I first found out about the Elmwood Social Club in 1993 when I picked up the Today Newsletter published by the Mental Health Association in Erie County. The Elmwood Social Club calendar was listed in it. I had attended the Phoenix Club (a self-help group for those with schizophrenia) at the Mental Health Association. My counselor had been urging me to go to the Phoenix Club for a year. I had met some amazing people at the Phoenix Club. I called the Elmwood Social Club on a Friday evening when there was going to be a movie. I was invited over.

After many years of being the loner I didn’t want to be, I found refuge at the Elmwood Social Club. At first there was just one friend. I felt comfortable being at her table, drinking coffee and smoking. I played ping-pong with an older gentleman. After that he wasn’t around, I asked a staff person about him. She said he was in the hospital. I was paranoid that this was my fault. Later the staff person said it had nothing to do with me. I still wasn’t sure. I guess I wasn’t sure of much those days.

There is some kind of magic to the place. It’s the people that go there and the staff. As time went by, I made more friends and I started to realize I had found my home. During 14 years of engineering work, four years in college, and everywhere else I’ve been, I never felt as welcome anywhere.

Everyone is so friendly at the Clubhouse. I just look forward to going there every day and seeing my friends. Sometimes we play cards or pool or just sit around and talk or joke around. There is no feeling after these years that the boss is watching or that I might say the wrong thing. I mostly relax with friends.

The staff is always there to provide help, safety, and a reassuring word.

There are a number of ongoing programs that Clubhouse members can get involved with. Work-order day provides a structured morning where functions of the clubhouse are taken care of and credits are earned toward a TEP (Transitional Employment Placement) job. Afternoon and evening hours provide leisure and social activities (my favorite times). There is a Kitchen Unit that prepares 12 meals a week and does meal planning and shopping. A Clerical Unit produces a newsletter called the Initiative. All members of the club can have their opinions, poetry or other writings published there including black and white artwork. The Clerical Unit also does other clerical work for the Clubhouse.

A Snack Bar unit does all the shopping, microwave food preparation and sales at the Snack Bar. Members can buy coffee, microwave breakfasts, snacks or a cold soda. Most of the items are at a reduced cost and there is no sales tax. Also, an Activities Unit plans the monthly calendar of events, meetings or special activities to be approved at the weekly members meeting.

There are scheduled leisure activities or the Clubhouse can just be a place to be for a while. Go to the Clubhouse some time and I’m sure you will find it to be a wonderful place, as I have. I feel friendship is very important in life. A close friend can help ease feelings of being alone. It may take a while to find a best friend anywhere, but I think it will happen for you as it has happened for me. We are a community of mental health consumers in Buffalo. I think we can all help each other to make a better life.

There is a group of member leaders who are elected every six months by the members of the Clubhouse. There are a President, Vice President, Secretary, Sergeant-At-Arms and Treasurer. And, they have real authority, along with voting members, to operate the Clubhouse as they see fit, although there has been some variation as time goes by and different officers win elections.

Of course other members and I have found room for improvement. From time to time there has been disagreement among the staff and members. The Elmwood Clubhouse is a very dynamic place with many ideas and philosophies circulating. Staff and members bring in various ideas with the result being a partnership between members and staff, with members feeling empowered.

It is unfortunate that the mental health system sometimes overmedicates people or otherwise teaches submission. Sometimes the spirit is even broken completely, resulting in apathy. We desperately need places where people can rebuild their strength and feel empowered to take control of their lives. I think the Elmwood Clubhouse is this kind of place. It has worked for me.

Restoration Society Clubhouses are places where things can happen. There are four Clubhouses in the City of Buffalo. The atmosphere is different in each Clubhouse. Try them all, and I hope you will find at least one that you like.

The Elmwood Clubhouse is located at 12 Elmwood Avenue at Virginia Street, Buffalo, New York 14201. The phone number is 716-884-5216. The Clubhouse is set to move soon.

The Friendship Clubhouse is located at 66 Englewood Avenue near Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14214. The number is 716-835-1919. The West Side Clubhouse is located at 175 Potomac Avenue near Grant Street, Buffalo, New York 14213. The phone number is 716-886-3246. The High Hopes Clubhouse is located at 2969 Bailey Avenue near Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14215. The phone number is 716-831-9516.