The Meeting Place is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm

with Introductory Tours Mon, Tues., Thur., & Fri.’s at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Our Unit Meetings are held at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Check out our monthly calendar for mid-week and weekend recreational activities.

The Meeting Place Clubhouse Funded by: San Diego County HHSA

December 2012

The Unit One Retreat was very productive and we came up with a lot of ideas for improving our unit. We set up some goals for the coming weeks to work toward. Our first goal is to make menu-planning more efficient. There are quite a few steps involved, so we decided to break down the process and have members sign up for smaller tasks individually. Our menu planning meeting is at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, and anyone is welcome to participate.

We also decided to have more options in the café. We’re holding café meetings on Mondays at 2:00 pm to decide what to sell in the café. We’re improving communication between the café and the kitchen so that lunch sales are accurate and the café remains well-stocked. We also made a goal to keep the kitchen and its appliances as sanitary and well-maintained as possible. We’ve started the process of training members who want to work in the kitchen on specific tasks and appliances. Anyone working in the kitchen must sign off on our new kitchen policies and procedures. Our outreach goal is to increase attendance in the Club-house. This includes current, inactive, and prospective members. We plan on making outreach calls that are proactive and specific to let members know what’s going on at the Clubhouse. We also want to create a list of places to visit to reach out to potential members. Our last goal was about creating more of a work culture so that members are prepared for work, volunteering, school, etc. We want more members to feel confident and competent for starting Transitional Employment jobs. We will train each other on specific tasks at the Clubhouse so we can all help out in various ways. All in all, it was a good time and we got a lot accomplished!

Unit 1’s Plans for Improvement By Earth C. & Robert B.

Stay tuned for new additions to

the café’s bill of fare!

Menu planning will now be held in the kitchen at

2:00 PM on Tuesdays.

Kitchen inventory will be taken every Monday

morning to see what’s needed for the week.

Member Spotlight: Eddie M. By Earth C. & April T.

He’s a camper, a swimmer, and a fan of boats. He likes the color purple and is also a summertime kind of guy. You may find him dreaming about owning the oh-so-cool Plymouth Barracuda or quenching his thirst for music with some Rock-n-Roll or Willie Nelson. His interests extend to movies such as “Independence Day,” or the screen skills of actresses such as Bette Midler or Connie Stevens. Who could this fabulous person be but our one and only Eddie! Born in New Jersey, he loved History and attended two technical colleges. He also has three daughters: Angela, Rebecca and Rachel. Prior to coming to The Meeting Place, Eddie was part of a Clubhouse in Maryland. Once a San Diegan, he found his way here after seeing a presentation about TMP. Eddie is grateful for all of the great strides he’s made in the last year, and thanks to the Clubhouse, Eddie no longer has to worry about transient homes, hotels, or motels. Now he has place to call home. His next best wish is to become independent and wealthy so that he can cure himself of all his worries...

Page 2 The Meeting Place News

Unit 2 Update By Emilio G.

Another successful month for Unit 2. This month we created

beautiful thanksgiving decorations. We sent out numerous party

invitations and outreach magnets to accompany our planning for

December. Thanks to the Unit 2 retreat, we developed new ways to

better our work culture, improved unit meetings and we even improved

overall communication within the Clubhouse.

Every morning the crew straps up and delivers a wonderful daily

newscast. Afternoon are filled with intensive sanitation and intellectual

research. Jobs are listed on the board daily to help this recession seize

with every fighting day. People are becoming certified after completing

their HIPAA retraining.

SPOTLIGHT

Unit 1 Update By Linda R.

Unit 1 has had a very busy month.

We prepared a wonderful aviation themed B-day dinner.

Along with creating decorations for Thanksgiving, we cooked a

fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. Part of our thankful list included

baking cookies for Trader Joes, UltraStar and Panera Bread, for

assisting us with T.E. positions & food donations.

Our unit retreat was a success and we have began to

implement new and exciting goals for our unit.

Many repairs and attention was given to Boston Villas as

well as our day to day meals, café operation and kitchen detail.

All in all, a very productive and rewarding November!

Unit 2 made a total of 235

Outreach Calls and 40 Cards

Unit 1 se

rved 358

nutritiou

s meals t

his month

.

December

Birthdays

Total Monthly Attendance: 540

Robin B.

7th

Tasha C.

7th

Chris H.

9th

Chris R.

13th

Robert B.

16th

Eddie gluing wood-pieces together

for our major Clubhouse art project.

Elsa C.

21st

Page 3 Volume 12 Issue 6

The Meeting Place Clubhouse’s sixth and final ethical code is

Empowerment Through Work. It states that we model the highest

professional standards and strive to create a positive environment which

encourages teamwork, growth and fun. We value work as the tool to attain,

maintain or regain self-worth, purpose and confidence.

Our daily activities involve tasks to prepare a gourmet lunch, to clean

the Clubhouse, to enter data on the computer, to make out reach calls, and

so much more. In addition, we provide support for members to secure

employment by helping with resumes, coaching for interviews, hosting a

bi-weekly job hour, and posting jobs daily.

The Meeting Place has a Transitional Employment program where supports include job

specific training, free absentee coverage and regular supports. Positions are part time and entry level.

Employees rotate every 6-9 months and The Meeting Place provides training. We also have supported and

independent employment opportunities to help those interested in going back to paid employment. Please let

the staff know if you are interested in going back to work.

THE CLUBHOUSE

Amazing Art Project By Nate N. & Lindsey T.

One day several months ago, Lindsey saw an

interesting art piece on the internet. After sharing her idea

with the Clubhouse we were all on board to get it started.

The idea behind this Amazing Art Project was to have an

ever changing piece of art for our café area. Each square is

painted grey on one side and Japanese fern on the other.

There are a total of 288 squares (12 squares high by 24

across). The task was not overwhelming, however, it took

about two months to accomplish.

We want to thank Sharron’s wonderful husband, Bill,

for helping us with the wood and metal and everyone else

who took part in putting the piece together. Our goal is for

each person, who is interested, to get a chance to create a

unique design, name the design and have his/her picture

taken with the design. We encourage the everyone to

express their unique design ideas. Thank you Lindsey for

your insightfulness and ingenuity.

DON’T FORGET TO LIKE THE MEETING PLACE

CLUBHOUSE ON FACEBOOK &

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

Code of Ethics: Empowerment Through Work

The code of ethic painted on our

beautiful lobby wall.

We Want to Welcome our Newest Members : Maggie A., Robin B., Lindsey R., & Ashley S.

It started with sanding the

wood pieces...

...then gluing and

painting.

...and placed the wood

pieces with John S.

Our lovely Japanese fern

green!

Our first design! Lindsey helped construct

the frame...

Page 4 The Meeting Place News

SCHOOL & EMPLOYMENT

Our New Employment Questionnaire By Chris R.

To ensure that members are getting appropriate help as they apply for

work in the community, The Meeting Place has put into practice a new

employment questionnaire. The four-page packet is headlined “Are you ready

to go back to work?” Once filled out, those assisting with employment goals

can get a general overview of what members need when it comes to finding

work. The questionnaire helps narrow down where in San Diego members are

looking for jobs, particular fields in which members would like to work,

important documents (California ID, resume, etc.) members may still need,

the urgency in which members need jobs, skills members can bring to

employers, and doubts members would have to overcome.

Members who are seeking to enter a position under the Clubhouse’s Transitional

Employment program are required to fill out the questionnaire. Sharron and the rest of staff are currently

working to build upon our current T.E. positions with more partnerships in the community. Therefore, it is

crucial for interested members to not only get their hands on a packet, but to stay updated on any new

additions to the T.E. program.

The best times for a member to have a one-on-one overview of his or her completed questionnaire

are during job hour (Mondays at 2 P.M. and Fridays at 10 A.M.) and after it is requested during the

Clubhouse Assistance portion of the unit meeting.

Resume Tips from the EEMD By Robert B.

I went to the EEMD dinner on the night of Thursday, November 29th

and I thought it was very informative. We reviewed different cover letters

and resumes to get an understanding of the “dos and don’ts” of resume and

cover letter writing. I learned a lot!

I learned that using software programs with ready-made templates

aren’t always the best way to create a resumes or cover letter. Software

programs may not allow you to go into detail in terms of layouts. Hand de-

livering your resume is also a good idea. It makes a positive impression

on potential employers because it gives you a chance to show ex-

actly how interested you are in the position

Your cover letter should include key words from the job description. That being

said, read the job description carefully so you can address specific responsibilities and requirements with

your own relevant experiences. There should also be a new cover letter for every new job in which you’re

looking to apply. Form letters to attach to your resume are not a good idea.

Another thing I learned at the dinner was that it is good to have at least 1 one other person review

my cover letter and resume for any possible typing mistakes or grammatical errors. This person may have

some good insight as to whether or not the resume is too congested or hard to read. What a great evening!

Nate filling out the employment

questionnaire in our job room.

Robert B. proudly holding up his

own improved resume.

Blood Pressure-Reducing Fish Tacos By Erica M.

Here’s a fabulous recipe for our low-fat fish tacos:

Page 5 Volume 12 Issue 6

HEALTH & WELLNESS

# of Yogis: 13

Amount from Recyc

ling: $52.4

4

# of Wa

lkers: 26

Miles Wa

lked: 24.6

Time W

alked: 9.1 hrs

Trader Joe’s F

ood R

ecipie

nts: 18

Memb

ers with Fitne

ss Goals: 8

# of Boot Camp

ers: 18

Join Us for Cardio! By Ricky R.

At TMP, we have replaced Zumba with a fitness activity called Cardio. Nicole

leads this upbeat and fast paced class every Monday at 2:30. Cardio is a great way to

strengthen the heart, build stamina, and work up a sweat. Like all of our fitness pro-

grams, members can go at their own pace. We also play music to help us get into the

workout. We start with stepping in place. Next, we step onto either BOSU Balls or little

steps. Members who don’t have the balance for it can simply step in place. Sometimes,

we step up and down and other times we move

laterally across the balls or steps. Then, we do a lot of free style dancing,

kickboxing, and skipping. We close the workout with a cool down and stretch.

Although, we do not use weights or do core training, I really feel my heart rate

going up. Mily says “It’s fun and not too stressful.” Nicole encourages everybody to come out on

Monday and give cardio a try!

Preparation: • In a small bowl, combine lime juice, cumin, olive oil and cilantro. Place fish in a glass baking dish or in a re-

sealable plastic bag. Add marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. • Coat a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray and preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Place marinated fish on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Alternatively,

broil or grill fish, allowing 10 minutes per inch of thickness. • Warm corn tortillas according to instructions on package. • When fish is cooked, cut into strips or chunks and divide among corn tortillas. Add shredded cabbage, low fat or fat

free sour cream and salsa for garnish. Per Serving (without garnish): Calories 329, Calories from Fat 53, Total Fat 5.9g (sat 0.9g), Cholesterol 36mg, Sodium 72mg, Carbohydrate 40.6g, Fiber 4.5g, Protein 28.5g And just so you know, eating fish is great for your health. It is easy to digest and full of important vitamins and minerals. What’s more, eating fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation, may lower blood pressure, and can even improve mood! There is such a thing as eating too much fish so proceed with caution.

Ingredients: 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp olive oil 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro 1 pound firm white fish fillets such as halibut or cod 8 corn tortillas

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4

Nicole, leading the cardio charge

with a jab, a kick, and a smile.

Chris S. holding a tasty dish of

guilt-free fish tacos

Page 6 The Meeting Place News

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Mani/Pedi Day By Jason B. & Matt R.

On Saturday Nov. 17, Clubhouse members went to San

Diego Beauty College for a day of pampering. Located on El

Cajon Blvd, in Normal Heights, the school trains students for

careers in cosmetology like hair stylists, manicurists and mas-

sage therapists. The beauty services are offered at a dis-

count rate to allow students to learn their trade by working

with real customers in a salon setting.

Matt, one of the members in attendance, received a pedicure for the first

time. He said the student soaked his feet in water, massaged his feet and legs. “I don’t think my

feet have ever been so clean!” Matt said. “If you’re looking for an affordable place to get a pedicure and be

treated nice, this is it!”

Thanksgiving at the Clubhouse By Jolene B. & Nate N.

We interviewed a couple of

members about the Thanksgiving

dinner held at the Clubhouse on

Thursday, the 22nd. They said that it was

very successful. According to Roberta B.,

Erika, our cook for the day, “was a team

player. She was organized and easy

going as seen when she assigned tasks to

the different members.” Arriving very early to

cook the turkey, it was Erika’s first holiday meal at the Clubhouse and she was pleased

that there was no pressure or turmoil.

There was a big feeling of gratitude among those who attended, including our Board President,

Cynthia, and her husband Mark who gladly took pictures. The green bean casserole was a favorite on the

day’s menu, which consisted of an oven roasted turkey, savory herb stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes,

cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, homemade gravy, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie.

All of the food was ready by noon.

Robert T., one of many helping members said,

“The food was excellent! I had three helpings

of everything. There was good company!”

A special thanks to the people who

stayed for the clean-up: Roberta, Robert, Ben,

Chris S., and Erika. They stayed ‘til almost 3

pm! The event was successful and everyone

greatly appreciate the effort from everyone

who made this wonderful meal possible.

Get pampered at an affordable price

The bird is ready!

Nothing but high spirits in the kitchen.

Those yams are lookin’ good!

Patrick, Larry, Eddie, and Elsa

getting the tables ready.

Page 7 Volume 12 Issue 6

Volunteers

Transitional Employment Contacts

Monetary Donations!

Grocery Store Gift Cards

Gas Cards

Here is my gift to help The Meeting Place Clubhouse

$10 $25 $50 $75 $100 Other $_______

Your generous donation will go toward the growth and advancement of

The Meeting Place Clubhouse, Inc., as one of the leading Mental Health Recovery Programs in

San Diego County.

Please send me more information on California’s first ICCD Certified Clubhouse

I would like to receive The Meeting Place Clubhouse monthly Newsletter

Name: Thank you

Address: for

your gift!

YES! I WANT TO SUPPORT THE MEETING PLACE CLUBHOUSE

ODDS & ENDS

WARMLINE Peer to Peer

Funded by the County of San Diego

HHSA

1 (800) 930-9276 Or

1 (619) 295-1055

What is The Warm Line?

The Warm Line is a friendly

telephone support line, answered by

Peer Support Specialists. We listen to

concerns, offer referrals and provide

understanding because we have been

there, done that.

The Warm-Line is a non-crisis,

non-emergency phone service.

The Warm-line is in operation from 3:30 P.M. to

11:00 P.M., 7 days a week (except holidays).

The Meeting Place Wish ListThe Meeting Place Wish ListThe Meeting Place Wish ListThe Meeting Place Wish List Upcoming TMP Clubhouse Events

Craft Day

No Deposit

Sign up by 12/6

Saturday, Dec. 8

10am-2pm

Holiday Party

No Deposit

Sign up by 12/19

Friday Dec. 21st

1pm-4pm

Cumple De Toro

Birthday Dinner

$5 Deposit/$3 Back

Sign up by 12/11

Thursday, Dec. 13th

4pm-6pm

New Years Party

No Deposit

Sign up by 12/27

Monday, Dec. 31st

4pm-6pm

2553 State Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-294-9582

Fax: 619-294-9588

Email: themeetingplace@mhsinc.org

Website: www.themeetingplaceinc.org

WHAT WE GUARANTEE

A PLACE TO COME

The Meeting Place is open to any adult age 18 or older with a verifiable diagnosed mental illness who resides within the county of

San Diego. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. We

also offer evening and weekend activities for fun and relaxation. Individuals who participate in our program are members.

MEANINGFUL WORK

At The Meeting Place, we believe everyone has something to contribute. Members and staff work side by side to facilitate the day-to-

day operations of the clubhouse and perform numerous tasks to ensure smooth operation of the program.

Examples of tasks performed by members include: answering phones, preparing breakfast and lunch, gardening, typing, filing,

entering data and maintaining records, tutoring, mentoring, writing, and coordinating the publication of the monthly newsletter,

The Meeting Place News, and everything that goes into creating our daily in-house newscast, KTMP Daily News.

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Through the shared work of the clubhouse, meaningful relationships are developed between members and staff. But it’s not all work at

The Meeting Place! Membership has its privileges. These include outings to local restaurants, plays, tourist attractions, and other

special activities.

Members and staff celebrate holidays, birthdays and achievements together. The Meeting Place is a place to come when you’re happy

or when you’re sad—you’re always welcome and you’re always among friends.

A PLACE TO RETURN TO

Membership is for life. No matter how long you’ve been gone, you can always come back home. Returning members are welcomed and

they are immediately returned to active status if they request it.

The First ICCD Accredited Clubhouse in CaliforniaThe First ICCD Accredited Clubhouse in CaliforniaThe First ICCD Accredited Clubhouse in CaliforniaThe First ICCD Accredited Clubhouse in California

Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award Recipient of the San Diego Mental Health Director’s Program of the Year Award

and Lilly Reintegration Awardand Lilly Reintegration Awardand Lilly Reintegration Awardand Lilly Reintegration Award