Four months after their doors closed, Pathways Clubhouse is slowly opening up for in-person events and meetings, allowing 10 people in the morning and 10 in the afternoon.

The non-profit on Granville Avenue that provides support to people with mental health issues shut down along with many other agencies in Richmond and elsewhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Dave MacDonald, executive director of Pathways Clubhouse, pointed out recently in a letter to its members “social connection is in the heart of our services.” So being physically closed presented challenges for those who rely on their services for mental health to stay connected with others.

There was anxiety around getting sick, being isolated at home and not being able to see friends in-person while still others lost their jobs, MacDonald told the Richmond News.

To compensate for being physically closed, Pathways launched virtual programs on Facebook with more than 100 postings per month, something MacDonald called a “lifeline” for their members.

Some members, however, didn’t have the technology to stay connected.

Pathways was able to secure funding  from the federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund, just over $11,000, and was able to help their members connect virtually with tech devices, hotspots and Internet access.

They also provided 40 members with daily meals, delivering them to their homes. Pathways Clubhouse has a cafeteria that normally provides daily lunches for $2.

With funding to start programs for youth with mental health issues just before the pandemic hit, Pathways has now been able to start some focus groups with high-school aged youth. Their goal is to demystify and change perceptions around mental health, explained MacDonald as well as create a culture of peer support.

“After the focus groups, we will have a more clear idea of how to support teens in the community, rather than making assumptions,” MacDonald added.

For more information on Pathways Clubhouse, go to pathwaysclubhouse.com.