September 30th marked the 4th anniversary of PHA Clubhouse’s grand opening, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible journey we’ve shared. Over the past four years, our Clubhouse has grown into a thriving, supportive space where members build friendships, achieve their personal goals, and improve their quality of life. Pictured above, we made sure to celebrate our accomplishments as a Clubhouse team. We would not be here without the collaborative spirit of our members and staff working alongside each other.
Reflecting on Our Achievements
To honor this milestone, we spent a week acknowledging the core values that have guided our mission: employment, education, housing, and community connection.
- Employment: Members like Jason and Brekke exemplify the transformative impact of Clubhouse support. Jason has received advice and skill development while pursuing new opportunities, while Brekke launched her own pop-up shop, @brekkefast, and continues to excel professionally while staying engaged with the Clubhouse. Events like community fairs allow us to connect with potential members, share resources, and expand our Transitional Employment program, which supports members like Joseph in finding fulfilling jobs.
- Education: Education has been a cornerstone of empowerment for our members. Patrice pursued her peer counseling certification through Clubhouse, and Tonya began her educational journey at Evergreen State College. Workshops like financial literacy sessions with Habitat for Humanity and acceptance into programs like Tacoma Community College, as achieved by Cardie, highlight the diverse ways our members grow through learning.
- Housing: Housing remains a fundamental part of our mission. We’ve helped members like Ken establish comfortable homes by connecting them to resources and furnishings. We’ve also partnered with organizations like Associated Ministries to bring vital housing information directly to members. Cardie’s training at Independence Center in St. Louis has equipped her to guide fellow members through housing options, fostering a network of support.
Celebrating Milestones and Building Community
Our anniversary week also brought together members, staff, and community partners for moments of celebration and gratitude. From our recent Wellness Walk on Ruston to annual traditions like Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, these activities remind us of the strength and joy of our community.
The spirit of collaboration and connection has defined our journey, as seen in the featured photo (pictured below as the first large photo on your left) of Cornell G. Harris, former Program Director at PHA Clubhouse; Cynthia Fisher Fedrick, our CEO; and Jonathan Beard, son of John Beard Sr., the pioneer of employment support in the Clubhouse model.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our progress, we also look to the future with excitement and determination. PHA Clubhouse has proven that with the right support, members can achieve incredible things. From employment and education to housing and advocacy, we’re committed to continuing this journey of growth, resilience, and community.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our story. Here’s to many more years of empowering our members and strengthening our shared foundation!
