MA CLUBHOUSE COALITION

Lieutenant Governor Murray Applauds Employer Leaders

On May 3, 2007, the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) celebrated the employment success of over 1,899 Massachusetts residents who have serious and persistent mental illness and 35 of the companies who employed them. Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined with Clubhouse members, legislators, families, allies and advocates as well as the Department of Mental Health Commissioner in recognizing Clubhouse members' accomplishments and the employer leaders who have helped them achieve so much.

"In my former job as Mayor of Worcester I had a chance to witness firsthand the positive impact Genesis Club has on Worcester. As I campaigned, and now as Lt. Governor for 100 plus days, I am able to hear some of the stories statewide through the Clubhouse Coalition of the work that’s taking place with individuals and families. We can improve the quality of life in all regions of our state,” commented Murray.

Bob Burearu, a member of Genesis Club, shared his experience: "I thought my life was over, but God had other plans for me. The Club provided structure and purpose to my day and most of all they believed in me. Genesis helped me get a part time job at Assumption College and I was later hired as a permanent administrator with the title "Technology and Special Projects Coordinator”. The staff and members of the Genesis Club changed the course of my life and I will be forever grateful to them.”

Over 46 MA state legislators and their staff thanked and presented awards to the employer recipients. Representative Ruth Balser, Co-Chair of the Legislature’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee, presented awards to members of the National Employment Expansion Project Employer Advisory Board. These employers are playing a national role by encouraging their colleagues to hire Clubhouse members. "Hiring people who have a mental illness with Clubhouse support makes good business sense,” said Chairwoman Balser.

Then Department of Mental Health Commissioner Elizabeth Childs echoed the thanks and appreciation to the employers in the room. "The work of the MCC and our Clubhouses is vital in meeting the business needs of employers as well as meeting the employment needs of individuals recovering from mental illness”.