Each year on October 10, the world observes World Mental Health Day, a global moment to spotlight mental health, dismantle stigma, and advocate for recovery-focused services. This year, Clubhouse International marked the occasion with ConnectionWORKS, a member-centered campaign that demonstrated how connection is both the tool and the very foundation of meaningful recovery. Read this article in International Business Times here.
“Our holistic model of psychosocial rehabilitation drives connection and works to end isolation for people living with mental illness, known as Clubhouse members. Working side-by-side, members form bonds with each other and Clubhouse staff through our unique Work-Ordered Day. More than a campaign, ConnectionWORKS is an invitation to witness practical recovery in action, listen to member voices, and join a global conversation about community-led solutions,” said Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications at Clubhouse International.
The campaign will highlight the power of these connections and the impact it has on member’s lives. Clubhouses across Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, and 13 U.S. states will unite to share the critical message that connection transforms lives. By amplifying member stories, showcasing community partnerships, and sharing practical models of inclusion, ConnectionWORKS demonstrates how Clubhouses foster belonging, purpose, and resilience across cultures.
“Before Clubhouse my life was chaotic and I was tired of being lonely. Today, I’ve done a 180-degree turnaround. My social skills are better and I’m more involved,” said Dave, a member of the Cora Dale Clubhouse in Indiana, USA.
A report produced by USC Chan Medical School demonstrates research results that show the Clubhouse Model produced significantly higher quality of life results for members versus outpatient clinics – and social connections are a key driver. “I have established amazing relationships with my Clubhouse family. We all encourage and push one another to grow, dream, and achieve,” said Chimere, a Gateway Clubhouse member in South Carolina, USA. Additional research shows that Clubhouse membership leads to higher employment rates, reduced hospitalizations, and improved quality of life for individuals living with serious mental illness.
The voices of Clubhouse members are at the heart of ConnectionWORKS. These individuals have experienced firsthand the power of connection in their recovery journeys. Another longtime member reflects on his transformation. “For years, I just showed up to avoid loneliness, rarely taking part. But eventually, with their support, I began the journey of recovery. It was incredibly hard. Since then, things have changed. I now have a routine, showing up every day at 9 a.m. Most importantly, I’m reconnecting with people. I feel more confident, like I finally belong and have purpose,” said Brandon, a member of Clubhouse Gibraltar.
These stories highlighting the significance of connection echo a global concern. In June 2025, the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection reported that one in six people globally experience loneliness, and that social disconnection is linked to an estimated 871,000 deaths annually. Framing loneliness and social isolation as urgent public health threats, authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Surgeon General, emphasize that strong social connections can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, support recovery from mental health conditions, and enhance overall physical and emotional well-being. These findings position connection as a priority for both policy and practice.
Rountree emphasizes the potential of the ConnectionWORKS campaign to change the narrative and evoke lasting change. “Our goal is to bring awareness to the Clubhouse Model and show the kind of impact it drives through connection. We often say Clubhouse is the best kept secret – we hope this campaign will help change that.”
The WANA Webinar Series is pleased to present its thirty-eighth Webinar, Revamping your Reach Out: Creating a Connected Community, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:00am Eastern Time. Presenters included: Fountain House Bronx, Bayside Clubhouse, and Haabersti Clubhouse. Click here to join.
For questions and more information about WANA Webinars, email: WANAwebinar@fountainhouse.org.
The Thirty-seventh Webinar, From First Impressions to Lasting Impact: Effective Tours That Inspire Members, Funders and Community, was presented on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Presenters included: Progress Place (Toronto, Canada), Shore House (New Jersey, USA), and Unlimited Solutions (Maine, USA).
The Thirty-sixth Webinar, The Clubhouse International Seminar: Maximize Your Experience, was presented on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Presenters included: Clubhouse International, Fountain House (New York, USA), and San Angelo Clubhouse.
The Thirty-Fifth Webinar, Fostering Meaningful Relationships: Staff and Member Collaboration in the Clubhouse, was presented on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Presenters included: Mosaic Clubhouse, UK and Platinum Clubhouse, Ireland. Click here for the webinar video.
The Thirty-Fourth Webinar, Fostering Culturally Responsive Clubhouses: Affirming Belonging in Our Community, was presented on Thursday December 12, 2024. Presenters included: Fountain House, NY, USA, Ko’olau Clubhouse, HI, USA, and Hope House, MI, USA. Click here for the webinar video.
The Thirty-Third Webinar, The Clubhouse International World Seminar: Maximize the Experience, was presented on Wednesday August 28, 2024. Presenters included: Clubhouse International; Fountain House, New York USA; and Clubhouse San Angelo, Texas USA. Click here for the webinar video.
The Thirty-Second Webinar, Clubhouse Research: How to Expand and Communicate Our Impact, was presented on Wednesday May 29, 2024 at 2:00pm EDT, and featured Lee Kellogg, Clubhouse International; Dr. Joy Agner, University of Southern California USA; Fountain House, New York USA; and Academy at Glengary, Florida USA. Click here for the webinar video.
The Thirty-First Webinar, Transforming and Elevating Your Program: Becoming a Thriving Clubhouse, was presented on Wednesday February 21, 2024 at 10:00am EST, featuring AIM Center (TN, USA) and The Lotus House (KS, USA). Click here for the webinar video.
The Thirtieth Webinar presentation entitled, Make it Work! Designing Clubhouse Spaces to Optimize Community Engagement, was presented on Wednesday December 13, 2023 at 9:00am EST. The featured presenters sere Gateway (South Carolina USA) and Clubhouse Lyon (France). Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Ninth Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouses Unite: Utilizing the Power of Your Coalition for Regional Training and Support, was presented on Wednesday September 27, 2023 at 9:00am EDT. The featured presenters were Fontenehus Norge (Clubhouse Norway) and Clubhouse Ohio. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Eighth Webinar presentation entitled, Everyone Wins! Creating Opportunities through Community Partnerships, was presented on Wednesday May 10, 2023 at 9:00am EDT. The featured presenter was Mosaic House, London, England. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Seventh Webinar presentation entitled, Assembling the Dream Team – Preparing Your Clubhouse for a Successful Colleague Training, was presented on Wednesday February 15, 2023 at 11:00am EST. Featured panelists included: Independence Center, St. Louis, Missouri; High Hopes, Waterville, Maine; and Spirit Crossing Clubhouse, Fort Collins, Colorado. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Sixth Webinar presentation entitled, Practical Tools for Ensuring a Vibrant Clubhouse Afternoon, was presented on Wednesday December 14, 2022 at 11:00am EST. Featured panelists included: Alliance House, Salt Lake City, Utah, Connections Place, Victoria, Canada, and Fresh Start, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Fifth Webinar presentation entitled, Lights, Camera, Action! Integrating multi-media into the work of your Clubhouse, was presented on Wednesday May 11, 2022 at 10:00am EDT. Presenters included individuals from Gateway (South Carolina USA) and Academy at Glengary (Florida, USA). Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Fourth Webinar presentation entitled, How to Get, Keep, Nurture, and Inspire a Great Clubhouse Staff was presented on Wednesday February 16, 2022 10:00am (EST). Participants included: Lee Kellogg (Clubhouse International); Megan Kelly and Shawn Guffey (Fountain House, New York); and Mike Leahy (Genesis House, Michigan). Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Third Webinar presentation entitled, Stronger Together: The Impact of Connecting to the International Clubhouse Movement, was presented on December 15, 2021 9:00am (EST). Participants included: Craig Bayer, Fountain House New York; Jonah Bogle, Klubbhuset Pelaren, Aland Island; Michal Golani, Clubhouse Jerusalem, Alon and Amit, Israel; Jack Yatsko, Clubhouse International; and Kinga Jedrzejczak, Fountain House New York. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-Second Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouses and Young Adults: Providing an Anchor in these uncertain times, was presented on September 22, 2021 10:00am (EDT). Participants included: Genesis Club Massachusetts and Headway Clubhouse Missouri. Click here for the webinar video.
The Twenty-First Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouses and Covid: Reopening and Revitalizing, a panel moderated by Lee Kellogg, Clubhouse International, was presented on July 7, 2021 at 9:00am EDT. Participants included: Sheldon House, Michigan (Cleo Figures and Tara Van Dyke); Fountain House, New York (Marlene Mouttet and Elliott Madison); and Fontenehuset Rygge, Norway (Jon Kristian Vervik and Helene Molvig). Click here for the webinar video.
The Twentieth Webinar presentation entitled, Members on the Clubhouse Board: A Lively, Interactive Roundtable Discussion, presented by Joel D. Corcoran (Clubhouse International), Knut Stubben (Fontenehuset Hønefoss, Norway), Donnamarie Randolph (Magnolia Clubhouse, Ohio), Fred Carpenter (Gateway, South Carolina), Bob Walker (Hillsgrove House, Rhode Island), and Andy Wilson (Carriage House, Indiana), was held on Wednesday May 26, 2021, at 9:00am EDT. Click here for the webinar video.
The Nineteenth Webinar presentation entitled, The Care Responders Campaign: An Evolving Approach to Crisis Support, presented by Mary Crowley and Christina Sparrock, Fountain House, New York; Bill Wasserman, M + R Strategic Services; and Eric Estrada and Tahlar Rowe, San Antonio Clubhouse, Texas, was presented on Wednesday April 21, 2021, at 10:00am EDT. Click here for the webinar video.
The Eighteenth Webinar presentation entitled, Celebrating Our Standards, presented by: Joel D. Corcoran and Robby Vorspan, Clubhouse International; Lynn Lupo, Independence Center, Missouri; Jonah Juergen Bogle, Klubbhuset Pelaren, Finland; and Alex Baldassare and Judy Meibach, Fountain House, New York, was presented on Wednesday March 24, 2021, 10:00 am (EDT). Click here for the webinar video.
The Seventeenth Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouses and Law Enforcement: Strengthening our Relationship (part one of a two-part series), presented by: Rich Meyer and David George from Cora Dale Clubhouse, Indiana; Francis Disori from Lexington House of Elkhart, Indiana; and Officer James Ballard, CFI, Goshen Police Department and President of Lexington Clubhouse Advisory Board, Indiana, was presented on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 10:00am EST. Click here for the webinar video.
The Sixteenth Webinar presentation entitled, Light in the Dark: Clubhouses Finding Their Way through COVID, was presented on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 11:00am (EST) by: HERO House NW, Bellevue, Washington; Potential Place, Calgary, Canada; and Legacy Center, Flint, Michigan. Click here for the webinar video.
The Fifteenth Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouse Focus on Wellness: Now more than ever! was presented on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10:00am (EST) by: Fountain House, New York, USA; Progress Place, Toronto, Canada; and Wellspring Clubhouse, Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Click here for the webinar video.
The Fourteenth Webinar presentation entitled, Clubhouse Coalitions: Stronger Together – How to Build and Utilize an Effective Regional Clubhouse Coalition, was presented on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 10:00am (EDT) by: Swedish Clubhouse Coalition and Academy at Glengary, Florida. Click here for the video recording.
- Click here for the Power Point presentation from Clubhouse Ohio and Clubhouse Indiana.
- Click here for the comments presented by Clubhouse Norway about its coalition work and successes.
The thirteenth webinar presentation entitled, Digital Inclusion — Clubhouses Expanding Access to Digital Communication and Opportunity! was presented on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 9:00am (EDT) by: Swedish Clubhouse Coalition and Academy at Glengary, Florida. Click here for the Webinar video.
The twelfth webinar presentation entitled, Keeping it ‘Clubhouse’! New Member Orientation and Staff Hiring During Covid-19 was presented on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 10:00am (EDT)by: High Hopes Clubhouse, Maine; Capitol Clubhouse, Maine; and Genesis Club, Massachusetts. Click here for the Webinar video.
The eleventh webinar in our series was: Social Justice: How Your Clubhouse Can Make a Difference, presented by Fountain House and Clubhouse New York on Wednesday August 2, 2020 at 10:00am (EDT). Click here for the Webinar Video, and click on each of the the links below for the PowerPoint presentations:
The tenth webinar in our series was: Challenging Job Market? Time for Renewed Focus on Clubhouse Educational Supports! Presented by Fountain House, New York, Magnolia Clubhouse, Ohio, and Fonenehuset Rygge, Norway, Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 10:00 (EDT). Click here for the Webinar Video, and click on each of the links below for the PowerPoint presentations:
The ninth webinar in our series was: Sticking Together: Utilizing Social Programming to lift our spirits during these tough times. Presented by Alliance House, Utah and Putman Clubhouse, California, Wednesday June 17, 2020 11:00am (EDT). Click here and here for the Power Point slide presentations from this Webinar. Click here to view the video of the entire Webinar.
The eighth webinar in our series was: What about Work? How can we maintain our focus on work/employment in the current environment? Presented by: Independence Center, St. Louis, Missouri; Fontenehuset Bærum, Norway; Fountain House Stockholm, Sweden. Live stream on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 10:00am (EDT). Click here to view the video of the entire Webinar.
The seventh webinar in our series: The ‘Hybrid’ Clubhouse: Integrating Traditional Onsite Clubhouse with New Virtual/Remote Clubhouse Innovations, was presented on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 10:00am (EDT), by Mosaic Clubhouse, London, England and Academy at Glengary, Florida, USA.
- Click here to view the video of the entire Webinar
- Click here for the Mosaic Clubhouse PowerPoint presentation
- Click here for the Academy at Glengary PowerPoint presentation
- Click here for the Academy at Glengary ‘Hybrid Clubhouse’ brief video clip
The sixth webinar in our series: OUR VALUES: What is our Clubhouse community learning about ourselves? Our Standards? Our relationships? Our flexibility? was presented on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 10:00am (EDT), by the members and staff of Progress Place Clubhouse, Toronto, Canada.
The fifth webinar in our series: Beginning the Process of Re-Opening Our Clubhouses: Hearing from Clubhouses, was presented on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 10:00am. Moderator: Anita Brix Lambaek, Clubhouse International. Clubhouse Panel: Clubhouse De Waterheuvel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Fontenehuset i Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Gateway, South Carolina, USA; and Phoenix Clubhouse, Hong Kong, SAR, PRC.
The fourth Webinar in our Series: How are We Doing? Clubhouses Gathering Data with our Worldwide Surveys During this Pandemic, was presented on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 11:00am (EDT). It was introduced by Michael Hamlin, Fountain House New York. Panel: Lee Kellogg (Clubhouse International), Lori D’Angelo (Magnolia Clubhouse), Francesca Pernice (Wayne State University), Kevin Rice (Fountain House New York), Guido Valentini (Club Itaca Roma).
The third Webinar in our Series: VIRTUAL WORK-ORDERED DAY: MAKING IT WORK FOR YOUR CLUBHOUSE! was presented on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 10:00 am (EDT) by Genesis Club, Worcester, Massachusetts. This Webinar provided practical suggestions for creating a strong work day during this time of physical distancing, including: daily schedules, unit meetings and agendas, work-mediated relationships, types of work, and how towork “side by side” when we’re not in the same building.
The second Webinar was presented by Clubhouse International on Thursday April 23, 2020 at 11:00 am (EDT). This session was entitled, HOW CAN MEMBERS CONTINUE TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CLUBHOUSES DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS? Presenters included: Jack Yatsko, Clubhouse International, Moderator, Stine Gjerdalen, Fontenehuset Gjørvik, Norway, Paula Boyd, Putnam Clubhouse, California, and Mary Rogers, The Carriage House, Indiana.
The first Webinar was presented by Fountain House New York on Thursday April 16, 2020 at 10:00 am (EDT). This session was entitled, STAYING SOCIALLY CONNECTED WHILE PHYSICALLY DISTANT.
The path to recovery can feel isolating and uncertain to people living with serious mental illness. They often encounter a fragmented system emphasizing treatment over community or managing symptoms instead of rebuilding lives. Clubhouses play an important role in addressing this fragmentation. They are welcoming, recovery-oriented communities where individuals can find support and rediscover purpose, connection, opportunities, and dignity.
Clubhouse International champions this life-saving work. This global nonprofit has spent over three decades proving that recovery can happen in communities. Having celebrated its 30th anniversary, Clubhouse International reflects on a legacy of impact that stretches across continents, perhaps best illustrated by one of its vibrant success stories: Austin Clubhouse in Texas.
Since its founding in 1994, with roots in Fountain House that stretch back further, the organization has supported the growth and development of Clubhouses around the world. Its foundation is the Clubhouse Model, an evidence-based, community-centered approach that integrates support for employment, education, housing, and wellness under one roof. It meets people where they are. That could mean through transitional employment programs that bridge the gap between unemployment and independent work or educational initiatives that support any level, from GED completion to graduate degrees.
Besides its outcomes, the uniqueness of the Clubhouse Model lies in its philosophy. Clubhouse International rejects clinical hierarchies and focuses instead on empowerment, creating a sense of agency that many members might not have experienced before. “That empowerment isn’t just symbolic. It’s practical,” says Anna Sackett Rountree, Director of Communications at Clubhouse International. “Members participate in meaningful work during the day, such as managing the kitchen, employment services, and outreach efforts. Our model encourages growth at one’s own pace.”
Clubhouse International has received global recognition for its impactful model, including the prestigious Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, one of the world’s largest awards for humanitarian efforts, which was jointly awarded with Fountain House. In addition, Clubhouse International has been honored by the American Psychiatric Association and is the recipient of the Honorary Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health, recognizing its rights-based, recovery-oriented approach to mental health. Yet perhaps the most compelling measure of success is found not in awards but in the countless lives reclaimed within the extraordinary Clubhouse community.
The Clubhouse network is exceptional because of how it has grown from the ground up. Most new Clubhouses begin not as top-down initiatives but as community-driven responses to unmet needs. “A concerned parent, a local mental health advocate, or a group of professionals might recognize the gap in available services and come together to build something better. That was precisely the case in Austin, Texas,” states Rountree.
Austin is celebrated for its innovation and cultural openness. However, mental health support was still severely lacking. In fact, Texas, in general, ranks last for access to mental health resources. In 2008, local advocates decided that enough was enough.
They had grown weary of watching a broken system continue to fail, of witnessing the revolving door of hospitalizations and the loss of potential and life. Determined to find a better way, they began researching how other cities were improving the lives of individuals with mental health diagnoses. This search led them to Clubhouse International, where they enrolled in the New Clubhouse Development training program.
“In supporting over 140 startup groups that have gone through our New Clubhouse Development training, we’ve equipped emerging Clubhouses with the tools to succeed, helping ensure that more people around the world can access an impactful model,” says Jack Yatsko, Chief Operating Officer at Clubhouse International. “Expanding the Clubhouse solution is not just an investment in mental health; it’s a commitment to dignity, community, and hope.”
The training begins with immersive learning and includes a full year of mentorship. It’s designed to instill the philosophy and practical skills necessary to launch a successful Clubhouse. The Austin group traveled to Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, to witness a functioning Clubhouse in action. There, they developed their mission, outlined their vision, and began the hard work of bringing the model home. By 2010, after two years of organizing, Austin Clubhouse opened its doors to its first seven members.
Jennifer Cardenas, Executive Director at Austin Clubhouse, reflects on the organization’s evolution. She states: “The support that Clubhouse International provided during Austin Clubhouse’s early beginnings helped build a strong foundation, one that continues to sustain our growth today. Austin Clubhouse is thriving because we were rooted in a structure that centers community, dignity, and meaningful opportunity.”
Fifteen years later, Austin Clubhouse has grown into a thriving part of its local community and the international network. It’s embedded in the global Clubhouse community, participating in campaigns and Clubhouse International events, and helping shape the movement’s future. Lisa Yoch, former board chair of Austin Clubhouse, says: “The journey hasn’t only transformed local mental health support. It has helped Austin live up to its progressive ideals. The city embraced the Clubhouse as we helped people see the path out of isolation and back into meaningful lives.”
Rose Bustamante, a member of Austin Clubhouse since August 2010, shares her journey with the organization. “I first heard about Austin Clubhouse through the SHAC, and I came on the very first day we opened 15 years ago. I’ve been coming ever since,” she says. “Before that, I didn’t have a place where I felt comfortable making friends. I felt like I lacked social skills, but over the years, I’ve made so many friends, and each and every one has been meaningful and special to me. It was always warm and welcoming—everyone was happy to see me and knew my name. Now that I’m retired, I contribute in ways that make sense to me, like making posters, helping with phone calls, or just spending time socializing. But my favorite thing to do is greet people at the front desk because I remember how good it felt to be welcomed. It’s truly a place where I can belong.”
It’s significant to emphasize that Clubhouse International’s impact isn’t limited to one city or country. “This is a global endeavor. We believe that every community deserves the tools to support some of its most vulnerable members,” Rountree remarks. Essentially, Clubhouses aim to offer a sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective solution.
As Clubhouse International looks ahead to the next 30 years, the goal is still to meet communities wherever the need exists. That means continuing to empower grassroots groups, just like the founders of Austin Clubhouse, to take the first step in creating something transformative. Anyone can begin this journey. A parent, clinician, teacher, or a group of concerned citizens can approach Clubhouse International and receive the guidance, training, and support to open a Clubhouse.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
Wyles Daniel, Contributor. Published by USA Today on July 1, 2025
Pictured above: Austin Clubhouse, Texas USA.
