May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we got to thinking about our place in recognizing the holiday. The Clubhouse movement began in the 1940s with just a handful of people who found each other much in the same way that our members find each other. Prior to formally establishing the first Clubhouse, they called their group WANA, which stands for We Are Not Alone. For all the skill-building, the employment support, the education and advocacy that we do, we think that single most important aspect of the Academy is the strong community we’ve created. Isolation breeds depression and anxiety. The Academy creates connection.

Here is a challenge to our readers:  in the month of May, do one thing each day that might impact someone in a way that makes them feel seen. Say good morning with a smile and real eye contact, call a relative who lives alone, remind a friend of their worth. We may never really know the depth of the impact that our kindness might have on someone who may be feeling disenfranchised. And if you, dear reader, are feeling that disconnect, knock on our door. We are here, and you are not alone.