For Daniel, recovery is about showing up, staying connected, and encouraging others along the way.
Since becoming a member of AIM Center in 2022, Daniel has made it a point to spend his mornings at the Clubhouse before heading to work. Most Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, you’ll find him arriving in the morning, grabbing a cup of coffee, catching up with friends, and looking around to see who could use an extra hand.
No matter what task the day brings, Daniel’s goal is always the same: encourage others and remind them that they’re capable of more than they may realize.
“You’ve got to socialize, make friends, try new things, and be kind to one another,” he says.
That spirit of encouragement extends well beyond the Clubhouse.
Through AIM Center’s Employment Resource Center, Daniel has been working at the downtown YMCA in the housekeeping department since August 2023. He works several days a week and says having a job has given him both responsibility and independence, two things that have played an important role in his mental health recovery.
“Working isn’t always easy,” Daniel says. “You have to push yourself and keep trying.”
One of his favorite parts of working at the YMCA is meeting new people. Whether it’s a coworker or someone visiting the facility, Daniel enjoys taking the time to connect with others while still getting the job done.
At the Clubhouse, Daniel has discovered there are countless ways to contribute. During the work-ordered day, he might be helping prepare sweet tea and lemonade in the Café, picking up litter around the grounds, or assisting with facilities maintenance. Wherever help is needed, Daniel is ready to step in.
What has surprised him most since becoming a member is just how supportive the Clubhouse community has been.
“This place gives people responsibility and independence,” he says.
He has also discovered that he loves teaching others. Once Daniel learns something himself, he’s eager to pass that knowledge along and help someone else succeed.
Outside of his daily work, Daniel has found another creative outlet through art.
He didn’t begin making art until his 40s, starting with simple drawings of trees. Today, he enjoys experimenting with all kinds of creative projects, including painting, needlepoint, jewelry making, and even building useful items from popsicle sticks, like a phone stand he still uses at home. His artwork has also been featured in AIM Center’s annual Art Showcase, where members have the opportunity to share their talents with the community.
When asked what he wishes more people understood about mental health, Daniel’s answer is simple but powerful.
“No matter your diagnosis, you can overcome anything.”
One piece of advice he often shares is, “Even if you fall off the horse, you’ve got to get back on and try again.”
Life can knock you down, he says, but it’s important to keep getting back up. He also wants people to know they are never truly alone. There is always someone who cares, and for many people, the Clubhouse can become a place to find friendship, belonging, and hope. Daniel also credits his faith as an important source of healing and strength throughout his recovery journey.
If there’s one thing Daniel hopes people take away from his story, it’s that recovery is possible.
He wants others to know that no matter what they’ve experienced, life can get better. By sharing his own journey openly, he hopes someone else will realize they aren’t alone and will find the courage to keep moving forward.
And if you spend enough time around Daniel, you’ll probably hear one more piece of advice.
“Don’t litter,” he’ll remind you with a smile.
Whether he’s picking up trash around the Clubhouse, encouraging a fellow member, creating something new, or heading off to work, Daniel believes every small act of kindness and responsibility helps make the world a better place. That’s the example he strives to set every day.