Overview

The Social Club provides a social environment for mentally ill people who are referred to us through Blue Ridge Community Services.  We are now in our 25th year. Members come to Christ Church, either by RADAR or walking, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month for social interaction, a meal, and a program of crafts, games, music, etc.  The Club is supported by volunteers, mostly from our congregation, who prepare the meals, interact with members, or clean up after the meal.

Activities

This year our highlights were a walk-a-thon for mental health (shown here), four picnics (two of which we invited St.John's club to attend), three dine-outs, a valley-wide dance at Tanglewood Mall for all social clubs, talent night, one meeting at St. John's and a carnival with them at Christ Church, and Hawaiian night. These programs also included three music programs, which are greatly appreciated by all members. Other programs for the year were bingo, crafts, word games, pizza and a movie, and two trips to see the Avalanche play ball.

Each year individuals from the congregation provide a gift for each member. The gift is delivered at our Christmas party on the last meeting of the year.  Santa is present to deliver the gifts.  Often, this is the only gift that some members receive.

As a new initiative, we are urging our members to improve their dental health.  The very medications they take to control their illnesses degrade their teeth.  At present, Medicaid does not cover dentistry.  Therefore, we are soliciting additional funds outside of our Nackley funds we use to support individuals' financial crises, and also seeking willing dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons to help.

Following is a photo montage of our members and volunteers at the valley-wide dance.