Make positive goals. Set short-term goals. And then you can reach those short-term goals, and then you start setting longer-term goals. Get yourself a plan of what you want to be doing in a year. Don't stay stuck in the same spot. Always keep moving and working towards that goal.”
Wellness Tips
Practical advice supporting mental health
An Interview on Good Sleep
Karly Layos is a wellness and recovery specialist.
What is the importance of sleep regarding one’s wellness?
“Sleep is very important for overall health and wellness for everyone, and even more so for one’s mental health. When we wake well-rested, we can take on the day with much more ease, endurance, and tolerance for what the day may bring. Proper sleep helps with better focus, memory, and cognition.”
How can one optimize their sleep?
“Establish a routine of getting to bed and waking at the same time every day, even on weekends. Try to avoid stimulants such as nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary food/drinks. Try to reduce screen time in the evening by at least an hour before bed. Make a relaxation routine every evening to help prepare your mind and body for rest.”
What is something we can remind ourselves to prioritize this discipline?
“‘Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep…’ – Thomas Aquinas”
Community Activity
An event bringing members together
Matt putting final touches to the art instillation
Thoughts on Collaboration
Matt Riggins is a Whatcom Clubhouse member passionate about theatre and creative communities. Through an opportunity to team up with Allied Arts and Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Riggins inspired Whatcom Clubhouse’s Art Group to create a room-sized diorama installation to be featured in Bellingham’s June Art Walk.
What was your creative vision going into this project?
“To complement what you [Gil Nagle, Art Group Facilitator] were doing because you were stoked on it. I knew you did the cutting out. It was your project. And within that, I felt freed. Because in the past, I would go all night and do whatever I had to do to make it work. I used to be the guy that did everything. With my injury, I still have all that creativity, but making it all happen - I can't be that anymore. I think my creative vision was to have one, because instead of thinking about all the logistics, I could bring forth something.”
How was the project collective?
“There was a lot of ‘yes’ from everyone. Even if somebody had a strong idea, there was always a willingness to look beyond it. And that was prevalent at the beginning, and then it maintained itself through. Somebody could come in from the clubhouse - people could add on stuff and there were very few parameters. A lot of saying ‘yes’ to each other. You really supported where I was going. And I felt like in that you were supporting your own vision, and I was supporting your vision. I felt like everybody was saying ‘yes’ to each other so nobody was left out in the cold.”
What future creative ideas would you like to see come to fruition?
“I want to create something that banks off another art piece in Bellingham.”
Thank you for supporting Whatcom Clubhouse!
Please consider a charitable contribution to work towards ending isolation for adults with a mental health condition.
