The Clubhouse Model
Origin of the Term “Clubhouse”
The word “Clubhouse” derives from the original language that was used to communicate the work and vision of Fountain House, the very first Clubhouse, which was started in New York in 1948. Since its inception, Fountain House has served as the model for all subsequent ICCD Clubhouses that have been started around the world. Fountain House began when former patients of a New York psychiatric hospital began to meet together informally, as a kind of “club.” It was organized as a support system for people living with mental illness, rather than as a service or a treatment program. Communities around the world that have modeled themselves after Fountain House have embraced the term “Clubhouse,” because it clearly communicates the message of membership and belonging. This message of inclusion is at the very heart of the Clubhouse's way of working.
CLUBHOUSE PRINCIPLES
Members (program participants) work side-by-side with staff and peers in running the daily operations of Brighter House.
Members engage in work of the program such as preparing lunch, accounting and bookkeeping, fundraising, public relations, receptionist, custodial duties, and so MUCH more.
Members volunteer to participate as they feel ready and according to their individual interests.
Members and staff meet in open forums to discuss policy issues and future planning for the Clubhouse.
Members have the opportunity to return to paid employment in typical work settings with varying levels of support. Employment options may vary from Transitional employment to options offering more permanency, such as Supported or Independent Employment.
Community support services are offered to Brighter House members and include assistance with housing, public benefits, accessing medical resources, referrals/support for substance use issues, and other assistance based on individual needs.
Clubhouses like Brighter House are a powerful demonstration of the fact that people with mental illness can and do lead normal, productive lives. Clubhouses are local community centers that provide members with opportunities to build long-term relationships that, in turn, support them in obtaining employment, education and housing, including:
a work-ordered day in which the talents and abilities of members are recognized and utilized within the Clubhouse.
participation in consensus-based decision-making regarding all important matters relating to the running of the Clubhouse.
opportunities to obtain paid employment in the local labor market through a Clubhouse-created Transitional Employment Program. In addition, members participate in Clubhouse-supported and independent programs.
assistance in accessing community-based educational resources.
access to crisis intervention services when needed.
evening/weekend social and recreational events; and
assistance in securing and sustaining safe, decent and affordable housing.
PROVEN RESULTS
The Clubhouse experience has been proven to result in positive outcomes for many members, including:
Better employment rates: 42% at Accredited Clubhouses annually – double the average rate for people in the public mental health system.
Cost effectiveness: one year of holistic recovery services are delivered to Clubhouse members for the same cost as a 2-week stay at a psychiatric hospital.
A significant decrease in hospitalizations as a result of membership in a Clubhouse program.1
Improved Well-Being compared with individuals receiving psychiatric services without Clubhouse membership. Clubhouse members were significantly more likely to report that they had close friendships and someone they could rely on when they needed help.3
Better physical and mental health: a recent study suggests that service systems like Clubhouses that offer ongoing social supports enhance mental and physical health by reducing disconnectedness.4
CLICK HERE for more Clubhouse Research
Sources: 1 De Masso, Avi-Itzak and Obler (2001). 2 Johnson and Hickey (1999). 3 Warner, Huxley and Berg (1999). 4 Leff and colleagues (2004).