When the topic of mental health arises, many people choose to close the door on discussing ailments that affect one in four people in Bexar County.
For the past twelve years, however, the San Antonio Clubhouse has kept the door open for those who suffer from issues such as depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Now, the S.A. Clubhouse has decided to move to a new facility located on Citizens Parkway, off of Fredericksburg Road and Loop 410. The new building brings joy and gratitude for members and employees who remembered starting at a small space back in 2003.
"It started out...downtown in Travis Park Church, from there it really grew. We moved to a house that got donated to us on Alamo Street around 2007, and then in 2012 we moved into our space that we are in today [at 445 Recoleta Road]," said Nathan Tuttle, development director at S.A. Clubhouse.
Since 2003, the Clubhouse has even extended to a small branch at Las Palmas Church of the Nazarene. The expansion around San Antonio for the S.A. Clubhouse is to allow those who suffer from mental illness to access resources in order to live a productive life in the community.
According to the clubhouse, more than 80,000 San Antonians have a serious mental illness and 350,000 people will experience mental illness this year. Those who suffer from an issue do not seek immediate help because of their financial situation or judgement from others.
"One of the big issues is stigma especially if you come from a working class family or you don't want to be labeled [something] other or a problem," explained Dennis Thomas, member of the S.A Clubhouse. "People try to tough it out rather than being called something for the rest of their lives or treated differently in the community. It's also financial as well because if you take a break for mental health, what happens to your family or children."
In order to end the stigma, the Clubhouse is a facility that thinks outside the box when it comes to providing solutions for members. It currently provides resources such as a business unit, a community connections unit, culinary and dining units and a wellness unit.
These areas will help members develop independence and employment, be part of community activities and health and wellness tips.
With the new renovation of the building, the resources will only become greater. The new building will spread out to 23,084 square feet, three times bigger than their current 7,350 square foot facility.
The facility will start renovation work in mid-August and is expected to be completed by mid-November. If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness and would like to learn more about the S.A. Clubhouse, please visit www. SAclubhouse.org for more information.
By Christina Acosta
christina@laprensasa.com