POST EVENT RECAPS
by Alex Cain

On Thursday,  April 24th, Vail Communities hosted its 11th annual History Theatre collaboration entitled “Upward.” Funded through the generosity of the Minnesota State Arts Board, our Clubhouse Members partnered with History Theatre Teaching Artists to produce and perform powerful spoken word and dance pieces. These stories reflect the hope, resilience, and bravery of our Clubhouse Members. Their performances were a moving testament to the power of healing not in isolation but in community. 
Over the course of 15 weeks, they collaborated with the teaching artists to write, create, and bring to life their own personal stories. Many Clubhouse Members talked about the turning point in their mental health journeys—joining a Vail Communities Clubhouse. Some spoke about the things they gained when they first joined a Clubhouse—community, friendship, a sense of belonging to name a few. Others shared stories of incredible resilience and perseverance, even in times of immense darkness.
This year’s performance was titled “Upward,” a thread present in all of the stories shared. Despite struggle and setback, with the help of the communities we belong to, we will rise and continue upward. As we like to say: “When you change the ‘I’ to ‘We,’ Mental ‘Illness’ becomes Mental ‘Wellness.” Thank you for your continued support of our mission, vision, and community.