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We write enthusiastically to inform the public, veterans and consumers about the 'state of the art psychosocial Clubhouse located on the 16th floor of the Brooklyn Veterans Medical Center, located at 800 Poly Place.

Clubhouse director Melanie Zarabi along with her staff and volunteers provide an atmosphere in which psychiatrically impaired veterans can function in a safe environment, stay off the streets, and keep from wandering aimlessly.

What is this clubhouse model? It is goal oriented.

Veterans from all backgrounds, combat veterans or other honorably discharged veterans (vets) participate in clubhouse program activities. The Patient Government group give vets the opportunity to develop the direction of the program. By rotating the roles periodically, each vet can be heard in a leadership role, which they have not had since their military service.

Unlike a day hospital treatment model, all participation is voluntary. The veteran, with staff guidance and psychiatric support, develops a program unique to their individual needs.

The psychiatrically diagnosed Veterans have disorders, which often leave them isolated, anxious, and guilty with shame and fear of that same government system that they have served.

Part of the clubhouse mission is to desensitize other veterans and the general public and to remove the stigma of mental illnesses.

The public is often afraid that these honorably discharged veterans who served America have an illness that will leap onto them, causing them to have the same mental condition. Often, the public is invited to volunteer with the groups and learn first-hand that many are hurting from their choice to serve America. It is only fair that these vets now be served by the United States in an attitude of gratitude for their sacrifices.

The mission of the clubhouse is to allow vets to learn social skills, discipline, judgment, kindness, leadership and the ability to assimilate back into the real world. Vets learn to be proud of their service and to better understand their role as a member of the United States Armed Forces.

Art therapy, support groups, weekend activity groups, relaxation and yoga, exercise, cooking and field trips are some of the activities available in this setting.

Growth and development within the Clubhouse community is encouraged in a step-by-step transition process. This safe and fertile setting fosters listening to each other without judgment and reclaiming the dreams lost from long gone childhood days.