Recovery Can Happen

An article about what's going on at Bridges Clubhouse 

"Recovery can happen. Steps can be taken. Dreams are still possible." These are just a few ways to describe what Bridges Clubhouse is composed of. Members are daily engaged in job readiness groups, community meetings, psycho-social rehabilitation groups, leisure skills and trips. Members can interact with peers in a work ordered day that is meaningful and fun.

One of Bridges Clubhouse's work units is the Kitchen, where bellies are filled and new skills are learned. Members cook their meals with staff guiding them. This is no small task, as Bridges feeds fifty to sixty people daily. They get food from Harvest Hope Food Bank and Wal-Mart. Members also get a special treat on their birthdays, speaking from experience, as the kitchen prepares and makes the dinner of their choice. This is topped off with a birthday cake. The kitchen unit is both fun and hard work.

The Canteen unit at Bridges is an exciting unit where members can learn new skills in customer service, learning the cash register, shopping for the unit, inventory, and stocking. The unit has a new popcorn machine (as the crowd goes wild) and serves yogurt parfaits and trail mix.

In the Clerical unit members participate in doing activity sheets, taking attendance, filing, and keeping records. They also reach out to members that are sick or missing. The maintenance unit members are involved in cleaning the building and making all kinds of repairs (Thank you guys for all your work.)

In the Sorting unit at Bridges members take and organize donations for Bridges Clubhouse's thrift store. Members also take clothes in to help the people of Haiti. The reception unit members make a welcoming atmosphere and overlook members signing in and out. They also answer phone calls and take messages.

Bridges has a new and exciting Media Arts unit that involves a variety of tasks. The unit produces a daily film that members and staff alike watch at wrap up. Members are learning to deal with up to date media software and technology. Members develop skits, news, and pieces about what's going on at the clubhouse. They get to be anchors, actors, reporters, writers, camera/video operators and editors. Members are excited about this and get to learn all types of skills from filming to putting their best face in front of the camera.

Finally, Bridges Clubhouse had a vision and dream come true in developing and having their own Thrift Store. Members in this unit are able to work on all skills needed in working in retail. It's located on the corner of Airport Blvd. and Boston Ave. next to Lizard's Thicket. (By the way we're taking donations.) Call the store for more info at 803-351-5096 or the main office at 803-779-5363.

As well as working in units, members also participate and learn many skills in psycho-social rehabilitation groups such as anger management, social skills, coping skills, and recovery groups. Members have a wrap-up session to talk about the day and watch the media arts film. To top off the day at Bridges members are able to let some steam off and learn important skills about a well-balanced life by participating in leisure activities for an hour. Members play pool, cards and bingo. Members can participate in art groups, a poetry group, and a spirituality group, or go on a trip to Wal-Mart.

On a personal level Bridges has meant the world to me and has endless opportunities to work on recovery with a positive attitude. Like the name says, the program helps build bridges to healthy recovery. I have taken steps, gained confidence and frankly built a life again for myself. Members have developed friendships and have hooked into something outside themselves.

"Recovery can happen. Steps can be taken. Dreams are still possible."

written by Tim Stewart