The members and staff of the Miracle Clubhouse are finding new and creative ways to stay connected in this time of social distancing.

That’s especially important because the Clubhouse represents a community of people with serious mental illness who are working together towards the common goal of recovery.

“During this unprecedented time, many of us are dealing with isolation and additional anxiety and stress,” says Clubhouse coordinator Kathy Trick. “Finding a support system is so important and many of our members find that support through Miracle Clubhouse. We have succeeded in creating a network of human connectedness and unconditional support that is almost unheard of today.”

Miracle Clubhouse is an Accredited Clubhouse though Clubhouse International (www.clubhouseintl.org), an evidencebased practice that promotes recovery from mental illness. “Clubhouse members are individuals who possess valuable talents, strengths, and abilities which when combined, assist in making the Clubhouse come alive,” says Trick.”This sense of membership, support, and belonging are at the very heart of the Clubhouse model.”

Currently members and staff are not able to gather together inside the building because of current restrictions but they continue to support each other through this crisis.

“Despite the physical distancing, we are finding creative ways to remain socially engaged with each other,” says Trick. “Clubhouse staff are calling members daily to check in with them, reaching out via Facebook, creating videos on YouTube, holding meetings via Zoom, allowing members to stop by for sack lunches and other supplies, and also dropping off food boxes to members not able to leave their homes. Additionally, many members are calling and messaging other members and staff.”

Here’s how you can help:

■ Snack food for the Clubhouse snack bar (including granola bars, chips, crackers, peanuts).

■ Cooking supplies (olive oil, butter, condiments, salad dressing, and gallon Ziploc bags).

■ Office supplies (pens, dry erase markers, notebooks, paper clips, etc.).

■ Personal hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, new or lightly worn socks).

Drop off your donations from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 243 Warren St., Dayton. You can maintain social distancing by calling ahead and leaving your donations at the building door. Or you can stay in your vehicle and someone will come out to pick them up.

For more information, contact coordinator Kathy Trick at (937) 262-7983 or k.trick@gesmv.org.

Contact this reporter at 937- 225-2440 or email Meredith.Moss@coxinc.com.

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Meredith Moss writes about nonprofit organizations in our community and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com Please leave a daytime phone number and submit a photo that reflects your group’s mission.