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Church starts the “No Strangers Club” the night before the election to help with election stress
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Church starts the “No Strangers Club” the night before the election to help with election stress

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) – As Election Day approaches, more and more people are getting anxious.

Kate Bouldin is the director here at Fairmount Presbyterian Church. She also handles a new program called The club without strangers.

“We really encourage people to disconnect from their phones,” Bouldin said.

On Monday evenings from 6pm to 9pm you can come to the church and experience live music performances, a poetry workshop, games, arts and crafts and just a space to relax.

Everyone is welcome.

All Pastor Wallace asks is that you leave your phone at the door.

“There aren’t many places anymore where people can gather as strangers that isn’t a business where you have to buy something,” Wallace said. “So this is just for people to come together for free and build relationships.”

When asked why he’s starting this program the night before Election Day, Bouldin told 19 News it was perfect timing.

“It’s important to stay aware and pay attention to world events, vote and pay attention to local politics,” Bouldin said. “As is the practice of personal care, so is the practice of community care.”

According to the American Psychological Association77% of US adults said the future of our nation is a significant source of stress.

This stress causes them to have trouble sleeping, short tempers, and obsessive thoughts.

To help, experts suggest fostering positive social connections.

“The message we want to send to people is no matter what happens on Election Day and the days and weeks after that we are neighbors,” Wallace said. “We have to take care of each other.”