SAN DIEGO, Texas — While conversations surrounding mental health are becoming more normalized, access to those resources can still be difficult to come by, especially for some residents who may live in more rural counties.
That's where resources like REAL Transportation, Inc. come in to help by providing free transportation to and from where they need to go at no cost. For many, that transportation is crucial for getting to appointments, but it goes beyond that.
In San Diego, you will find what's called The Clubhouse, which operates under the leadership of Toni Vasquez, the project manager there.
"We are a voluntary work environment for people with mental disabilities, not a lot of people know that we exist," Vasquez said. "The need came from isolation and trying to reduce hospitalization and having something for them to be social, and a sense of empowerment and for them to come out in the community and have a safe place to go to have somewhere to belong."
The Clubhouse serves residents from four different counties: Brooks, Jim Wells, Kleberg and Duval.
REAL, Inc. provides the members free transportation to and from The Clubhouse. The services are not billed, the only criteria is that they must have been diagnosed by a doctor regarding their mental health illness or condition.
"For them to step out of their comfort zone is a big deal, right? I always tell our new enrollees to just try it once," said Vasquez.
New members are always welcome. Often, they forge new friendships that later become second families. For new member, Rebecca Rangel, that has certainly been the case.
"You have a chance to meet different people with different personalities on a daily basis and we get to go out and have activities, I really like that," Rangel said, who shared that she struggles with depression and social skills. For her, The Clubhouse is a safe space.
"When you feel down and out and you just don't know where to turn or what to do that specific day or throughout the week, this is a place to come that keeps you active and brings you back to reality," she said.
Members, new and returning, come to The Clubhouse several times a week and are kept busy by helping fulfill various day-to-day tasks, volunteer opportunities, cooking and learning basic job skills.
Veronika Muñoz, who has depression and anxiety, has been a member for more than five years now, and says it's the friendly atmosphere and family dynamic that has kept her coming back.
"It's helpful for a lot of people who suffer in silence, and there's a lot of us who suffering silence," Muñoz said. "I'm lucky that I found these people you know, and I appreciate it. They don't put us down, they don't label us or put us down or talk bad about us."
Among the many day-to-day activities there at the REAL Clubhouse, there is also the option for members to exercise. At this time, staff there says they could really use the community's support in attaining new or gently-used exercise equipment. If you or your business would like to help The Clubhouse, they are encouraged to contact Pamela Garza at 361-668-3158 or via email: pam.garza@realinc.org.
There are various programs offered through REAL, Inc. which residents across the entire Coastal Bend region can benefit from their transportation services. To learn more and see if you qualify, click here.
You can also reach out directly to REAL, Inc. by calling (361) 668-3158 or emailing: info@realinc.org.
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