DAYTON — In Dayton, the Miracle Clubhouse at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley has spent nearly a decade providing life skills activities for adults with mental illness. When the pandemic hit, many activities closed, leaving members isolated.
Brandon Spatz has been a member at Miracle Clubhouse since 2016. He said the pandemic took away the activities that had become a way of life for him.
“I felt like I was missing something from my life,” Spatz said.
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Kathleen Trick, Miracle Clubhouse Coordinator at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, said that while the staff pivoted during the pandemic with virtual hangouts and social media communication, but frustrations persisted.
“The depression that sets in with the isolation. I think humans need others. We are made for interaction and so when we are isolated like with the pandemic it really put a struggle to it,” Trick told News Center 7′s Michael Gordon.
Now, as they have gained a better understanding of COVID-19 protocol and more people become vaccinated, Trick said they are turning a corner. In-person hybrid activities have returned and more members are allowed back inside.
Spatz said he is excited to get back to the clubhouse, but noted the past year has made him stronger.
“Any struggle you go through can make you stronger and knowing that I could do it with the support of the clubhouse on my side but also doing it myself meant the world to me,” Spatz siad.
Cox Media Group
