Bernie's Birthday Fundraiser

My Birthday Wish: A Stronger Cowtown Clubhouse

Last year, I joined Cowtown Clubhouse as Executive Director because I had fallen in love with something simple but powerful: the idea that relationships can change the course of mental health recovery.

The Clubhouse model starts from a different place than many traditional approaches to mental illness. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong?” we ask, “What can we build together?” At Cowtown Clubhouse, adults living with serious mental illness aren’t patients or clients—they’re members of a community. Members and staff work side by side, prepare and share meals, pursue employment and education, solve problems, laugh, celebrate milestones, and show up for one another.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of seeing what happens when people who have experienced isolation find a place where they are genuinely needed. I’ve watched confidence return. I’ve seen friendships form. I’ve seen members take steps toward employment, independence, and goals they once thought were out of reach.

And I’ve learned that the magic of Clubhouse isn’t really magic at all. It’s what happens when people have purpose, meaningful relationships, and a community that believes in what they can contribute.

Each year, North Texas Giving Day happens to fall during my birthday week. So instead of birthday presents, I’m asking for something that means much more to me: help building this community.

Your gift to Cowtown Clubhouse helps provide a welcoming place to belong, nutritious meals shared around a table, opportunities to return to work and school, wellness activities, and—most importantly—the relationships that make recovery possible.

For my birthday, will you make a gift to Cowtown Clubhouse and help ensure that more people living with serious mental illness have a community where they are known, needed, and valued?