CATHLAMET — If it weren’t for the Johnson Clubhouse, Cathy Stuart said she likely would sleep all day every day. Instead, she regularly meets her friends at the clubhouse to socialize, do crafts and work on re-entering the work force.

“This has gotten me out of the house,” said Stuart, who is bipolar and has fibromyalgia. “It gives me an incentive to get out of bed and get going.”

The Johnson Clubhouse is a drop-in center for men and women struggling with mental illness. According to its mission statement, it provides “opportunities for members to live, work and learn, while contributing their talents through mutual community support.”

“There’s a stigma attached to anything that says mental health,” said Colleen Bennett, an intensive case manager for Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services. “One of the big things is re-entry. This place is very recovery-oriented.”

The county-owned clubhouse is a historical two-story home on Division Street. Its rooms are filled with inviting furniture, brightly painted cabinets and warm area rugs. On Friday, the scent of cooking chicken wafted from the cheery kitchen in preparation for a twice-monthly dinner for members.

Jeannie May is one of the original members from when the clubhouse started two years ago. She also does much of the cooking.

“The fellowship is the most important thing,” said May, who is bipolar and suffers from depression, both lifelong afflictions. “I do OK with other people — not so much by myself.”

May, 48, lost her husband three years ago, “so this has been a great help to me.”

Most of the clients are women in their 40s and above, Bennett said. An exception Friday was Robert Smith, 38. He’s been coming to Johnson Clubhouse for a couple of weeks, he said.

“My mental health counselor told me about it,” said Smith, who has depression and anxiety. “I didn’t know the doors were open to me. It’s a good place to find some quick friends.”

Smith also is taking advantage of the computer upstairs at the house, checking WorkSource and other outlets for a job. Right now he’s looking for general labor, “but I have aspirations to get into computer repair.”

As a group, members brainstorm about fundraising ideas. It is hoped that the clubhouse be self-sufficient in two to three years, Bennett said.

The county has donated the house, rent-free, through the next three years. Operating expenses for utilties, phone and repairs are $6,000, paid for by state and federal grants, said Chris Holmes, Wahkiakum County Mental Health Services Manager. “With the county’s financial woes, we’ll likely have to start paying rent when this agreement is up,” he said. “I would say that three years down the road when we hope to be self-sufficient, the budget will probably be $25,000 to $30,000 for rent, utilties and to pay a couple of clubhouse members as staff.”

Members have made candles, dog biscuits and soap to sell at the Made in Wahkiakum store to help raise money. The store also provides space for members’ individual crafts — those proceeds go to the person who made it. Members also volunteer time at the store to boost their job skills.

“It’s part of a person’s recovery and for self esteem, to be self-employed such as making things to sell at the store,” said Bennett, who hopes to expand the hours and services at Johnson Clubhouse. Already she’s arranged classes on exploring work skills and writing resumes.

Maren Sanders, 58, is one of the clubhouse’s success stories for self-employment. “I had access to WorkSource and took a class at Elder Options in Longview,” said Sanders, who also provided much of the colorful artwork in the house. “Now I’m self-employed as a caregiver four days a week.”

But while finding jobs is important, most of the clients agree the big draw to Johnson Clubhouse is the bonding and friendship.

“It’s the camaraderie, it’s a safe place and no one judges,” Stuart said. “The house is a pleasant place to be.”

“I’m here any time it’s open,” May said. “It’s a place to come and be with friends.”

“I like that this is our house, our clubhouse,” Smith said. “We all need each other for courage and strength.”