ABOVE: The inside of Upward Bound 5th Street Express drop-in center, located at 104 East 5th Street in Fairmont. The clubhouse supports and offers a safe environment t0 adults with mental health struggles.

FAIRMONT — For years, the month of May has been acknowledged as Mental Health Awareness month. It sheds light on those afflicted with mental illness, encouraging others to give support. Even as May comes to a close, the importance of mental health wellness and inclusion remains forever relevant with the persistent mission by Upward Board 5th Street Express–to create an atmosphere of acceptance.

Upward Bound 5th Street Express is a drop-in center clubhouse that aids adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and accepts all individuals with an open heart. Founded in 1997, the clubhouse has supported numerous locals.

“Since its inception, we have served approximately 350 individuals and have about 120 current members. Sixty-nine different members participated in an activity in 2024, and while several members have been attending since 1997, we do get new applications every month,” Clubhouse Coordinator Darek Olson stated.

In partnership with Martin and Faribault County Human Services, it provides a warm, nurturing and judgment-free environment where individuals can seek support and information, engage with others and the community and understand they are not alone in their internal battles.

“The environment here is very welcoming, accepting and supportive of our members. Our members know that this is a safe place for them to come and socialize with other adults who may be facing similar challenges or circumstances. We do this by acknowledging mental health issues while offering a wide variety of activities for members to engage in where they can make friends, or even just get out of the house and de-isolate,” Olson said.

According to him, Upward Bounds 5th Street Express offers numerous activities and offerings scheduled regularly, including seasonal events, crafts, movie nights, meals, meetings with guest speakers and area professionals, shopping trips, walking groups, video and board games, educational programs, sporting events, puzzles, computers, newspapers, space for information for all sorts of area resources and additional outings to help engage with and be part of the community. Olson shared that renovations were recently made, which were received positively by members.

“We are always open to incorporating suggestions and additional offerings that may be of interest to our members,” Olson noted.

In addition to providing a comfortable space and diverse events to its members, the clubhouse helps shut down social stigmatization and misconceptions of mental conditions, advocating for community awareness, education and support of mental wellness all around Martin County.

“In recent years, we have participated in the local IHD (Interlaken Heritage Days) parade, in which many members have stepped out of their comfort zones to walk along our van while handing out stickers to bring awareness to mental health and Upward Bound 5th Street Express. We partner with Faribault and Martin County Human Services, who officially employ the coordinator position, help increase awareness through social media posts and also recommend the drop-in center to many of their clients,” Olson said.

Olson stated that, in a society where mental health topics are becoming more prevalent, the community can become more educated about mental health by gathering information from reputable and professional sources and organizations. He encourages people to discuss it thoroughly with family and friends and refrain from making quick, harmful conclusions.

“Mental health is something that affects all of us to some degree throughout our lives,” he said.

For some members of the clubhouse, Upward Bound 5th Street Express is not only a safe space, but it can be a stepping stone towards a safe recovery.

“(The clubhouse is) also really just a part of the bigger puzzle. We do our best to offer support and resources and a safe place to go, but one’s family and friends, as well as our local mental health professionals, are all very important parts as well,” Olson remarked.

To support Upward Bound 5th Street Express, people of the community can apply to encourage another affiliate coping with a mental illness to apply for a clubhouse membership. Printable applications and additional information can be found by visiting the website at www.sccbi.info or visiting the building at 103 East 5th Street in Fairmont.