REAL, Inc. is offering free transportation to and from the San Diego Clubhouse to residents of Brooks, Jim Wells, Kleeburg and Duval counties.
SAN DIEGO, Texas — Conversations surrounding mental health are becoming more commonplace, but accessing those resources can still be difficult for residents, especially those living in rural counties.
That’s where resources like REAL Transportation, Inc. come in to help, offering free transportation to and from wherever you need to be. For many, that transportation is essential to getting to appointments, but it’s not the only thing they can do.
San Diego has a facility called The Clubhouse, which operates under the leadership of project manager Toni Vasquez.
“We are a volunteer space for people with mental health issues, but not many people know about us,” Vasquez said. “The need for this came from our desire to reduce hospitalizations, to help them get out of isolation, to give them a sense of socialization and empowerment, to get out into the community and find a safe place where they can belong.”
The Clubhouse serves residents in four counties: Brooks County, Jim Wells County, Kleeburg County and Duval County.
REAL, Inc. provides its members with free transportation to and from the clubhouse. This service is free of charge, with the only condition being that the member has been diagnosed by a physician with a mental illness or condition.
“It’s a big thing for them to get out of their comfort zone, you know? I always tell freshmen to just give it a go,” Vasquez said.
New members are always welcome, and often new friendships are formed that later become a second family. That was certainly the case for new member Rebecca Rangel.
“I love that I get to meet different personalities every day and get to go out and enjoy activities,” said Rangel, who said she struggles with depression and social skills. For her, the clubhouse is a safe place.
“When you’re feeling down and you don’t know where to turn or what to do throughout the day or the week, this is a place that keeps you active and brings you back to reality,” she said.
New and returning members alike stay busy by attending the clubhouse several times a week to help with a variety of daily tasks, volunteer, cook and learn basic job skills.
Veronica Munoz, who suffers from depression and anxiety, has been a member for more than five years and said the friendly atmosphere and family feel are what keep her coming back.
“This helps a lot of people who suffer in silence, and there are so many more than just us who suffer in silence,” Muñoz said. “I’m lucky and grateful to have found these people that you all know, who don’t belittle us, label us, belittle us, badmouth us.”
While the REAL Clubhouse hosts a variety of activities every day, it also allows members to get some exercise. Right now, Clubhouse staff say they really need the community’s help to acquire new and used exercise equipment. If you would like to support the Clubhouse, contact Pamela Garza at 361-668-3158 or email pam.garza@realinc.org.
REAL, Inc. offers a variety of programs that allow residents throughout the Coastal Bend region to benefit from transportation services. Click here to learn more and see if you qualify.
You may also contact REAL, Inc. directly by calling (361) 668-3158 or emailing info@realinc.org.
