Everyone deserves to be able to have a space that they can be themselves comfortably. Unfortunately, not everyone in the community feels welcome or worthy. A new 501(c)(3) nonprofit hopes to become that welcoming space for folks.
The Ability Social Club aims to provide a social setting for all individuals 21 and over. Located in the heart of the city, the Ability Social Club opened in December in the former Dunlop Pontiac showroom at 517 Washington Ave. A place with no judgment, bursting with conversation, creativity, and community, the center is especially designed to foster a sense of community for folks with ranging abilities.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Paula RoessleThe storefront at Ability Social Club features the work of local artists. Many of the items were made by those with disabilities. All the work is for sale.Paula Roessle launched
The Ability Social Club with a mission near and dear to her. Roessle’s brother is less than a year apart from her, and has a disability. They’ve found few places where he can go into public to be social and feel accepted.
“When I try to take him out, I really have to watch over him as he’s kind of a space invader,” she says. “I thought, ‘What can I do to help my brother and others that I know don’t really have a place to go where they can be themselves and be accepted?’ ”
Roessle’s brother misses the social aspect of school, and the freedom of choice to pick activities, rather than regimented plans or outings created from other programs. The feelings of isolation became even stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Roessle witnessed her brother begin to stutter and lose weight. It wasn’t just him either, many who were already struggling went to an even darker place during this period.
“There was nothing for him to do, so I thought, ‘How can I help?,’ so I started a nonprofit social club for individuals 21 and over,” Roessle says. “When I started researching things for my brother to do, I didn’t find any social club like this in the United States, which is mind blowing to me.”
Although there are many organizations dedicated to finding employment or professional development for adults with disabilities, Roessle wanted to focus on helping folks find happiness and socialization rather than work and production. She also hopes to collaborate with other nonprofits, including the
Arc of Bay County, to host gathering events and additional programming in the community.
The nonprofit’s storefront features local artists’ creations, many of which are made by those with disabilities. Handcrafted wood cutting boards, portraits, and more items by artists are all for sale. She hopes the art can draw folks inside, to the social club, and help it grow into a welcoming community hub.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Paula RoessleFor now, the club is open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Weekly programs include live music and conversation. Eventually, organizers hope to offer events every night of the week.“We’re really in the heart of the community, kind of the welcoming grounds,” Roessle says. “To have something where everybody is accepted for who they are, and to be able to come down, be yourself, and have a good time with people who love art, music, and community — it’s just a great vibe.”
So far, the community’s response to the club has been positive. Many folks have stopped in, listened to live music, joined a jam session, enjoyed a meal together, and had plenty of conversation, leaving with connections.
“It’s a social club, so you’re able to bring food and drink,” Roessle says. “There are couches, we’ve got a macrame chair hanging from the ceiling, throw blankets, tables for cards or dice games. People will stop in with their guitars and start playing. Nobody knows each other, but we’ll get eight or nine people up there playing together. It’s just amazing.”
These feelings of friendship, camaraderie, and connection are exactly what the space was designed to foster.
![]()
Organizers hope the local artwork will draw people inside and help Ability Social Club grow into a wOrganizers hope the local artwork will draw people inside and help Ability Social Club grow into a welcoming community hub.“We’re all here together, and everybody has something to bring to this world — no matter who you are,” Roessle says.
Since the nonprofit is still in the early stages, the weekly programming calendar is still being figured out, but Roessle hopes to have different activities including line dancing, live music, Pilates, a game night, and more activities each night of the week. The club is currently open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Their closing hours are not officially listed, and they’ve sometimes stayed open until 3 a.m., depending on who stops by.
Although the club was founded for adults with disabilities, Roessle wants to make one thing certain: this organization is for the entire community.
“Anybody can come here,” she says. “The only thing is you have to be respectful, responsible, and fun to be around because there is no judgment. That’s just not acceptable.”
For next month’s calendar, there’s live music lined up from Addisyn and Kurt on Fri., Feb. 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. Concerts and events are typically donation-based or free to those who do not have the funds.
Looking ahead, Roessle hopes to find sponsorships and future collaborations with local entities and businesses to help the nonprofit grow and continue to reach people.
“It’s needed here, and I’m seeing and feeling the changes,” she says.
To celebrate its official grand opening, the Ability Social Club is hosting an event in conjunction with the Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sun., March 16. The event will include live music, an auction, a food truck, refreshments, and more.