In 1990 after being discharged from the United States Army from a twenty-five year career, I was a total basket case having served two combat terms during and after the Vietnam War, including stints in Afghanistan. I was diagnosed with a severe case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) dealing with anxiety associated with episodic mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs, not discounting paranoia and other repetitive behaviors. Make no mistake about it — schizophrenia and any other symptoms thereof, are real and dangerous aspects detrimental to maintaining equilibrium. I was unbalanced, uncooperative needing help, and quick! I searched quite a while trying to find solutions to no avail.  For a while I couldn’t cope and my family suffered in the interim. The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Miami with their myriad of psychological clinics was nothing more than the proverbial band-aid effect, with their periodic checkups, sporadic rehab groups, and self-help forums that left me unsatisfied. They didn’t help at all. Yes, many times I’ve questioned were there anything else above and beyond the pain and angst I felt that would help me to face the world knowing how inadequate I was. It wasn’t until I attended a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) membership drive that I met a dynamic personality that allayed my fears, ushering me through their doors.

     Robin, I’m forever grateful to you! It was through her, and the programs provided there that I heard about NAMI that specialized in reintegrating consumers back into society with better ways to cope. My main focus then, as it is now, involved how I could build around, and institute myself with others for meaningful relationships performing moral activities to bring out healthy behavior and wellness. What I craved most was a community where I could belong…where I could help myself while under the influence of my peers in rehab. Subsequently, I was introduced to a wonderful concept and organization run by a grand dame who felt I could make a difference in my own diaspora. I thank you, too, Stephanie for the opportunity! Along the way to finding a thriving mind, I was hired at the erstwhile South Florida Behavior Network as a Housing Peer. Ultimately having given the opportunity to attend various conferences on correcting ways for consumers reentering society having the right resources for recovery, I found better steps to stability. I also found contentment. What a revelation! I dedicated myself to the task of finding better and various ways to help out-going patients in treatment centers chances at success. I wanted to give them the same opportunities I sought, with ‘can-do’ mentalities. I immediately found myself in the throes of what it meant being a part of a Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) mandate. ROSC is all about finding adequate resources during and after recovery modes of rehabilitation. There will never be success until you can find a niche or a groove to grow in as long the right help is available. I was still on a journey for a new path of transitional value.

   That new organization was the Key Clubhouse of South Florida. A mental health clubhouse is a win-win situation. I don’t mind telling you how it changed my life, and how continuity has an effect on my involvement in it. It has been seven years now as a member, four of which I was invited to be part of the Board of Directors. We have members on the threshold of competency, living the clubhouse model, some in jobs, others waiting for the opportunity to work. Our current Executive Clubhouse Director has made major steps in the right direction, under the auspices of a Board Director is piloting a ship worthy of waves for contention. I cannot forget the founding members (Amy, Marilyn, and to a certain degree, Carla) who are still active—you are continuing doing your part by embracing me to realize my dream. Alas, we are growing always looking for ways to eradicate stigmata, and a society that tend to underestimate the power of positive attitudes. I’m finally able to hit the ball far enough down the fairways feeling comfortable in my role, as an Educator, Innovator, and Originator of thought-provoking measures as I embrace and experience all of the psychosocial mores that fuel my life in the clubhouse! Other national and international clubhouses use the same modicum of success, as I have visited two in particular (Gateway in Greenville, SC and Fountain House in New York). I’ve learned a lot and will be at the ready supporting clubhouse tenants. As such, there’s much to be said about ‘The Fountain House model,’ an iconic phrase that is often heard and seen among mental health pendants, seminars, conferences, and circulated literature, and just about anywhere rehabilitation modules are implemented. I’m aware how concepts can take on different meanings to different people, especially from philosophy to practice in the clubhouse culture. Pretty soon we will move into a brand new facility, with housing no less. 

     As I close this article I will never close my mind, and my heart will be open to challenge change and allow destiny be valued beyond measure. The new clubhouse will grow exponentially to greater heights further giving us high(er) visibility. Thus, we must continually through mutual esteem and respect in our relationships, constantly reinforce meaningful terms and conditions that would imbed in the minds of communities on all levels the need to invest in mental health proponents— without bias. Then, and only then can we assure a unified clubhouse experience promoting wellness and a vibrant atmosphere for all concerned. My psychological rehab is ongoing and stimulated. Until you know who we are, what we do, why we do it, you will forever be bound to the stigma of mental health. Support our cause, be a catalyst for change. Teamwork makes the dream work!