Meeting friends at a restaurant for breakfast may not seem like a big deal to most people. However, this simple activity means the world to the individuals with chronic and persistent mental illness who comprise the Sandy Naimon Breakfast Club (SNBC), a program of Jewish Family Services.
Sandy Naimon was an outgoing, intelligent woman who struggled with mental illness. Over the years, JFS counseling and case management services helped Sandy cope with the challenges of her illness and she was able to live independently in her own home.
Ever grateful, Sandy was instrumental in helping others with mental illness gain social skills and self-confidence. Her efforts resulted in the “Breakfast Club,” a group of people who meet each Friday at a local restaurant for food, fun and companionship.
Coordinated by JFS Disability Case Management staff, SNBC activities have expanded to include trips to the movies, the symphony and theater, sporting events, holiday celebrations and picnics.
In 2012, the SNBC started a gardening club at JFS’ Jackson Street offices. After breakfast on Fridays, members spent their mornings planting, weeding, watering and harvesting fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Sandy would be proud to know that what began as a get-together over a meal has evolved to become a tightly knit support system. Members look out for each other, so if one of them has a crisis, another member will often call a JFS Case Manager and share their concerns.
People with chronic and persistent mental illness need to have personal and professional connections in the community, and the SNBC fulfills both requirements.
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