b'SHARONS STORY JAMALS STORYShared Living Leads to Shared Love Clubhouse Offers Support and SanctuarySharon has found her true home living with her RiversideWhen Jamal joined Neponset River House, one of Riversides Shared Living provider Naama, where she is not just caredfour Clubhouses, he faced significant challenges managing for but loved and valued as a full family member. Theybipolar disorder, navigating the arduous process ofEvery time I think ofenjoy watching spooky movies together, sharing laughsrejoining the workforce, and grieving the tragic passing Naama, I smiletheduring shopping sprees, and traveling to exciting new of his long-time girlfriend. Initially apprehensive amid acouch where we satplaces. The family recently adventured to Disney World, andsea of unfamiliar faces, he found unexpected comfort inlast year they relaxed at a sun-soaked Mexican resort.the warm Clubhouse community. down when we first met, thats where myRiversides comprehensive support system laid the Jamal immersed himself in NRHs work-ordered day.heart is.groundwork for Naama and Sharons successful He managed the snack bar and forged meaningful Sharon partnership. During monthly meetings and quarterly connections with other members, learning new skills for a trainings, a treatment team including Riverside nurse variety of career paths. Personalized job coaching through Karen taught Naama how to manage Sharons healththe Clubhouses supported employment program led to needs, use new medical equipment, and enhance a position on the maintenance staff at Norwood Housing, Sharons role within the family dynamic. where he earned praise for his strong work ethic. He thenThe Clubhousetransitioned to a full-time job at Norwoods Big Y changed my life With Naamas loving guidance, Sharon has supermarket. Jamals role bagging groceries and managing100%. Im not embraced a healthier diet and an active carriage returns has provided him with not just a job, butas angry as I lifestyle. Shes singing and dancing more thancamaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose. was before,ever, and precious connections with Naamasand I feel a lotchildren and relatives transform everyday Genuine kindness and support from Clubhouse members moments into lasting memories. Throughhave also empowered Jamal to process difficult experiences,calmer. This is Shared Living, Sharon hasnt just found a placehelping him manage the devastating loss of his late girlfriendmy peace zone. to live; shes discovered the joy of belonging toand reinforcing Neponset River House as his emotional Jamala family that celebrates her strengths and lovessanctuary. Looking forward, he is optimistic as he learns new her unconditionally. strategies to regulate his emotions and embraces the value of openly discussing his feelings. Jamals advicestaypositive and true to your dreamsreflects the new hopehes found.Shared Living pairs adults with disabilities (intellectual, developmental, autism, or acquired brainRiverside Clubhouses are communities of healing and hope for people managing mental injury) with host families for long-term in-home placement, enriching the lives of all involved. Sharedhealth challenges, offering opportunities for social connection, employment, skill development, 8 Living providers receive training, ongoing support, and a tax-free stipend.and personal growth. 9'