Discover Community Healing at Hudson Valley Clubhouse

The Hudson Valley Clubhouse, nestled in a charming three-story Victorian house in downtown Poughkeepsie, serves as a unique and innovative therapeutic community for adults living with serious mental illnesses. This non-residential program operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and is designed to emulate a productive, work-like environment where its members can thrive and regain confidence in their abilities.

Blaise Sackett, along with staff members like Sarah Santos and members including Sarah Kadeish, have fostered a community where individuals are known as 'members' rather than clients or patients, highlighting the equal and active role they play in the clubhouse's daily operations. This egalitarian approach is key to empowering the members, who engage in various tasks essential for the clubhouse's function and their personal growth. These tasks range from administrative duties and record-keeping to more creative pursuits like writing for the clubhouse newsletter and managing a poetry magazine.

The clubhouse's structure allows members to contribute according to their strengths and interests. For instance, those with culinary skills might participate in meal preparation in the kitchen, while those inclined towards gardening could tend to the herb garden in pots outside the building. This hands-on approach not only aids in skill development but also enhances members' self-esteem as they see the tangible results of their work.

Moreover, the Hudson Valley Clubhouse actively involves its members in advocacy and public speaking, giving them a platform to influence mental health legislation and policy. Trips to Albany to speak with legislators are common, aligning with the clubhouse's mission to raise awareness and secure support for mental health initiatives.

The impact of the clubhouse extends beyond individual members to the broader community. It challenges the stigma associated with mental illness by showcasing the capabilities and contributions of its members. Public events and partnerships, like the one with the Hudson Valley Renegades for a Mental Health Awareness Day, further this goal by integrating the clubhouse into wider community activities and raising public awareness about mental health.

Blaise Sackett notes the importance of such integration, stating, "By being part of a natural community that evolves day to day, members build the stamina to be able to go out into the world and be part of our wider community." This statement underscores the clubhouse's role not just as a place of personal development but as a springboard for societal reintegration.

The Hudson Valley Clubhouse also highlights the effectiveness of a strengths-based, rather than disability-focused, approach to mental health recovery. This method fosters a supportive environment where members can define their own recovery paths and progress at their own pace, free from the pressures and labels that often accompany clinical treatments.

For those interested in joining or supporting the Hudson Valley Clubhouse, or simply learning more about its unique model, further information can be found on their website at hvclubhouse.org. This resource is a gateway to understanding how the clubhouse works, its mission, and its profound impact on its members and the larger community in the Hudson Valley.

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