ELLSWORTH, Maine — Walking through downtown Ellsworth, you might just miss it. The Eagle's Nest Clubhouse doesn't have a sign outside yet, but the work being done since it opened in April is giving a sign of hope to its members.
"Just being here gives me a good sense of purpose. And like I tell people, it's like I'm not the only person in the boat going through that thing," said Eric St. Pierre.
The Eagle's Nest Clubhouse is a peer-based mental health recovery program for adults with a clinical diagnosis. It brings adults in the Ellsworth area together to work through various mental health issues members are facing.
"Building community and getting people out of their isolation is the most important thing for mental health recovery," said psychotherapist Rebecca Hunter. Hunter is on the advisory board for the clubhouse, as well, and has even recommended to her clients to try utilizing the clubhouse.
The clubhouse is funded in part through MaineCare and is run in partnership with OHI. It's open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We're open to any adult with a mental illness that wants their lives to be better," said Casey Harris, the clubhouse director. Harris has the title of director, but he does not give orders to members of the clubhouse.
"It's cool to walk with people and not sort of be in charge of their recovery, but support and challenge them in their recovery," said Harris. He believes an important way to help others struggling with mental health is to let them dictate the pace of recovery and set goals for themselves. Harris is there to assist them in whatever goal may be set.
"I've just been able to watch lives change already. We're overjoyed with it," said Harris.
The Eagle's Nest Clubhouse is free for members to join. The only requirement is a clinical diagnosis of a mental illness.
Members spend their days working a variety of different tasks around the clubhouse, including cleaning certain areas, reception, and even preparing daily lunch.
"I wake up with a smile and I'm like, 'Oh, I've got to get things done,'" said St. Pierre.
The clubhouse is currently holding a bottle and can drive. You can bring those items to the clubhouse at 190 Main St. in Ellsworth, or bring them to Union River Redemption in Ellsworth and tell them it's for Eagle's Nest.
That money will go into a 'pay it forward fund', which is used to help members get back on their feet, including buying items like ties for job interviews.
To learn more about the Eagle's Nest Clubhouse, you can visit their website here.