September 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
A clubhouse outing at Hovander Park
Members and staff have begun going on outings, from berry picking to frisbee golf.
AR purchased a car.
Matt directed and acted in a self-produced play.
Members and staff have come together to paint the Clubhouse and plan two murals.
Success Story
Highlighting development
Arlette on the Campus of Whatcom Community College.
An Interview on Education
Arlette is a clubhouse member who enjoys entrepreneurship, fashion, and music. Currently a student at Whatcom Community College, she is pursuing business administration.
What goals brought you to pursue higher education?
“First of all, it's just for a better working experience. Secondly, it's because I've always valued education. I like the idea of having something to do where you can think with your mind and work on that and exercise your brain and let it grow.”
What skills have you developed to succeed in school?
“I've always been really good about finishing school work, but it was mostly time management skills.”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to further their education?
“Do it for you. Make sure you know exactly what you're going to school for. Otherwise, just going there to get some random degree - I don't think that's gonna work. Know yourself first. You need to know what you're doing in life. First, you need to figure out what your hobbies are. You need to figure out what you're good at. You need to figure out what the world needs, and you need to figure out how you can fit in that space. Make sure you follow through.”
Wellness Tips
Practical advice supporting mental health
A worksheet to organize personal finances
An Interview on Financial Wellness
Evan Mulligan is an education and employment specialist with an emphasis on financial literacy.
How does wellness relate to personal finances?
“If you can manage the amount of money you have coming in, and make sure you have enough money for food, to pay your bills, to live every day, then you create stability. Having a safe environment for yourself will help your mental wellness.”
How can one optimize financial well-being?
“Know how much money you have coming in and how much you're spending on bills. Look at everything and keep track of what you're spending every month. Just take a day and look at all of it, and right there, you'll do yourself a huge favor of knowing where you are financially. Know how much money you're gonna have to make it till the end of the month.”
Community Activity
An event bringing members together
Carrie’s Black Berry turnovers
Thoughts on Sharing Passion
Carrie is a member who is passionate about baking and supporting others. After a Cluhouse outing of picking berries, she baked and shared pasties.
What brought you to bake and share pasties with the Clubhouse?
“It was something for everyone, and it sharpened my skills on baking. I baked with love and intention.”
Has this venture inspired any future activities?
“We can try different fillings, like apples.”
Thank you for supporting Whatcom Clubhouse!
Please consider a charitable contribution to work towards ending isolation for adults with a mental health condition.
