Meet Our IT Team
By Garrett Velasquez
Our IT team is one of our behind-the-scenes groups that keeps the Clubhouse running. Recently, we’ve seen a jump in member applications and attendance. We have also seen an increase in our technological capabilities thanks to a technology grant. Currently, we have over 20 computers, a network with over 30 users, and several units that utilize their own technology groups.
In order to sustain our technology infrastructure, we have a dedicated team of people who keep the Clubhouse on-line. This group routinely troubleshoots problems that come up, keeps our network up and running, and utilize the newest trends in technology to create opportunities for the Clubhouse. For instance, our IT established a relationship with another non-profit, Tech Soup, that gives us access to donated software and allows us to buy much-needed software programs at a discounted rate.
With the increase in our membership has also come new challenges to maintaining our network. Our network has grown to over 30 regular users, including several new staff members. To meet this challenge, we have hired a new IT support specialist, Andrew. Andrew is originally from El Paso, TX and moved here several years ago. He is currently completing an associate degree in Network Security, and is within a semester of finishing. Before working at the San Antonio Clubhouse, Andrew spent significant time assisting Veterans at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. With Andrew’s help, we have established new servers, new security cameras, and raised the level of technology production to a new, professional level.
Chris is the newest member of our IT team. He holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts from San Antonio College and completed some coursework at UTSA. Chris aspires to work full-time at Rackspace, and made significant headway in the interview process there. While at the Clubhouse, he aims to build his resume supporting the IT staff and also to foster professional interpersonal skills with other members and staff.
JoJo is our most experienced IT team member. He has belonged to the Clubhouse as a member since July 17th, 2006. He started working on computers in 2007 and since then has devoted his efforts full-time to IT support and software development. JoJo has also attended Clubhouse Training, a two-week Clubhouse instruction period at Independence Center in St. Louis in 2012. The training is by invitation only, and JoJo is currently the only IT team member who has attended. The training session was intense but invaluable, and has made JoJo an integral part of our Clubhouse IT team.
Recap: NAMI Texas Conference 2014
By Kyler Liu
Eli, Mark, and myself represented the San Antonio Clubhouse in Galveston, TX for the Texas NAMI Conference. We worked with the Austin Clubhouse, Legacy Clubhouse, and St. Joseph's House to discuss the benefits of the clubhouse employment programs and the success that our model has made in our members' lives. We were really channeling the inspiring stories of success our members have achieved at their respective clubhouses.
All the representatives from the other locations like Dena, Lorena from Austin, Sister Agnes, and Clay joined us in sharing the vision and success of clubhouse. Every time a member or staff from clubhouse got up to speak the energy grew. It truly was a Texas Clubhouse Coalition effort.
After we finished, people asked where they could sign up and for assistance with starting clubhouses in their area. They saw the vision because our members, staff, and clubhouses in Texas have made the vision possible. This event was one reminder that we are helping people recover through meaningful work and relationships.
We represent hope and new beginnings.
We have been able to do our work because
we do it together.
Member Profile: Meet Matt
By Nathan Tuttle
Meet Matt. Matt has been a San Antonio Clubhouse member for about two years after hearing about us at a local NAMI meeting. Even if you think you know Matt after two years, there's still more to learn.
Matt was born in Houston, Texas where he lived until about age 10. He then moved to San Antonio with his family, and eventually started attending Winston Churchill High School where he played right midfielder on the soccer team.
After high school, Matt spent time at both Texas Tech University and at San Antonio College. At SAC, he studied graphic art - working with Adobe Photoshop and other graphic design programs. While at SAC, Matt worked part-time at a local bakery where he would continue to work until about 2004. He has also worked some years at a car wash.
At the Clubhouse, Matt first liked drying the dishes in the Health and Wellness Unit, and now is more likely to be found working in the Business and Community Connections Unit. He would like to find part-time employment when the time is right, and would also like to get more involved with Clubhouse social media (especially Twitter).
"This place brings me hope," says Matt. "It's nice to know you can come here and have a community." To potential members, Matt's advice is pretty simple: take the leap. "The Clubhouse keeps you busy, gets you out of the house, and helps you find employment, housing, and education," Matt says.
We are so happy that Matt is a part of our Clubhouse community - he's always up for working on just about anything. So, it won't surprise you to learn that Matt is also an Eagle Scout - his major project being building a playhouse for a local children's shelter.
Spurs Corner: Spurs Drop Game to Brooklyn Nets
By Stephen Reinert
The world-champion San Antonio Spurs took on the Brooklyn Nets last night in Brooklyn, NY. The Spurs were on a fiery winning streak before the game - winning 8 consecutive.
The Spurs unfortunately lost in overtime to the Nets by a score of 95-93. Danny Green scored 20 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Duncan also put in a double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds.
*Did you know: The Spurs had a 16-game winning streak against Eastern Conference teams before this loss. They hadn't been beaten by an Eastern Conference team since Detroit on February 10, 2014.
