"It's just a two-minute walk from my apartment," she said. "My co-workers are compassionate, and I like to see the students and parents with young children."

At three hours per day, Ciocci's five-days-per-week schedule also stays within an income range to keep her Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income benefits. That's important for Ciocci and other members of Club Nova, which will honor employers like Open Eye at a reception at the club Thursday night. Debra Dihoff, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will be the keynote speaker.

Now 20 years old, Club Nova, at 103-D W. Main St., has been described as a "clubhouse community that offers hope, love, respect, friendship, education, a good home, and work opportunities for persons with mental illness." For most of its existence, it was a part of the OPC Area Program, but two years ago it became a freestanding nonprofit when the state ordered area programs to contract out for services, instead of providing them directly.

The clubhouse gives people "somewhere to go every day no matter how you feel," said board President Esphur Foster. "The doors are always open."

About 40 of the 150 members attend daily, said Jessica Jerald, associate director of programming. The organization features a busy schedule of social, educational and therapeutic activities. Some work at the agency's thrift store next door.

Ciocci's work is an example of Club Nova's Transitional Employment program, in which members are offered part-time and entry-level opportunities in the community. Other sites besides the Open Eye Cafe include the UNC School of Social Work, the Mental Health Association of Orange County and Staples.

Ciocci is on a nine-month rotation helping out in the cafe and roastery, said Mark Leatherwood, a supervisor at the Carrboro Coffee Company, which is affiliated with the cafe. Ciocci is the cafe's second Club Nova employee. "Both have been energetic and attentive and have had a great work ethic," he said.

After their rotation, club members can go on to Independent/Supported Employment, which gives them a permanent job and ongoing support. Club Nova staff help members contact employers, write their resumes and prepare for interviews.

Clay Thomas, a manager at Staples, will supervise his third Club Nova employee beginning this week.

"Our relationship with Club Nova has worked well for our business," he said. "They commit to filling a shift. If an employee has to be out, they will take over. You'll never be short-handed."

Thomas will be a guest speaker at Thursday night's reception.

May is celebrated nationally as Mental Health Month, and this year's theme is "Get Connected."

"Relationships are the core of everything we do in clubhouse," said Karen Dunn, Club Nova's long-time executive director. "The value placed on relationships and living this every day keep us connected. Work is an especially important way we get and remain connected and engaged in the life of the community."

Everyone wants to feel as if they're making a contribution, added Moses Carey, a county commissioner and OPC Area Program board member. Club Nova does a great job of integrating its members into the community, he said.

Ciocci, while initially overwhelmed by her job, advises others to "hang in there."

"At first it felt hard," she said, "but now I feel like the work is easy. I feel lucky to be there."