Community members socializing at the Hope House clubhouse grand opening

DEARBORN— At the grand reopening of its Hope House Clubhouse, which helps people suffering from mental illness reintegrate into society, ACCESS officials criticized the mental health stigma in the community and highlighted services of the clubhouse. 

At the Oct. 21 event, Supervisor of the Hope Clubhouse Sandra Amen-Bryan said members can acquire living skills, socialize and increase independence in a safe, clean environment.

To be accepted into the Hope House, members need a doctor’s referral, accompanied by a psychiatric evaluation.

Amen-Bryan said the Hope House assists stable mentally ill members.

When members visit for the day, the program includes cleaning, cooking and answering phone calls.

“It is a community of people,” said Amen-Bryan. “People can come here and do whatever they want. They may wish to do nothing, just sit down and be quiet. Our staff is extremely respectful. It is important to come in and see what it’s like.”

The Hope House, an 8,000 square-foot complex, closed in April 2013 because of low membership, which decreased the funding.

It reopened in March of this year. Amen-Bryan said the house aims to host 25 members daily and it is about halfway there.

The clubhouse accepts people on Medicare for free. Amen-Bryan said even if potential members do not have health insurance, ACCESS can assist them in acquiring coverage.

The supervisor added that there is nothing shameful about mental illness.

“When you deny the problem, people suffer needlessly,” she said.

Mona Makki, the director of ACCESS community health, echoed Amen-Bryan’s comments.

“Sadly, the negative sentiment that’s associated with mental illness within the Arab American community has resulted in people not seeking treatment or quitting treatment prematurely,” she said.

She added that the persistence of the stigma has led to “devastating outcomes” like suicide. 

Makki said mentally ill adults are also more likely to encounter legal problems and suffer other medical conditions and discrimination.

She said the clubhouse provides people with the hope and opportunity to realize their full potential and lead productive lives.

Martin Alward, psychosocial specialist for the state of Michigan, said his late older brother suffered mental illness.

“He would have been alive today had he had a place to go and wasn’t ashamed to talk about it,” Alward said of his sibling. “Instead he stayed home in my mother and father’s basement and never talked about it. Had he had a place like this intentional community, he may very well still be with us today.”

Hassan Jaber, the executive director of ACCESS, said the Hope House will assist the most vulnerable individuals in society.

“It’s about providing a home, a place that gives dignity and support to this wonderful population,” he said.

Wafaa, a clubhouse member who wished not be identified by her full name, urged the community to support the Hope House to continue to help people. 

“I would like to welcome you and thank you for accepting our invite to this event,” she told the crowd at the ceremony. “I would like to express my happiness to be here at the clubhouse, where I enjoy the kind treatment of the staff.”

Over the past two years, the local Arab American community has witnessed at least five suicides and two homicides linked to mental illness.

For questions on the club house, contact Amen-Bryan at 313-633-1885.