Light of Hope celebrates Clubhouse International accreditation
Courtesy Photo Light of Hope Clubhouse colleagues, Clubhouse International staff, and community members gather for a photo at the recent accreditation findings meeting and celebration.
News Photo by Darby Hinkley Light of Hope Clubhouse member Tina Gries stands behind the counter at the store inside Light of Hope Clubhouse. She and other members work in various capacities at the clubhouse.
Courtesy Photo Light of Hope Clubhouse colleagues, Clubhouse International staff, and community members gather for a photo at the recent accreditation findings meeting and celebration.
News Photo by Darby Hinkley Light of Hope Clubhouse member Tina Gries stands behind the counter at the store inside Light of Hope Clubhouse. She and other members work in various capacities at the clubhouse.
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ALPENA -- Light of Hope Clubhouse in Alpena recently hosted Clubhouse International representatives for their accreditation findings meeting and celebration.
Clubhouse staff, members, community members, and visitors from the Bay City sister clubhouse enjoyed a delicious brunch made by members before hearing the findings from the Clubhouse International representatives.
"We have 38 standards within Clubhouse International that all accredited clubhouses operate under, and their visit was to come in and see how closely we were meeting those standards," said Jason Dagner, social practitioner at Light of Hope Clubhouse. "The standards assure that our membership has as much control in the clubhouse and as much of a say in everything from … maintenance to administration."
Dagner explained that the accreditation findings presentation is done every several years.
"With this accreditation, it's not a pass or fail," Dagner said. "These are just recommendations on how to better our clubhouse community."
He said the exit review showed they will likely receive another three-year accreditation, which is a positive outcome.
Light of Hope Clubhouse, established in 1994, currently has about 45 active members, Dagner said. He added that once you're a member, you're a member for life, so, in total, their membership is over 60.
The Clubhouse has always been located at 228 S. 3rd Ave. in Alpena, which is now more recognizable because of the colorful Alpena Flyer mural on the side of the building, as part of the Fresh Waves mural project through the Alpena Downtown Development Authority.
"Our community is mental health rehab and recovery," Dagner explained.
Many members choose to work on tasks in different areas of the clubhouse, whether it's in the office, kitchen, store, or other areas.
"It's totally voluntary. Members choose when they attend, and when they're attending, they choose where they would like to work, the staff who they'd like to work with, and there are no assigned tasks."
Member Tina Gries often works in the office and store, as well as other areas.
"It's designed to give members a sense of purpose and belonging," Dagner said. "Many folks with a mental health diagnosis struggle with finding a community that accepts them where they are, whether they're super productive or having a bad day."
Gries has been a member of the clubhouse for six years, and she loves the friendship and support she gets there.
"I like that the staff is friendly," Gries said. "I like all the members. I like how I get to work in the business unit, the store, and help around clubhouse as much as I can."
She said being a part of Light of Hope Clubhouse is essential to her life.
"It means they're here for me," Gries said. "I'll never be alone. I will always have friends here."
She enjoys going on the recreational field trips they have periodically.
Gries lives in Lewiston, but she comes all the way to the Alpena clubhouse each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
"They provide transportation," she said. "They pick me up."
She doesn't drive, so she is very grateful transportation is available.
"I depend on them to come pick me up," Gries said.
She said since she's been coming to Light of Hope Clubhouse, her life is "a heck of a lot better."
Between the clubhouse and her "fur babies," she's doing well coping with her mental health. She has six cats, a dog, and two bunnies, born on Easter last year.
Dagner added that outreach is part of their program as well.
"We do have an outreach program … we send birthday cards, thinking of you cards for members who may be isolating or withdrawing from the community," Dagner said, "in an effort to support them and let them know that they're wanted and missed here at the clubhouse."
Call Light of Hope at 989-340-0558, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.