Quality Service For A Quality Life
Wednesday - April 07, 2010 Share
By Kim Golis, Program Director
Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse
As the applause dims, her smile continues to beam as she proudly proclaims, “I have been working for four years and 16 days.” Roenne Kam announced at the last Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse employer dinner that her success is attributed to the support she receives from the Clubhouse and the wonderful employers in the community.
Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse is a unique member-driven psychiatric program for adults living with mental illness. Founded in 1997, Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse is the largest and most established Clubhouse in Hawaii.
Since its inception, more than 575 members are reclaiming and restoring their lives as well as having a higher quality of life. The Clubhouse focuses on the strengths and abilities of each individual instead of the diagnosis or symptoms of the illness. Members and staff operate the Clubhouse together and achieve goals through meaningful work, positive relationships and gainful employment.
One of our greatest challenges is providing employment for our membership. With more than 100 members attending daily, we are unable to keep up with the employment needs of our members.
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As member Poao Westerlund states: “I love my work at Aiea High School. It’s not the money I’m after, it’s about the work. I cannot wait to go to work each week. I feel satisfied, and it gives me a sense of fulfillment and takes my mind off of drugs, alcohol and my mental illness.” Poao attributes his new outlook on life to the fact that he is an active member at the Clubhouse.
In order to continue providing quality services, we depend on the support from our community. We need volunteers to assist at the Clubhouse in our educational and vocational program, and we are looking for employers with part-time jobs.
We also need golfers and volunteers on Tuesday, April 27, at our second annual Benefit Golf Challenge at Waikele Golf Club.
Our partnership with the community is the key to our success. We welcome calls for more information and tours of our Clubhouse. Please contact us at 675-0093 or visit our Web site at www.waipahuclubhouse.com.
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.
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