According to Cowtown Clubhouse’s Executive Director Surya Barrow,
“Imagine being one of over 131,000 people in Tarrant County living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and PTSD. Your life might be marred by repetitive cycles of hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, joblessness, addiction, failed relationships and, beyond that, the stigma and discrimination that comes with having SMI.
“While many believe this is a hopeless situation, Clubhouses across the world meet our members where they are and in whatever level of vulnerability they are living because of their mental health histories. Through the resiliency of our community of support, and our public mental health programming, which relies on the strengths, interests, and inherent dignity of our members, we fight, and frequently overcome, barriers that would otherwise prevent our members from thriving in the broader community.
“The Clubhouse model offers a different and proven approach to mental health recovery centered in the inherent dignity of our members. Cowtown Clubhouse fosters a community where people with mental illness can find meaningful work; cultivate friendships; cook and enjoy low-cost, healthy meals; make progress on overcoming obstacles to education and employment; participate in running the Clubhouse through work that relies on strengths; receive emotional, peer support; and move toward recovery. We also work with numerous mental health partners to offer the important next step toward independence and life-long recovery.
“We’re excited to share an inspiring story about one of our founding members, Donald. When Donald walks into the Clubhouse with his boombox over his shoulder, he overflows with enthusiasm for life. Everyone knows Donald, and we’re so happy to introduce him to you.”
Donald’s Story:
“I’ve been through a whole lot. And I almost died, or worse. Thank God for my friends at the Clubhouse. I’m also thankful for others who helped me at the Salvation Army and Recovery Resource Council. These friends saw potential in me and helped me get off of East Lancaster.
“When I lived on East Lancaster, I was very close to using dangerous drugs. Through Mental Health America, I met Matthew, another founding member of the Clubhouse, and Barbara, our Program Director. Thank goodness for Matthew and Barb and my mental health support system because life wasn’t worth living on East Lancaster. Clubhouse friends and others believed in me, and that changed everything.
“I moved into my apartment on Las Vegas Trail in June of 2012, which was a Godsend. I lived there, on Las Vegas Trail, for a while, but the situation wasn’t great. The Clubhouse helped me find better housing and job opportunities. I first worked for MedStar washing ambulances through a Transitional Employment position created at the Clubhouse. Then I began working for Dickie’s Arena. I’m celebrating one year working at Dickie’s! It matters to me to have gained the trust of my coworkers and bosses at Dickie’s. I’m grateful to be wanted and successful! Cowtown Rocks!”
* Graphic/photos provided by Cowtown Clubhouse In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Cowtown Clubhouse by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024