SAN ANGELO, TX — A small clubhouse along the Concho River made just for special individuals.
"PTSD, autism, mental illness, it can be depression,” said Program Director Mark Myers.
A place where adults with a mental health diagnosis can come to work and socialize with people they can relate to.
"I like working in culinary and the kitchen in the dish room, and I like our socials when we get together and do things together,” said Joseph Droui, a member of the clubhouse.
Myers says he's been in the industry of helping people for 30 years.
"My mother and my stepdad were both in this field when I was 11 and 12 years old, I liked helping people and those who are certainly less fortunate by no fault of their own,” said Myers.
The clubhouse is a nonprofit organization and a place where its members can develop all kinds of skills.
“Waiting tables is something I see myself doing in the future so that’s kind of practice for a job I might have in the future,” said Ignacio Gurrolo-Robles, also a member of the clubhouse.
But the members there say it's not all "work" at the clubhouse.
"We go out to the movies or we go out to events, and we go to the civic theater,” said Droui.
Its purpose is to allow its members a chance to get out of their homes and socialize.
"I am a schizophrenic, I keep busy keep my mind from wandering because if my mind starts wondering that's when all my thoughts come into play,” said Gurrolo-Robles.
And encouraging social interaction is how the members keep from isolating themselves.
"I also like to wash dishes but Joe is pretty much an expert at it," said Gurrolo-Robles.
The San Angelo Clubhouse is an all member driven organization meant to help them gain confidence in the working world.
"My favorite memory about the club house is it’s always going to be with me no matter where I go, the clubhouse is just a great place to go,” said Droui.