Connection Times October 2019

Citiview Connections Clubhouse — 33-24 Northern Boulevard, 3rd Floor

Long Island City, Queens NY 11101 — office 718.361.7030 fax 347.649.3921

CONNECTION TIMES

October 2019

Seas The Day!

Citiview Clubhouse Goes To Rockaway Beach–
Among Many Wonderful Trips We Had
This Summer

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Rockaway Beach
Queensbridge Park BBQ

Hector arguing with Hector arguing with Rocco
Marilyn on the ferry at the BBQ

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Rhonda: Always Laughing Shawn: Sexy As Hell
by Artie W by Artie W

Rhonda has been coming to Citiview for Shawn is a new member of Citiview and thus
over five months and she was referred by far she has enjoyed her time becoming acclimat-
Pam's Place. ed into the community.”Best part about it is that
it keeps me busy and out of trouble,” she says..
Citiview gives her activities to do during
the day. She is grateful for that because she She if flexible with the chores and does wha-
doesn't have much to do at home. ver is necessary in the Clubhouse. Shawn liked
the bowling trip as well.
She likes to brush up her computer skills
and to work on mental health issues. Rhon- Shawn’s short term goal is housing and her
da enjoyed her birthday by coming to the long term goal is to keep it. “I simply just want
beach with us on August 30th. to stay away from the insanity.”

Rhonda needs help in getting housing Shawn was born and raised in Brooklyn but
which she is in the process of obtain- has lived in many places including California,
ing. Her long term goal is permanent hous- Alabama, Connecticut and Delaware. “But New
ing and improving her mental health. York is where it starts and this is where it’s
ends. If there is one thing Shawn want the com-
munity to know is that she’s sexy as hell. Gotta
remind everyone- this is just how it goes”.

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New Policies and Existing Policies
Reinforced as the Result of the Policy Meeting from

The Summer of 2019

 Computer Use: Use of the computers is for Citiview-related research (i.e. working on
goals, helping the clubhouse and/or your unit). Personal use of the computer is from 12-
1:30 pm and 4-5 pm (Thursdays 4-7pm)

 Sleeping: If someone is sleeping, they can be engaged by any member or staff. They can
check in and see how they are doing. Please remember- no one comes into the Clubhouse just to
sleep.

 Laundry: Cleaning of the lint tray will be added to the task board for both Morning and
Afternoon responsibilities. A sign-in sheet will be created with 90 minute increments
available for personal use of the machines throughout the day. You may call to reserve a
slot. If you are 15 minutes late for your slot, you will lose your availability for that time.

 Meal Time: You may call to save your lunch for the following reasons: doctor’s appoint-
ment, job, Citiview function. This may be done by 11 AM at the latest. Walk-ins must
sign their name by 11:30 AM. Everyone who is at the clubhouse during lunchtime gets to eat
first.

 Kitchen Access: You are not allowed in the kitchen while food is being prepared unless
you have volunteered to work there. If you would like to get something from the refrigerator,
you must ask staff first.

 Designated Eating Areas: Both members and staff are not allowed to eat at desks, com-
puters, or the reception area. All consumption of food is solely in the café area.

 Reception Area: There should be no more than two people in the reception area at any time.
Only the receptionist and the greeter should be there during the work-ordered day.

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How It Feels To Be Misunderstood

by Shaniqua Satterfield

Trying to get people to like you and understand you for you and not
an imitated version of who they think you should be is a very difficult
thing. You shouldn’t have to walk around wearing a mask or to hide be-
hind tons of makeup because God forbid you show the actual you! You
might not fit into society where there is so much judgement and pres-
sure, that even the people we look up to as role models are no longer
looking or acting like themselves. It leaves me to ponder: where do I ac-
tually fit into society?

People say my hair texture isn’t ideal to them and that my teeth aren’t
white enough; that I am not rich enough to be part of the upper class. I
didn’t finish school so I can’t rock with the doctors and lawyers. So I
guess that leaves me as another statistic- a young woman battling a
mental illness. With that stigma, people’s whole persona toward me
changes and they look at me like the plague.

But if they only knew me and took the time to see that I am still hu-
man and that same color
blood that runs through their
veins also runs through mine-
would I be acknowledged? Or
would I still be misunder-
stood because of one’s own
lack of knowledge that re-
volves around mental illness.

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Citiview Salutes Our Long Time Friend
& Member Alan Grossman

On Friday September 30th, Citiview celebrated the life of Alan Grossman, who
passed away this past June at the age of 72. Several members paid tribute to Alan by
expressing their personal thoughts and memories of him. We then watched a funny,
yet very moving video that Hector Garcia made that showcased old photos of Alan
during his time at Citiview as well as interviews with fellow members reminiscing
on their time with him. Citiview members were also given toothbrushes and tooth-
paste because as we all know, Alan was deeply dedicated to his oral hygiene!

Lastly, Marilyn Bermudez and Ronald Fleming, both Navy veterans, honored the
memory of Alan’s Naval service to his country during The Vietman War with a cer-
emonial folding and presentation of The American Flag. A bagpipe version of the
song “Amazing Grace” was played while Marilyn and Ronald conducted the service.
It was a very moving experience for everyone who attended and we were grateful for
the opportunity to honor Alan’s life the best way we could.

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For Alan

A poem by Carol Lustgarden

We can’t forget you played a big part in Vietnam
So proud to be in The Navy, a big part of your identity
It meant so much to you
Proud to be an American
Coming to Citiview, you liked to be a part of the community
Speaking up at the meetings, having a voice
Taking part in many of the trips and outings, picnics, open mics, BBQs,
Eating a variety of food.
Ana helping you
And Alan, thank you for supporting all of the Autumn Sales, Holiday
And Spring Sales over the years
So kind and generous
That’s who you are
I hope you enjoyed all the mugs,
Calendars, bookmarks and clothes
We’ll remember you as the leaves grow
old
And as the win blows cold
Like a memory, you’ll always be
.And Alan-, Happy New Year!
Shana Tova!

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Please Welcome Newest Advisory Board Member

Sandra Gresl

What made you want to become an Advisory Board Member
at Citivew?

I will always remember the first time I came to Citiview - I had
scheduled an appointment with Russ Roten to share more about
Mobilization for Justice's legal services and learn more about
clubhouse members legal needs. Russ gave me a tour of the space
and introduced me to some of the clubhouse members that were
present that day. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and it
was immediately apparent what a special place Citiview is. I walked away feeling energized
by the reminder of the immense healing power of community.

I am inspired by the work that Citiview Connections does in terms of creating and sus-
taining its member community as well as fighting the social stigma often associated with
mental illness. I welcome the opportunity to more directly support Citiview's work as a
member of the Advisory Board.

Tell us a little bit about yourself- whats is your background/ professional experience?

I grew up in Vermont, which will always be one of my heart-homes, even though at this
point I have spent more years living in other places. I moved to New York seven years ago
to join Mobilization for Justice's Mental Health Law Project (MHLP) as a Staff Attorney
where I remain today, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals with mental
health disabilities across the five boroughs on a range of civil legal issues, with a focus on
eviction defense and Social Security appeals. Before returning to law school and joining Mo-
bilization for Justice, I lived in Seattle, Washington where I worked as a community-based
advocate, offering support and resources to immigrant and LGBTQ-identified individuals
experiencing intimate partner violence.

Q: What are your hopes/expectations for being a Board Member?

As an Advisory Board member, I hope that I can join Citiview's efforts to develop deeper
and broader relationships between Citiview members and the wider community. I hope to
gain a better understanding of the vision and needs of Citiview members to use my skills
and networks to help support that vision.

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Angelo: An Outgoing Member Sonja: Definitely Keeping It Real
by Artie W by Artie W

Angelo was referred by Fortune Society in Sonja found out about Citiview from
April of 2019. He soon discovered that Citiview Fortune Society. And has been coming to the
was a really friendly place and that people were clubhouse since March. “Citiview is a place
willing to show him the ropes. that has a nice little social setting. Everybody
has different personalities, but everybody gets
Angelo's hobbies are doing puzzles, writing along.”
short stories, and movie trivia. “Citiview keeps me
busy. It's better than just staying at home. The She likes making coffee and helping Mar-
environment and my friends keep me motivated to tin. She gets a warm feeling when she comes
come back.” He especially enjoys playing pool, to Citiview– it allows her to love herself. And
bowling, beach and barbecue. “I loved the picnic. help her remain calm.
It was fun competing in football there.”
Her short-term goals are continuing her
He was very nervous at his interview for the education and finding permanent housing.
Goodwill store which Citiview helped him secure. She wants to volunteer with people affected
Fortunately Angelo persevered and got the posi- by domestic violence.
tion!
Eventually Sonja wants to form an organi-
Angelo’s short-term goals are savings tor zation for people dealing with mental illness,
things that he needs, buying a game system, and abuse, drugs, family violence, and racial
working on his issues. His long-term goal is violence.
Housing.

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Astoria Bowl Feast of San Gennaro

Queensbridge Park Barbeque

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In honor of one of Citiview’s valued members
Juan Polanco….

Thank You For Transportation

a poem by Leonardo Morrison

Gathered with us for a FARE

For rides on the trains and bus
We may have zero

But that circle is our trust
Sometimes we ask, plead or need

But Mr. Polanco
It was you who came to us in our time of need

Thank you for the metro-cards.

Leo Morrison – thankful @ citiviewconnections

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SPECIAL THANKS TO :

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