Throughout May, Genesis Club is amplifying #MemberVoices, to share stories of recovery during Mental Health Awareness Month.
“I heard about Genesis Club when I was in the hospital. I get really anxious about going to new places so it took awhile to get up the courage to actually come here. On my first day I took a tour and then went straight into the Young Adult Committee meeting. Everyone introduced themselves and said how long they had been a member. When it was my turn, I said, “Hi, I’m Hayley and I’ve been a member for thirty minutes.” That broke the ice and I spent the rest of the day at the Clubhouse. Everyone was so welcoming, I didn’t want to leave.
I was at a point in my life where I didn’t feel like I had a purpose or any direction. I wasn’t doing much of anything. I love that there’s so much to do at the Clubhouse and that people will help you to learn things you don’t know how to do. There are so many people at the Clubhouse who were willing to help not just me but all the younger members, figure out ‘adulting’ things.
Last fall, the young adults I knew were really depressed. It was super frustrating to see things slowly open up, and then shut down again so fast. We were afraid to start new jobs or go to school. I got a job offer but turned it down because I thought with the pandemic the company would just shut down anyway.
As for school, I was adamant when I graduated from high school that I would never go back to school. Ever! Then, I started coming here and people would ask how I felt about education. Eventually, I joined a small group on a visit to Quinsigamond Community College and I really liked it. Now, I’m enrolled in classes there and have a part-time job helping a child with his schoolwork from home.
It’s hard to describe how supportive this community is. It doesn’t matter if I am away from the Clubhouse because of school or work, or whatever. When I come in, I feel at home. And for me, that means a lot.”