California Clubhouse

“As a parent, to see your son come to a place where he is treated like he is normal, and that people look forward to seeing him, is a true gift. For the first time in a very long time, I am seeing my son involved in things he loves again like music. It’s not just about managing the medications and staying off the streets anymore. He finally has friends who value him and don’t judge him. He is talking about his future again. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” -Mother of 28 year old clubhouse member with schizoaffective disorder

The Clubhouse Model

Through an empowerment based model, clubhouse members work as colleagues with staff to operate the clubhouse, participating in all operations of the clubhouse. Members share ownership and responsibility for the success of the organization. Members work and socialize in a unique partnership with a small staff, building on strengths instead of focusing on illness. There is not enough staff to do it all. The work of members is genuinely needed. Recovery is achieved through the work and work-mediated relationships, which are proven to be restorative as they provide a foundation for growth, self-respect, and individual achievement.

What our members (program participants) are saying about California Clubhouse:

• "I like learning how to do computers, accounting, research...skills I knew but lost."
• "if I don't come here, I isolate. I like the people and the camaraderie."
• "My family sees a difference in me since I started coming to the Clubhouse and they don't want me to stop attending."

The Clubhouse approach is effective because it develops and sustains communities that remain:

 

• Holistic-offering members opportunities for friendship, employment and education, and access to quality housing, medical and psychiatric services through a single caring and safe environment.
• Inclusive-allowing members to follow the example of others who are achieving their personal aspirations and goals.
• Sustaining-helping members become productive participants of society over the course of their lives.
• Responsive-dedicated to continuous improvement based on direct feedback from members.
• Cost Effective-providing members, families and communities significantly more value for money than other approaches.