4 | JULY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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‘Virtual clubhouse’ has proved vital for members of the Genesis Club Veer Mudambi Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
Support during the isolation of the pandemic was crucial for everyone but especially so for members of the Genesis Club, struggling with serious mental health issues yet unable to access the physical location they had come to rely on. For Genesis, it was especially vital that the organization come to a remote alternative for the sake of their members. Working with the challenge of how to enable meetings when the clubhouse was at limited capacity for in-person interactions, the Genesis Club got creative in their use of video conferencing software to provide more points of accessibility to reach meetings. This “virtual clubhouse” proved to be a lifeline — not only through COVID but beyond. “It meant a lot to me to be connected to everyone who could support me through those diffi cult times.” Matt Perrone, a Genesis Club member of 30 years, said, “I used the virtual ways to access Genesis Club very often when the Clubhouse was only at 25% capacity during the pandemic, and I still use the virtual methods currently when I cannot come to the Club in person.” Founded in Worcester in 1988, Genesis is a community for mental health recovery and anyone with a serious mental health diagnosis can become a member. In fact, the World Health Organization has recognized the Clubhouse Model as a
The exterior of the Genesis Club, on Lincoln Street in Worcester. A “virtual clubhouse” has proven invaluable to members who weren’t able to utilize the facility in person during the pandemic.JOHN FERRARONE/T&G FILE PHOTO
rights-based, person-centered approach to community mental health. For many years, it has helped members fi nish or start their education or fi nd employment and housing while they
are working on their recovery in their own way and at their own pace. Most members used to come in almost every single day, participating in the daily operations of the clubhouse which simulate a workday in
preparation for the workforce and rebuilding social networks. All services are free to members as the funding is obtained through donations, foundations and contracts with the Departments of Mental Health
at the state and federal levels. However, with the pandemic restrictions, all that was interrupted. Rachel Riani, development associate at Genesis, exSee GENESIS, Page 5
