Don't forget that the Young Adult Social is tomorrow Thursday January 29th from 3:30 to 6:00. We will be in house playing games and eating snacks made from the kitchen.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
School Daze Part II
Well we just finished the last count day of the semester and everyone did a great job. Members are ones step closer to reaching their goals. I would like to encourage all of the members, involved in the High School Diploma Program at BTC, to continue to come in and work on your assignments. Remember if you need help i am always available.
Good Luck!
Shaun
Good Luck!
Shaun
Young Adult Social - Thursday Jan 29th
Don't forget that we are having a Young Adult Social this Thursday from 3:30-6:00.
We will be playing games, ex-box and enjoying some snacks. Please come join us for some fun and great conversation.
We will be playing games, ex-box and enjoying some snacks. Please come join us for some fun and great conversation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Young Adult Soc. For Feb
The YA's are gonna have two socials in February. The First one is Feb. 9Th it is All-star Adventure, and the second one is on the 23rd it is an in house Guitar Hero provided By Jay Jones who is one the YA'S Father. He is also a Breakthrough board member. So all the BTC YA'S please come attend!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
School Daze
Well we got through our first count day for the High School Diploma at Breakthrough. Everyone did a great job and we are very excited about being one step closer to completion. I just want to congratulate and thank all that participated, but don't forget we have one more count day left on January 22 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Have a great weekend!
Shaun
Have a great weekend!
Shaun
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Back to School
Don't forget folks that tomorrow is the first count day of the semester. We are starting at 9:00 AM and go until 3:30 PM. Set your alarms.
Shaun.
Shaun.
Monday, January 12, 2009
January Article
This is a the article I wrote in the January Newsletter.
A word to our members
By Timothy Kiewel
I was asked to write something special for this month’s newsletter. I was asked to submit a piece about why a mental illness may not be such a bad thing. In fact, though tough to live with, it could just be a blessing. It is my hope that this speaks to every member here at Breakthrough and that it is one which inspires us as well. It isn’t every day someone is given a chance to express him or herself before so many people, so I feel very humbled, to say the least.
Let me tell you from my own perspective. I’ve been coming to the clubhouse now for a couple months or so, practically every day, and after the shock of adjusting to a new place, my first impressions of Breakthrough started to form. To be honest, I was very alarmed by how many members were able to carry on so well day to day with a serious illness. Without a real solution to problems such as repeated visits to the hospital, torn relationships, and loss of functionality, it is no doubt one of the greatest qualities in any individual I have ever seen—looking past one’s illness.
Each day I come to Breakthrough much as a volunteer would, as a necessary part of the community, and I feel that my participation is very important, that I could not be replaced. But many of my peers do not seem to feel the same way about their lives. Every human being is important, and the fact that so many people are succeeding at living with mental illness shows me how sorely our club and organizations like it are needed.
Every individual matters, and deserves a life they desire, whether they have a mental illness or not. As for me, meeting someone for the first time at Breakthrough is a joyful experience. More than a few times I have been asked if I were staff, but I suppose it is natural. Seeing as how some people do not appear “mentally ill”; it didn’t take me long to get annoyed by this particular question. I felt that, in time, my reaction to the question would pass, and it did. However, I gradually began to take it as a compliment with a grain of salt.
For instance, after learning of Breakthrough’s staff-member interaction policies I felt angry that the two groups were separated at all. I looked into the issue, and reflected on what I had found. That is when the difference between staff and members really began to confuse me. In time, I began to notice how staff could very well be struggling with the same things as members were usually known for. And, quite often, a member would accomplish something more difficult, which I feel has always been the earmark of those who have never battled a mental illness.
Those with a mental illness, the people I know at least, are an inspiration. They get up everyday, get dressed, and go out their front doors ready to take on the world in their own unique, wonderful ways. Every day I see a small picture of how the entire world could someday be, just by working alongside members and staff here. Some of the strongest characteristics I’ve ever seen in anybody come from our members here and the staff who strive with them.
For almost a decade, nine years, I’ve known about the Breakthrough clubhouse, but never came, never understood their purpose. I was afraid and I placed limits on myself. I didn’t know how to take action. I faced challenges every day that simply got the better of me, because I felt alone. I didn’t want to take the time to take care of myself. And I didn’t have the friends I have today because of this. I feel that there is nothing greater than overcoming one’s weaknesses, and that is where I get the feeling of breaking through.
It is not always the one with a mental illness who struggles, by any means. By comparison, it is also difficult for those who have physical impairments, such as paralysis or deformity. The ‘normal’ person has life itself to cope with, which is difficult for everyone. And when struggling with various difficulties in life, it isn’t always apparent, and is often overlooked. This is what I feel could be the most negative aspect of mental illness in general. When someone is dealing with life’s more difficult challenges, it is very hard for anyone to understand, or know how to help.
Everyone must be at one time or another forced to deal with certain issues such as the death of a dear family member, or unemployment. Such things can have nothing to do with mental illness, and can be just as hard to live with. This is why, I believe, society must look to our success for insight in such situations. With a mental illness, the fight is difficult day after day, and it cannot be solved by simply finding a job, or letting go of a loved one who has passed away.
I do not intend to find a short answer to these problems, by any means, but they are solvable. Mental illness is not, at least not in the same sense. There are many days which even staff members, here working with us at Breakthrough, lose motivation, run out of steam, or struggle to live healthy lives. Being around us is a constant motivator though, let me assure you. Every day we lift up our colleagues. But we do not always see this. The point I hope you will see is how we may be heroes to other people around us and have no idea we are even doing anything. We see each other and think, as peers, that we are constantly struggling, or living somewhere between well and unwell. But there is so much more to be seen in us than that. There is inspiration in each and every person, and it is especially powerful in those with mental illness. And it can be readily seen if you just look for it.
To say it all in a final word, success is not just how much money we make, or how perfect we can be. Success is going on in light of one’s shortcomings. And I would like to commend each and every one of you for providing your own light for me to walk in. It has been all the difference for me. I would long ago have fallen into a state of despair and loathing had I not found so many people doing all they can with their lives, day in and day out. So, I would like to say, Congratulations to you on your great success.
A word to our members
By Timothy Kiewel
I was asked to write something special for this month’s newsletter. I was asked to submit a piece about why a mental illness may not be such a bad thing. In fact, though tough to live with, it could just be a blessing. It is my hope that this speaks to every member here at Breakthrough and that it is one which inspires us as well. It isn’t every day someone is given a chance to express him or herself before so many people, so I feel very humbled, to say the least.
Let me tell you from my own perspective. I’ve been coming to the clubhouse now for a couple months or so, practically every day, and after the shock of adjusting to a new place, my first impressions of Breakthrough started to form. To be honest, I was very alarmed by how many members were able to carry on so well day to day with a serious illness. Without a real solution to problems such as repeated visits to the hospital, torn relationships, and loss of functionality, it is no doubt one of the greatest qualities in any individual I have ever seen—looking past one’s illness.
Each day I come to Breakthrough much as a volunteer would, as a necessary part of the community, and I feel that my participation is very important, that I could not be replaced. But many of my peers do not seem to feel the same way about their lives. Every human being is important, and the fact that so many people are succeeding at living with mental illness shows me how sorely our club and organizations like it are needed.
Every individual matters, and deserves a life they desire, whether they have a mental illness or not. As for me, meeting someone for the first time at Breakthrough is a joyful experience. More than a few times I have been asked if I were staff, but I suppose it is natural. Seeing as how some people do not appear “mentally ill”; it didn’t take me long to get annoyed by this particular question. I felt that, in time, my reaction to the question would pass, and it did. However, I gradually began to take it as a compliment with a grain of salt.
For instance, after learning of Breakthrough’s staff-member interaction policies I felt angry that the two groups were separated at all. I looked into the issue, and reflected on what I had found. That is when the difference between staff and members really began to confuse me. In time, I began to notice how staff could very well be struggling with the same things as members were usually known for. And, quite often, a member would accomplish something more difficult, which I feel has always been the earmark of those who have never battled a mental illness.
Those with a mental illness, the people I know at least, are an inspiration. They get up everyday, get dressed, and go out their front doors ready to take on the world in their own unique, wonderful ways. Every day I see a small picture of how the entire world could someday be, just by working alongside members and staff here. Some of the strongest characteristics I’ve ever seen in anybody come from our members here and the staff who strive with them.
For almost a decade, nine years, I’ve known about the Breakthrough clubhouse, but never came, never understood their purpose. I was afraid and I placed limits on myself. I didn’t know how to take action. I faced challenges every day that simply got the better of me, because I felt alone. I didn’t want to take the time to take care of myself. And I didn’t have the friends I have today because of this. I feel that there is nothing greater than overcoming one’s weaknesses, and that is where I get the feeling of breaking through.
It is not always the one with a mental illness who struggles, by any means. By comparison, it is also difficult for those who have physical impairments, such as paralysis or deformity. The ‘normal’ person has life itself to cope with, which is difficult for everyone. And when struggling with various difficulties in life, it isn’t always apparent, and is often overlooked. This is what I feel could be the most negative aspect of mental illness in general. When someone is dealing with life’s more difficult challenges, it is very hard for anyone to understand, or know how to help.
Everyone must be at one time or another forced to deal with certain issues such as the death of a dear family member, or unemployment. Such things can have nothing to do with mental illness, and can be just as hard to live with. This is why, I believe, society must look to our success for insight in such situations. With a mental illness, the fight is difficult day after day, and it cannot be solved by simply finding a job, or letting go of a loved one who has passed away.
I do not intend to find a short answer to these problems, by any means, but they are solvable. Mental illness is not, at least not in the same sense. There are many days which even staff members, here working with us at Breakthrough, lose motivation, run out of steam, or struggle to live healthy lives. Being around us is a constant motivator though, let me assure you. Every day we lift up our colleagues. But we do not always see this. The point I hope you will see is how we may be heroes to other people around us and have no idea we are even doing anything. We see each other and think, as peers, that we are constantly struggling, or living somewhere between well and unwell. But there is so much more to be seen in us than that. There is inspiration in each and every person, and it is especially powerful in those with mental illness. And it can be readily seen if you just look for it.
To say it all in a final word, success is not just how much money we make, or how perfect we can be. Success is going on in light of one’s shortcomings. And I would like to commend each and every one of you for providing your own light for me to walk in. It has been all the difference for me. I would long ago have fallen into a state of despair and loathing had I not found so many people doing all they can with their lives, day in and day out. So, I would like to say, Congratulations to you on your great success.
Summer trip!
Hey,
If you have any clothes that you don't need or like please donate them to B.T.C for our summer trip. Also we are having fundrasing meeting for our summer trip this year. If you would like to join us or have any ideas please see me,John,or Breanda.
Thanks,
shauna B.
If you have any clothes that you don't need or like please donate them to B.T.C for our summer trip. Also we are having fundrasing meeting for our summer trip this year. If you would like to join us or have any ideas please see me,John,or Breanda.
Thanks,
shauna B.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Changes
Hey guys,
I wanted to let everyone know that we are changing the day that we have our young adult social club to Thursday evenings. This change was all because of me, I could no longer committ because i have class Wednesday evenings beggining January 20th. Sorry if this messes everyone up, but it could not be helped. We will send out a mailing in the next couple of days and outreach by phone before our event. If you have any questions call me or Deb
Shaun
I wanted to let everyone know that we are changing the day that we have our young adult social club to Thursday evenings. This change was all because of me, I could no longer committ because i have class Wednesday evenings beggining January 20th. Sorry if this messes everyone up, but it could not be helped. We will send out a mailing in the next couple of days and outreach by phone before our event. If you have any questions call me or Deb
Shaun
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Daily Postings
We're going to try to write a new post to this blog about ever day. We'll add some instructions and get the emails out for everyone to get updated all the time by following this blog. Hope you're having a great week, there's been a lot of good things set in motion since yesterday's Community Meeting. We're getting a new van from a grant we got, and there's going to be a variety of choices on the lunch menu now. This should help us out with Young Adults social club and just plain socializing whenever we're here. How exciting!
-Tim
-Tim
Monday, January 5, 2009
Kicking off the new year.
Well, it's the first Monday of the year 2009. Ok, we all know what that means, but we don't have to sink in our chairs and get all upset yet... it can be started out really great if we just pull together and put our minds to it. This year, actually, is the last year of the Millenial decade also! ... next year is the beginning of the Twenty-Teens!!! There's much to look forward to in the next ten years. Iraq is going much better, we finally don't have a Bush in office, and we ourselves will probably see the first man on Mars if all goes according to Nasa's plan (by 2020)... Also, most of us will be out of Young Adult age range by then, so let's really get our groove on. Hope you all had a good holiday season and a happy New Year!
Alright everybody, go to work!
Alright everybody, go to work!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Breakthrough High School Diploma
I just wanted to let everyone know that we are offering a high school diploma at Breakthrough this spring. The classes are all online, they are very user friendly, and you work at your own pace. There are two days during the semester that you are required to attend for 6 hours( its not that bad) and I should also mention the 10 dollar fee for the program. If you have issues with the fee just call me ,Shaun, and we will work something out. Anyways feel fee to contact the club if you have any questions.
Shaun
p.s
here are the dates you are required to attend
Thursday January 15th - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday January 22nd - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Shaun
p.s
here are the dates you are required to attend
Thursday January 15th - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday January 22nd - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Hey! This is are first blog for our own club for young adults with mental illnesses. We are going to starting blogging are young adults activities every month. Also post announcements and news that are accuring. We will also start posting important dates for education, and whats going on through out the club. We can alos use this for keeping in touch with one another. So feel free to check this this site out, and come in to contribute to this blog.
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