July 2019

The Meeting Place Clubhouse Funded by: San Diego County HHSA

The Meeting Place is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm with Introductory Tours Mon., Tues., Thur., & Fri. at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Our Unit Meetings are held at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Check out our monthly calendar for mid-week and weekend recreational activities.

Members Work Toward Independence at TMP

There may be no better month to talk

about independence than July. Yes, there’s the

4th and the nationwide salute to our country’s

freedom, but July also marks the start of another

new and exciting fiscal year where members of

our Clubhouse continue to work on making break-

throughs with their own individual independence.

Throughout this issue, we share a few

personal stories about the leaps our members are

taking, with help from the Clubhouse, to person-

alize their own individual recovery. Some are tak-

ing the necessary steps to becoming more

healthy by customizing their own fitness regimen.

Some are taking classes in subjects they love.

Some are working toward employment, which

ultimately leads to more financial independence.

We look forward to more breakthroughs for our

members this fiscal year!

Are you interested in becoming more independent? Here are a few tips:

1. Ask for help! The Clubhouse can help you achieve the goals you have for yourself. Whether that is gaining

financial independence by going back to work or stronger self-confidence by building upon your strengths, tal-

ents and abilities.

2. Learn to cook for yourself. Learning to cook will give you greater control of what ingredients you use. It can

also help save money because you end up spending less on pre-packed meals. Again, the Clubhouse provides a

great opportunity for you to learn these skills as we are always looking for help in the kitchen to prepare our

breakfasts, lunches, dinners and café items.

3. Consider getting a job/going back to work. The Clubhouse offers a strong Work-ordered Day where you can

build pre-vocational skills and other important life skills. Our job course and job hours help reinforce these skills

and provide one-on-one employment assistance. In addition, our Transitional Employment program has been

successful in helping members return to paid work in a low stress and highly supportive environment.

Make this your year for greater independence!

Lesley and Dylan take advantage of working in the TMP kitchen

to learn how to cook.

UNIT 2

Suzy: As a receptionist, I’ve been working on

improving my handwriting and talking to callers over the phone, which are two

basic life skills that I can

definitely use outside of the Clubhouse.

Emily: Knowing that I’m needed in Unit 2 helps me keep from isolating. I

have a reason to be out and being out of my home makes me feel

independent.

Jaki: Enhancing my computer skills and socializing with other members in

Unit 2 help me with my independence outside of the Clubhouse. Without

working on these skills on a daily basis, life of TMP would be a little bit harder.

James’ Story: Finding Independence

After a Series of Challenges by Jaki

James was born in Kansas City, MO. He spent his growing

up years in Ft. Lupton, Colorado, later moving to San Diego the

end of 1980. Having lived a life both incarcerated and later

homeless, James is now aware of his challenges. To stay out of

his past life, he is finding his future changing for the better. He

is fighting to live a more positive life and stay independent.

James has been working with the organization PATH (People Assisting the

Homeless). He is on his way to having a permanent residence in a studio apartment

which he anticipates happening in the next few weeks.

James views the camaraderie at the Clubhouse as one of its positive attributes. He has not found anyone he

doesn’t like. The unit tasks help him with the things he knows and to prepare him for the discipline of having a job,

which is his key goal.

James describes the Clubhouse as a place where everyone gets along. Something he says is a very good thing

for his stability.

SPOTLIGHT July

Birthdays

The Meeting Place News Volume 19 Issue 1

Welcome To Our Newest Members Bryan G., Charles G., Craig, Darin, David S., James P., Jannel, Kathleen

The Work-Order Day Fosters Independence by Robert G. and Jeff

UNIT 1

Heidi: Unit 1 helps me become more independent by encouraging me to learn new

skills like running the Point of Sale register. I’m also becoming more confident

around my colleagues.

Dylan: Coming to the Clubhouse gives me a set schedule, which helps me main-

tain and build my independence.

Robert G.: It’s like an anchor to me. I schedule my week around the Work-

Ordered Day. This keeps me organized, which is good for increasing independ-

ence.

Christina: I work on being more independent at TMP by taking accountability with

the tasks I sign for.

George

5th

Cynthia

10th

Page 3

SCHOOL & EMPLOYMENT

Volunteering and Child Development Classes

Push Emily Toward Independence by Chris and Emily

Free Self-Enrichment Art Classes Pay off As

Mary Wins Second Place in San Diego Fair by Roger

Mary, an important member of the Meeting Place, is also a win-

ner in the San Diego Fair’s fine art competition, placing second in the

“Student Showcase.” For her entry, Mary painted a flower using the

Japanese Sumi watercolor painting style. Mary has been practicing this

painting style at the Mission Valley Library for four years now, learning

different brush strokes and colors. The class meets once a week. The

class is free, but students must buy their own art supplies.

Aside from this achievement, Mary also noted, “painting has al-

lowed me to express myself and prevents me from isolating. In fact, it

provides healing.” Clearly, Mary is aware of the therapeutic value of her

endeavor, and the Meeting Place is very proud of Mary’s accomplished.

Free self-enrichment classes are offered all over San Diego. If

you’d like to learn more and enroll, see your staff member!

Avoiding isolation at home has been a huge part of Emily’s recov-

ery. While also attending the Clubhouse, Emily has taken steps to stay

busy and continue the thing she loves: working with kids. She volunteers

twice a week at Alcott Elementary School helping out in their special edu-

cation program. Many of the students live with conditions such as autism

and down syndrome. “I really enjoy assisting the kids. I feel good at the

end of the day and the teachers say I do a great job,” Emily says.

In the Fall, she hopes to enroll in Child Development classes at

Mesa College. As she works toward her goal of becoming a special edu-

cation teacher at a preschool, she is grateful for the support she receives

from the Clubhouse and the encouragement to become more independ-

ent: “The Clubhouse work keeps me busy. I’ve been working on my so-

cial skills while working with other members and staff. I’m also building

more stamina to keep up with my schedule. It also keeps me out of the

house!”

The Clubhouse looks forward to seeing Emily’s progress with her

goals even though she’s already made giant steps with her recovery.

Debbie Jackson Schwab Dorfman

Around the Clubhouse, I’m known as Erica’s

mom. Although we lived in the New York area for 35

years, our family had not heard of the Clubhouse or

Fountain House. Those of you who were at Cynthia

and Mark’s house in December heard me speak with

passion about the Clubhouse and how it has saved

Erica’s life. I’d like to help the Clubhouse in return by

serving on its board.

I am now retired from a business career in both

retail management and wholesale areas, including de-

partment stores, corporate office and the museum

world. I think I have many transferrable skills that

could benefit the Clubhouse. I was known for develop-

ing people, from hiring to training, finishing them off

and pushing them on to their next assignment. My

budgets ranged from $100K at a small museum to $12M at the corporate office, all developed line-by-line and as-

sortment plans for products. In addition, I handled vertical product development from the idea to finished product

and new business development both at the corporate level and in museums. I have planned, and opened several

new stores in the department store world and for museums.

But I believe one of my most valuable business assets is being able to see the big picture, and develop

strategies and continuum to get there. And make money at the same time!

Page 4

THE CLUBHOUSE

Meet The Meeting Place’s Newest Board Members

Roland W. Gorrie (Wil)

I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to be a member of The

Meeting Place’s Board of Directors. I have been on several boards including

Seacrest Retirement Home, and I’m currently serving on my 2nd tour for 1175

homes of our neighborhood HomeOwners Association (HOA). I also volunteer

for Light Bridge Hospice/Veterans Administration, and conduct ceremonies to

recognize veterans who have served in the military.

I am a retired Navy Supply Corps Officer and served on the USS Kitty

Hawk (CV-63) for 8 ½ years , Supply Officer of Naval Air Station Moffett

Field, and achieved the Rank of Captain before retiring with 33 years of ac-

tive service. During my final tour I was put in charge of Navy Bachelor Hous-

ing Program for the U.S. Navy World Wide. After retirement, I became the

Business Development Manager, and was awarded several Military Family

Housing contracts in San Diego County, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas and

other bases. During the past 15 years I have owned WilPower Fitness Studio

and enjoy helping clients improve their Quality of Life (QOL).

I will use my experience to assist in fundraising for The Meeting Place!

Wil Gorrie

Debbie Dorfman (R) with her daughter and Clubhouse member, Erica.

Page 5

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Exercising Independence with

Fitness Choices by Alina

Recently the Clubhouse has been switching up our

fitness activities to try to reach more members who are

interested in improving their health and wellness goals.

For any members wanting to get involved in TMP’s fitness

classes, you can now come to the class with a specific area

of fitness to work on for the class. The fitness instructor

will come up with stretches and workout plans for the ses-

sion to meet that member’s goals.

We recently reached out and asked members for

feedback, and it seems most like the idea of working on

individual needs. Sometimes, one method doesn’t work for all. There seemed to be an increased interest in power

walk/jog. As the fitness leader, I asked around to see if members would be interested in doing a fast pace walk/jog

on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in lieu of boot camp. So far the turnout has been great! For those who can’t

stay too late in the afternoon, we have also incorporated a light stretching session before morning unit meetings.

This will incorporate some balance techniques along with stretches for the whole body, including the back and hips.

It is important to continue using our muscles to support our bodies for everyday activities, such as being able to

bend down to pick something up, or picking yourself up off the ground.

Running Toward Independence by Jaki

As a marathon runner, Steven has been a great health and wellness role

model for our colleagues. Recently, he ran in the Rock & Roll Marathon, San

Diego’s largest and the one that draws thousands of runners from all over the

U.S and the world. To his list of accomplishments, Steven can add winning 3rd

place in his age group! We have seen Steven run to some of the Clubhouse So-

cial Activities. I mention this because he usually travels miles to get to us.

Whether it’s Liberty Station, the Embarcadero or other locations.

Moving to the city of Oxnard in Ventura County will be the start of the

next phase of Steven’s journey toward independence. We will miss him as he

makes his move the beginning of July. He attended the Clubhouse for 6 years.

Steven has made many friends here at the Clubhouse and saying good-

bye has not been easy for him. We will miss our resident runner and wish him

all the very best in his new endeavors. Because he has an outgoing friendly

personality, it won’t be difficult for him to make new friends. We all look forward to seeing Steven achieve his goal

of running more marathons and having some of his writings published!

June’s Events Roger, Jaki and Chris R.

Teambuilding Picnic

At the end of June, TMP held the first teambuilding picnic of the sum-

mer months. It was a lovely day at the Embarcadero South behind the Con-

vention Center. Besides discussing ways to invigorate our fitness program,

we also surprised Sharron with a card for her 20th Anniversary as TMP’s di-

rector and celebrated with one of her favorite desserts: low-carb cheesecake.

Before the celebrating, a few of the members and staff played a very tense 4

on 4 game of half-court basketball. It ended up being a close one, but eve-

ryone who participated was a winner. TMP looks forward to more picnics

and competitive games during the summer months!

Poker Day

The Meeting Place hosted Poker Day on Saturday, June

22nd, with the group starting out with 5-card poker, then mov-

ing on to Texas Hold ’Em. There were many ups and downs for

all the players, with George and Suzy starting especially strong

in the beginning. Roger picked up steam in the middle, and

Alina had some big hands at the end. Suzy had some great

hands including four-of-a-kind and a full-house. George played

most of his hands, a good strategy for poker with a small num-

ber of players. Roger won a hand, when he was small stack, in

which he went all in. Poker was very exciting and fun, with

Alina being our winner, followed by Roger and George.

The Meeting Place News Volume 19 Issue 1

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Father’s Day Eve at TMP The Clubhouse celebrated Father’s Day on Saturday

the 14th, the day before the actual date. Not only was it well-

planned, it was well-attended. There was a staff member who

invited her dad, members who brought their dads, one mem-

ber came with her husband, and there were men who were

guests of members who made a significant difference in the

members’ lives.

Everyone got to know each other and enjoy delicious

food. The menu included build your own burgers, a macaroni

salad, baked beans and an “old school treat,” root beer floats.

It was a perfect prelude to Father’s Day for everyone. One of

the quotes about the day was, “It was great to meet the dads

and see them bonding with each other and having such an

awesome afternoon.”

Page 7

Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Gift Cards

for our healthy, organic meals

Monetary donations

Individual Hand Sanitizers

Gas Gift Cards

Transitional Employment Leads

Here is my gift to help The Meeting

Place Clubhouse

$10 $25 $50 $75 $100 Other $_______

Your generous donation will go toward the growth and advancement of

The Meeting Place Clubhouse, Inc., as one of the leading Mental Health Recovery Programs in

San Diego County.

I would like to receive The Meeting Place Clubhouse monthly Newsletter

Name: ________ Thank you

for

E-mail: ________ your gift!

YES! I WANT TO SUPPORT THE MEETING PLACE CLUBHOUSE

ODDS & ENDS

WARMLINE Peer to Peer

Funded by the County of San Diego

HHSA

1 (800) 930-9276

Or

1 (619) 295-1055

What is The Warmline?

The Warmline is a friendly

telephone support line, answered by

Peer Support Specialists. We listen to

concerns, offer referrals and provide

understanding because we have been

there, done that.

The Warmline is a non-crisis,

non-emergency phone service.

The Warm-line is in operation from 3:30 P.M. to

11:00 P.M., 7 days a week (except holidays).

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words The Meeting Place Wish List

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get

the latest updates on what’s happening at

The Meeting Place Clubhouse!

2553 State Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-294-9582 Fax: 619-294-9588

Email: themeetingplace@tmpclubhouse.org Website: www.themeetingplaceinc.org

WHAT WE GUARANTEE

A PLACE TO COME

The Meeting Place is open to any adult age 18 or older with a diagnosed mental health disorder who resides within the county of San Diego. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. We also offer evening and weekend activities for fun and

relaxation. Individuals who participate in our Clubhouse are called members.

MEANINGFUL WORK

At The Meeting Place, we believe everyone has something to contribute. Members and staff work side by side to facilitate the day-to-

day operations of the clubhouse and perform numerous tasks to ensure smooth operation of the program.

Examples of tasks performed by members include: answering phones, preparing breakfast and lunch, gardening, typing, filing,

entering data and maintaining records, tutoring, mentoring, writing, and coordinating the publication of the monthly newsletter,

The Meeting Place News, and everything that goes into creating our daily in-house newscast, KTMP Daily News.

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Through the shared work of the clubhouse, meaningful relationships are developed between members and staff. But it’s not all work at

The Meeting Place! Membership has its privileges. These include outings to local restaurants, plays, tourist attractions, and other

special activities.

Members and staff celebrate holidays, birthdays and achievements together. The Meeting Place is a place to come when you’re happy

or when you’re sad—you’re always welcome and you’re always among friends.

A PLACE TO RETURN TO

Membership is for life. No matter how long you’ve been gone, you can always come back home. Returning members are welcomed and they are immediately returned to active status if they request it.

The First Clubhouse International Accredited Clubhouse in California

Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award

and Lilly Reintegration Award