Katie's Place Clubhouse

Kathleen “Katie” Shoener was an engaging and intelligent young woman who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees and was very successful. She also happened to live with mental illness, specifically Bipolar Disorder. Katie tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 29. Her family wrote an obituary that openly talked about Katie’s mental illness and suicide and called for an end to the stigma and discrimination against people who live with a mental illness experience. People from all over the world related to and were touched by her powerful story. Mental Illness is not always visible, but can have a profound effect on a person living with it. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with mental illness. Today, Katie’s legacy is carried on through the work of Katie’s Place Clubhouse.

Founded in 2021 by a small startup group, Katie’s Place Clubhouse now serves individuals in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties who live with mental illness. We offer an environment of purpose, community and support for our members, as well as helping to combat the social isolation that often plagues people living with mental illness. Katie’s Place offers Transitional Employment, Supported Employment and Independent Employment programs in an effort to emphasize the value of paid work as a step forward on the road to reintegrating into the community. Membership is granted for life and members are always welcome to return. Participation is voluntary. For more information, or to make a referral, please see our contact information.