Rest In Peace Dad "Jim" 09/06/2011

07/26/2025

We were honored to have a visit today from Senator Mary Cavanagh’s team to share the message of Clubhouses, the positive impact of Clubhouses for individuals with mental illness, and the potential detrimental effects of Medicaid cuts to Clubhouses. Thank you Shawnte, District Director, for allowing us to share Gathering Place Clubhouse with her and her team.

06/25/2025

Here’s to the rebels, the misfits, and the ones who never quite “fit in”—Happy Black Sheep Day! We’ve been different. And we’ve been fabulous.

06/15/2025

June 15th 2025
Sunday
Father's Day

Father’s Day is always a tough one for me. Every year, I feel that deep ache of missing my dad and wishing he was still here. It’s hard not having him around to celebrate all the things I’ve accomplished; like graduating with my high school diploma in 2021, meeting Paula Abdul in 2018 (he would’ve loved that!), reuniting with some of my childhood friends like Kal Eilane Foukes, and being part of The Gathering Place Clubhouse for 14 years and building lifelong friendships, like Dennis Wolke who became a second dad to me when I first started at clubhouse, working at so many different jobs that helped shape who I am today. I am grateful for my mom Paula Rehnlund and the director of GPC (Joy) who made me the woman that I am today.

I got to speak at the 30th anniversary at The Gathering Place Clubhouse in October 2024 and now I am going to be public speaking for TLC Foundation for BFRBs for trichotillomania recovery in September 2025. I have accomplished so many things since you passed away. I said to my 17 year old self that I wouldn't make it past by 20th birthday.

I know in my heart he’s in a better place, and I know he’d be so proud of me. Still, I wish I could hear him say it just once more, and one more hug.

Even though Father’s Day brings a lot of emotion, I try to focus on the beautiful memories we shared. I carry those with me always, and they bring comfort when the grief sneaks in.

Miss you every day, Dad. 💙

Love,
Journee (aka "Carol") and Mom (Paula aka "babe")

06/12/2025

Fourteen years.
That’s how long it took me to watch this video of my dad again. It was the last one I had of him—and he was on a ventilator. For years, I couldn’t bring myself to press play. It was just too painful.

But yesterday, I felt like God was nudging me: “Watch it. You need to hear his voice again.”
I was scared. My heart was heavy. But I listened.

As the video played, the tears came—steady, unstoppable. But then I heard it: his voice.
And suddenly, it wasn’t just a memory anymore.

Father’s Day is hitting me especially hard this year. I know I’m not the only one—my mom has been missing him deeply, too. With both of us living in severe chronic pain, there are so many days we wish he were still here with us—to help, to hold us, to just be.

But I take comfort knowing he’s still watching over us.
I’m thankful for the photos. I’m thankful for the memories. And even though that video was the last one I have, I’m so grateful I heard his voice again.

Love you always, Dad. 💔🕊️

Love,
Journee and Mom

05/26/2025

Monday
May 26th 2025

Dear Dad,
I hope you're watching over us from up there. I need to ask you a favor—please take care of my good friend Melvin. He just joined you, and my heart is heavy.

Melvin was one of a kind. We met at The Gathering Place Clubhouse, and he became such a meaningful part of my life. He helped me through some really tough friendship breakups and always knew how to lift my self-esteem when I needed it most. His presence brought comfort and joy, and I already miss him more than words can say.

Things just won’t be the same without him here. But knowing he’s with you brings me a little peace. Please show him the same love and care you always gave me.

Miss you both deeply.
Love always

Love,
Journee xoxo.

05/11/2025

May 11th 2025
Sunday

Happy Mother’s Day

Today is a day to honor and celebrate mothers, and while this page is dedicated to Dad, I can’t help but think about how much he loved and appreciated Mom. He never missed a chance to tell us how lucky he felt to have her by his side—her strength, her love, her patience.

I know he’d want us to wrap Mom in that same love today. So, in his spirit, we celebrate her twice as much—once for ourselves, and once for him.

Thinking of all the moms out there today, especially those who carry both roles, and those who are missing someone at their side.

We love you, Mom.

Love,
Journee and Paula

Also: whoever keeps going on my dad's memorial page throughout the day, we can see you. Please get a life.

04/20/2025

Sunday
April 20th 2025
Easter Sunday

This Easter, I'm holding a little tighter to the memories of my dad.

Holidays have a way of making us feel both the joy of the season and the ache of missing someone we love. My dad brought so much warmth, laughter, and strength into our lives, and even though he's no longer with us, I feel his presence in so many little ways—especially during times like this.

Easter is about hope, renewal, and love that never ends. I carry that hope with me, knowing that love doesn't disappear, it just changes form. Dad, you're forever in my heart. I miss you more than words can say, but I’m grateful for every moment we shared.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and meaningful Easter. Hug your loved ones a little tighter.

Love,
Journee and Paula xoxo

04/01/2025

April 1st 2025
Tuesday

Hi Dad!

You would be so proud of me, even tho I had a setback at Clubhouse... I was nominated for Clubhouse member of the month for Women's History Month. I feel so proud of myself and I know you would be too. Life has its ups and downs but God never has let me down. I accomplished a lot from meeting Paula Abdul to graduating with my high school diploma to working different types of jobs and to making a difference in the chronic pain/trichotillomania/mental health community. I hope you, Gramma Jean, and grandma are looking down at me seeing that I am kicking ass! LOL! Love you! Until we meet again! XOXO

Love,
Journee (Carol)

Tagged: The Gathering Place Clubhouse

In honor of , we’re highlighting women members in the Clubhouse Community and their experiences.

Hear from Journee, a member from the Gathering Place Clubhouse in Michigan, USA.

"My name is Journee Rehnlund and I have been attending The Gathering Place Clubhouse since September 2011.

I dropped out of high school due to being severely bullied and losing my dad at age 17. Because of Clubhouse, I graduated with my high school diploma in June 2021, I worked multiple TEs and have gotten jobs on my own.

I worked as an intern for Michigan Works and was an assistant manager at Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Last year I shared my member's recovery story at the 30th anniversary.

The Gathering Place Clubhouse has become my family. Members and staff have made me the woman I wanted to be today. I am forever blessed and grateful for them, especially our director Joy."

The Gathering Place Clubhouse

11/28/2024

Thursday
November 28th 2024

Hey Dad,

Another holiday without you for 13 years. Mom and I miss you much. It's so lonely without you. I can't wait to see you again one day, I hope. Starting to feel that depression creeping up. Love you..

Love,
Journee and Paula