[Austin Clubhouse] made me feel like I was not alone. Even when I was having a hard time they still made me feel like I was needed and wanted.

For nearly 10 years I have been a member of the Austin Clubhouse. I share my recovery story, which helps me to continue my own journey and hopefully hearing my story will help other members.

Before I discovered the Austin Clubhouse, I was unhoused and unemployed. For the most part, I was living out of my car and my sole income was SSDI. It felt like an uphill battle trying to sleep in my car while actively seeking employment.

The Austin Clubhouse was different because of the meaningful volunteer opportunities it offered, like marketing and event planning.

Before Austin Clubhouse, I always felt a bit isolated because I could not share my diagnosis of bipolar and its symptoms with anyone outside my nuclear family.

We all have struggled, and wrestled, and strived to better ourselves even in the face of adverse events and situations. Life is as difficult for most of us as it is beautiful.

The Clubhouse has become my lifeline again. I feel like that butterfly. I have become a new creature again.

Austin Clubhouse was really helpful for me to feel involved and connected to my friends and ‘social family’ again.

I now have the Clubhouse to look forward to everyday and people that value my opinions and insights.

My anxiety had been extremely high because I was afraid my depression would worsen knowing I couldn’t go to the Clubhouse.

These are very strange and uncertain times. We don’t know what the long term outcome of all this might be, but take solace that we will come through on the other side together.

The Austin Clubhouse has given me confidence in myself, acceptance, purpose, work training and plenty of people to practice my social skills

What I like about the Clubhouse, is that I feel I am able to contribute to society in ways that I have been struggling to otherwise.

The Austin Clubhouse has provided me an avenue to socialize, meet new people, set and attain goals, plus experience the warmth and safety of a healthy community.

The Austin Clubhouse was an inexpensive way to get out and socialize, which broke me from my isolation.

What kept me coming back to the Clubhouse was the assuredness I would always be appreciated for my work and help.

Since I have been coming to the Clubhouse, life has been positive.