12/01/2025
Meet Alli, one of our incredible Clubhouse Members!💙Here is her story:
"I have been a member at Vail Communities since September of 2024. My membership at Vail has increased my self-confidence, given me purpose, and allowed me to make lifelong friendships. I attended college at St. Cloud State University, received a master's degree at Florida Gulf Coast University, and was a teacher for many years. I have a 16-year-old son that I see as often as possible, but he lives out of state.
The trauma that I have experienced in my life has caused me to develop some strong issues with anxiety and depression. I lost my firstborn son, was in a very abusive relationship where I broke my spine and had a significant other die of an overdose. Despite many difficulties, however, I have been able to give back. I volunteer by making Christmas cards for women in recovery and use my background and talents to help other members with their college education. I give them support through teaching art classes, helping make cards, and giving tours of the Clubhouse.
Since I am unable to work, Vail Communities gives me the opportunity to share my compassion for others by spreading kindness and love to people in our community. The staff and members at Vail have helped me in many ways by providing guidance and support when I needed it. I honestly do not know where I would be without being a part of this vital organization for people with mental illness."
Thank you, Alli, for sharing your story and being a part of our community! To learn more about Vail's Clubhouse Support Program, visit: https://vailcommunities.org/clubhouses.
