Welcome to Kristin Varnell, Operations Manager of Charlotte Clubhouse.
1.Charlotte Clubhouse is a unique, evidence-based program serving persons with mental illness in over 350 countries around the world. Yet, most people know little, if anything, about it. How did you hear about it, and what was the spark that caused you to consider it as a career option?
A little background about me—I have always had a fascination with mental health due to my own struggles, which led me to obtaining a degree in Psychology in 2009. Post-graduation, I struggled with deciding what aspect of mental health I wanted to work in, but knew I would need further education to advance in the field. I spent many years teaching, including special education. I absolutely loved the one-on-one aspect of helping each child reach their goals, which is what got me interested in pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. I was accepted to the OTA program at CPCC and immediately felt I was where I was meant to be.
I heard about the Charlotte Clubhouse while I was in school. Megan McCann, one of the founding members of Charlotte Clubhouse, was the instructor for our Psychosocial class. After graduating from the program in December, Megan asked me to consider volunteering with and possibly working for the Charlotte Clubhouse. At the time, I was studying for the board exam to obtain my license and looking for jobs. I agreed to volunteer in February, and the rest is history. Again, I had the peaceful feeling that I was where I was meant to be. It only took one trip to the Charlotte Clubhouse to fall in love with the clubhouse model and the members there. I began part-time in February, and by March, I knew I was “all in” and would stay. I took a risk on a new non-profit company, and I have no regrets. The Charlotte Clubhouse is an awesome place, and its members have become family. I truly believe in what I do and am in the type of field where I am constantly learning and growing. What could be better?
2. Tell us about your background. Were you headed in the direction of this line of work, or did Charlotte Clubhouse cause you to alter your course?
I pretty much answered this with the prior question, but to get deeper into it, I had a level 2 fieldwork experience working as an OTA student in acute mental health at Behavioral Health Davidson, and from that experience I knew I could work with adults in a mental health setting. Prior to that, I was sure I’d be working with kids either in a mental health setting or by addressing mental health in a pediatric outpatient setting. I knew post-grad that finding a job in mental health as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) would be difficult and would take time. Except…it wasn’t, and I was placed right where I belonged. Did the Charlotte Clubhouse alter my career course? Slightly! Special thanks to Megan for patiently “hunting” me down for the job while I was trying to decide what I needed and where I belonged in my new career. It feels good to be seen for my talents and work ethic.
3. Tell us about a typical day at the Clubhouse. Describe what the work-ordered day (WOD) looks like.
At CC, members begin arriving between 8:45-9:00. Our current rental space has rooms upstairs that are inaccessible for many members, so we bring everything downstairs that we need to run the program and begin the WOD.
What is a WOD? It is the signature piece of the international Clubhouse Model where members, volunteers, and staff work together to complete tasks, such as cooking lunch, cleaning, entering data, gardening, etc. Each task is broken down into parts, so there is enough work for everyone who wants to participate.
Members are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the WOD. Some tasks are meant to target certain skill sets, such as social media/newsletter posts for creative types who are comfortable with technology. Members can build their skill sets in any area they’d like, depending on their personal goals. For example, one member expressed an interest in learning how to cook, so he began learning from other members and volunteers. The point of the WOD is for members to experience personal growth, find satisfaction in what they do, and learn how to work as a team. This leads to members obtaining and keeping jobs, housing, and relationships.
My favorite part of the WOD is when I see members teaching other members. We all have experiences and talents that we can share with others. Besides the daily tasks, we have group meetings to check in with each other, provide opportunities for socialization both inside and outside of the clubhouse setting, and have weekly workshops on a myriad of topics, led by members/volunteers/community partners. It’s great to be able to offer a safe place for people to come. We all need support, and the Charlotte Clubhouse is a great place to find it.
4. Working with persons with mental illness offers both challenges and rewards. Talk about a moment that has left an indelible imprint on your heart.
Anyone working in mental health knows that every day is different and unpredictable. I quite like the fast-paced environment and organized chaos that comes with the job.
Of course there are difficult moments, but we all struggle with mental health in some way. It’s important for anyone working in mental health to have patience, remain open, and have their own self-care routine in place to leave the more difficult days and situations at the door.
I had a fulfilling, full-circle moment with a dear member of the clubhouse. I met them at their “worst” while I was doing my level 2 fieldwork in acute mental health. I got to see them improve and discharge from the facility, only to meet them again the following February once I began working at CC. They remembered me and thanked me for helping them at the hospital. They had been writing a daunting paper to finish out their Bachelor’s degree. At CC, I was able to help them edit the paper. I’ll never forget the relief and pride in their voice when they called me to tell me that, after years of work, they had submitted it. I was so proud. Now they have a great job and I hope they read this and know that they are amazing and inspiring. To anyone living with mental illness: it may be difficult to meet your goals, but with the right people by your side, you can do anything. You may see a mountain, but we see you, your skills, and the steps you need to take to climb that mountain. Let’s go, together!
5. Charlotte Clubhouse, like most clubhouses, has started small, currently open only one day a week with the goal of a full five-day-a-week operation. As Operations Manager, what do you see as the greatest challenges towards the realization of this goal, and how can members of the community become involved?
The greatest challenge is, you guessed it, funding. We (the board, members, and I) have been working hard to raise money for the clubhouse. One of my goals is to get the clubhouse out into the Charlotte community, so people know who we are. We have begun that by doing community outreach (such as walking in the Pride parade), making partnerships, and by volunteering in the community (we recently volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank). We have just begun offering services 2 days a week, Tuesdays at the clubhouse, and Thursdays off-site. To expand to 5 days, we need funding. Our goals are large, but obtainable. We aim to build our own clubhouse and provide transportation for members who aren’t able to drive. We are having our first annual gala, “Breaking the Stigma: Celebrating Mental Wellness in Mecklenburg County” on October 3rd. Check out charlotteclubhouse.org for more information about the gala and how to donate to our cause, or email me at info@charlotteclubhouse.org for more information!
6. Anything else you would like to share about your Clubhouse experience?
Do you or someone you know live with mental illness in the Charlotte area? Check us out. Everyone who comes to take a tour leaves with a smile and returns repeatedly. Once you become a member, you’re a member for life, even if you are unable to attend the clubhouse with regularity. As I stated before, we are a family. We still check in and reach out to CC members who we haven’t seen in a while. You don’t have to be alone on life’s journey. Check us out for yourself!
Thank you, Kristin, for sharing your Charlotte Clubhouse experience with us. As one of the founders, I so appreciate the great job you are doing for us, and I join you in inviting readers to look into what we do and what they can do to invest in this vital work.
Until next time,
Linda
