How Clubhouses Work

Clubhouses are unique in that members are not recipients of services – they are essential contributors and leaders. Members and staff make decisions together through a consensus-based approach that ensures members have an active role in shaping the Clubhouse.

Members participate at all levels, including the planning and operation of the Clubhouse, development of programs and activities, creation of policies and procedures, and governance.

Employment is a central focus of the Clubhouse Model because meaningful work plays an important role in recovery, independence, and community participation. Within the Clubhouse Model, employment is organized around different levels of support. 

Transitional Employment, Supported Employment, and Independent Employment opportunities provide members with options to pursue gainful employment with the support that best meets their goals.

Learn more about how employment creates pathways to recovery and transforms lives.

Members are supported in exploring educational opportunities. No matter where they are in their education journey, Clubhouses help members complete applications and financial paperwork, manage coursework, and celebrate milestones. 

Clubhouses build relationships with community education partners, connect members with resources, and provide personalized support in navigating pathways toward educational goals.

Organized within the daily structure of the Clubhouse, members receive practical community-based support that helps members access resources and navigate challenges – such as housing, health, benefits, and other areas of community life.

Clubhouses remain connected to members wherever they are in their recovery journey. Through Reach Out, members and staff intentionally maintain relationships with individuals who may be absent from the Clubhouse, experiencing challenges, hospitalized, or feeling disconnected from the community.

Reach Out reflects the belief that every member matters and that connection is an essential part of recovery.

Clubhouses extend opportunities for connection beyond regular hours through evening, weekend, and holiday social programs, which helps members reduce isolation.  

Consistent with the Model, members are not recipients of social activities – they are active participants who help create and shape opportunities for connection, celebration, and community life.