Donation helps NAMI near Clubhouse goal

The 2024 Leadership Sandpoint class recently donated over $15,000 to NAMI Far North's Sand Creek Clubhouse Project. The funds were raised at Leadership Sandpoint's annual "Cinco de Mayo" fundraiser held in downtown Sandpoint.

The program, organized annually by the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, offers education sessions and activities designed to help participants learn about the community and its organizations. Each year, participants select a nonprofit or program to help.

The donation helps NAMI Far North, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, near its goal of opening the Sand Creek Clubhouse. This vital facility will provide psychosocial rehabilitation for community members living with serious mental illness in Bonner and Boundary counties — a critical need in the region, Dr. Dawn Mehra, NAMI Far North president, said.

The Sand Creek Clubhouse will model the proven success of Clubhouse International, which has over 300 accredited clubhouses across 33 countries, Mehra said. Utilizing 37 specific standards and a work-ordered day structure, the program aims to help members recovering from various mental health conditions reestablish three vital elements: people, place and purpose.

"When you have a physical injury, we understand you need time and therapy. What is not as well understood is that a mental injury takes even more recovery time and support. This is what Clubhouse specializes in," Mehra said.

Members collaborate with staff and each other on the clubhouse's operations, fostering connection and purpose. Through this work and employment programs, they can heal, reconnect with the community, and return to productive, fulfilling lives after isolating mental health challenges.

Data shows that such recovery-focused programs directly impact cycles of rehospitalization and incarceration that individuals may otherwise continue facing without proper psychosocial rehabilitation.

Thanks to Leadership Sandpoint's donation and community support, Mehra said NAMI Far North is actively seeking an executive director, with a $50,000 goal to launch the clubhouse. 

"The community, including police, judges, and jail staff, understand this facility is badly needed to decrease hospitalizations and incarcerations. There is nothing like this in Bonner or Boundary counties — it will be the first in our state," she added.