We can cook recipes that we can plan with others and everything is made fresh.

An army marches on his stomach, thank you Louis.

I don't mind working here [in the kitchen].

Everybody meets and eats here.

I think it's quite well managed now. I like making all kinds of sweet things.

I like keeping track of supplies of and dishes and things. I like working with people and the food here.

It's exciting to work in the thrift unit. I enjoy teaching members how to work in the sorting area and on the register.

It's okay to make mistakes while learning how to use the cash register.

It's good for the public to learn more about our community and have fun shopping while they are here.

There is room for lots of people on the sorting table.

It's a place to get really good at quality and fashionable clothing at a reasonable price. The unit can be really fun and really busy.

I think it's a good thing and a good job.

I enjoy working with customers, it's not a boring job, it is an opportunity to make friends. Being on register help me build self-confidence.

I feel comfortable working with customers. It teaches me to think for myself.

They keep you busy.

Too much clothing can be a good thing.

Best deals in Town!

I like seeing all the downtown office workers that shop here.

Its fun to see all the members cloths that come through here.

"I like keeping track of supplies and dishes and things. I like working with people and the food here."

"I think the kitchen is quite well managed now. I like making all kinds of sweet things."

"Everybody meets and eats here."

"I don't mind workin'"

"An army marches on its' stomach. Thank you...." Tim H.

Drama in the Membership Services Front Office Ah, the Front Office of Membership Services... It has been called by Brad, the "nerve center" of Member services. This is because we see everything. Whether it is an urgent 911 call, (which we hope doesn't happen that frequently)--or a simple and important "First Impression" for a potential member, or maybe a "higher-up" on the board. Jay, the Greeter, who speaks much about his "healing," and his father's military prowess--(and cars)-- greets everyone cheerfully, and respectfully asks their name if there is a member he does not know yet. Ira, the new "runner," who delivers messages to staff, is really a veteran here at the Clubhouse. He is generous to a fault, and has a quick wit and engaging conversation. Ira is really a gem, and everyone appreciates him. He is also much involved in his literary talents for the newsletter. Carol is the stoic, stalwart one, who's been a great example to me this past year. Carol has a great sense of humora and aside from being a runner, and phone answerer, does many clerical tasks for the Membership Unit. I feel that I am not being modest when I say that I feel like I mostly "observe"--in awe of how a Clubhouse Unit can be so well run. I can't close the article without mentioning the computer room of Member Services : Alan is an important component of the data entry part of Member Services and without his kind smile and precise work, the unit could not be run. Nada helps to data to Alan and shares data entry responsibilities. Ban is also involved in data entry and their meticuous work provides much needed input to our unit. Pam and Audrey answer phones and with their cheerful, friendly manner add a welcome addition to Member Services. A note to John Noonan - we are so glad to have him back on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. His handwriting is great! But how can it be run, (with all the unit meetings, orientation packets, new members, amd the joyful daily unit meeting), without our staff, Rachel? Rachel adds humor and a professional, yet casual air to our unit, adapting to all our quirks, abilities, and personal work styles to make the unit run great. I'm so glad that I'm on sabbatical to witness such unsung heroes, with courage and faith to realize that they can do something meaningful in this world.

Here are five reasons why Our Place Clubhouse is important to me. It is a place that supports me when I do things like serving lunch and washing dishes. It is a good place to meet friends. It provides me with activities like bingo, outings for movies,mall walks, and we do parties on holidays(Halloween and Thanksgiving). Halloween is my favorite holiday because I won first place as a King and won five dollars in October 2002 and, finally, it is a place for me to do volunteer work.

I have been a member of Our Place Clubhouse for almost 17 years. Our Place Clubhouse has been a place to go when I feel like isolating or am depressed. I can go to Our Place and see people there that seems like family, it's my home away from home. I have worked in all the units (Kitchen, Rethreads Thrift shop, Member Services, Resource and advocacy) - I have even helped in other areas when asked.

Since I have been coming here, four years total, the Clubhouse has encouraged me when I doubted myself a lot. I can talk to members and staff about anything...they don't judge me...I get an opportunity to speak and have recognition for qualities about myself. They have helped me understand that my problems are not as bad as they are. I feel empowered and know that it is better to not say the word, "can't" about something.