Jeffrey Epstein Offers Critical Funding to Clear Blue Sky, Inc.
PR Newswire – November 20, 2012
Summary: The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation has offered critical funds to Clear Blue Sky Inc., the largest mental health clinic in the US Virgin Islands. Clear Blue Sky Inc. provides an unprecedented approach to mental health focusing on integrating patients or “members” into the local community to enhance not just a sense of responsibility and belonging, but life goals, confidence and hope.
The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation was founded in 2000 by Jeffrey Epstein, a financier, who established the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics at Harvard University in 2003. The Program studies evolution from a mathematical point of view. His foundation now supports cutting edge science research around the world
Located in Charlotte, Amalie in St. Thomas, Clear Blue Sky is a part of the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). ICCD’s history dates back to 1948 but was established in 1994 as a non-governmental organization.
“ICCD focuses on real life experiences and that is essential for self-esteem and achievement,” Jeffrey Epstein stated.
In addition to founding the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, Jeffrey Epstein is a former member of Rockefeller University, the New York Academy of Science, the Trilateral Commission, the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the board of the Mind, Brain and Behavior Committee at Harvard University.
Fountain House Planted Seeds of Global Movement
Psychiatric News – August 3, 2012
Summary: Fountain House and ICCD were featured in a recent article in Psychiatric News. The author, Aaron Levin, describes the origin of Fountain House in 1948 and how the founders successfully created a worldwide movement to help people living with mental illness lead productive lives. He explains how ICCD was formed in 1994 as the number of clubhouses grew and how the organization helps clubhouses through the stages of development. The article emphasizes the value of clubhouses in providing resources for people with mental illness and helping them reintegrate into their communities. To read the entire article, Click Here
Opening of A Clubhouse for Elkhart County
Goshen News – May 31, 2012
Summary: A new Clubhouse in Goshen, Indiana opened in May after three years of planning by a local group. A Clubhouse for Elkhart County will provide a community of hope and recovery for people who have suffered from mental illness. It is a place for people to participate every day in valuable work, meet friends and find employment opportunities. The group purchased the historic Dale House and, according to Director Rich Meyer, it is ideal in location and size. The Clubhouse is the fifth one to open in Indiana. “We have 20 members as of today,” Meyer said. “We have had support from all kinds of directions (as the home is being outfitted and furnished).” Meyer estimated that membership will continue to grow through the summer and by July or August the members will be able to plan a grand opening. “We’re open,” Meyer said. “Nobody has to wait to visit us.”
B’More Clubhouse in the News
Psychiatric News – May 18, 2012
Summary: The Psychiatric News recently reported in detail on the success of B’More Clubhouse in Baltimore, MD. The article describes the Clubhouse model and explains the uniqueness of the model as an approach to helping people living with mental illness. B’More Clubhouse was the first ICCD Clubhouse in Maryland, opening its doors to members in 2009. Membership has increased from about 30 early in 2011 to more than 100 now. According to Executive Director, Veronica Lynn, M.S., the initial reaction to the Clubhouse from mental health professionals was cool. Once clinicians from Johns Hopkins, Sheppard Pratt and the University of Maryland toured the Clubhouse, B’More began getting more referrals. Members have a wide diversity of educational and employment histories. Since the Clubhouse opened, 7 members have gone back to school, 2 have completed bachelor’s degrees and several have earned GEDs. The article highlighted the experience of one member and an employer who participate in the transitional employment program. A local attorney, David Shapiro, owns a small restaurant a few blocks from the Clubhouse and has hired several members as part of the program. One of those members, Brian, works there a few hours 5 days a week and hopes to work his way back to full-time employment step by step. He will work there for six months. Shapiro expects to be a long-term supporter of the program. “The staff bonds with the members, and we’re sorry to see them go at the end of their stint,” Shapiro said. “Brian rarely misses a day, and he’s always here 20 minutes ahead of time. It’s a place where I think he feels very welcomed and comfortable.” For more information about B’More Clubhouse, visit www.bmoreclubhouseinc.org.
Clubhouse Connection
Grand Traverse Insider – January 23, 2012
Summary: The Traverse House of Traverse City, Michigan is in the news. Traverse House recently earned the status of accreditation by ICCD. The article quotes Traverse House Director, Signe Ruddy, who explains what a Clubhouse is and what Traverse House does for its members and the community. Ruddy believes that the ICCD accreditation is a validation of the mission and values embodied by Traverse House. “Like all Clubhouse programs, Traverse House focuses on people’s strengths, not their illness,” said Ruddy. “Members and staff work side-by-side in decision making and governance of the program. Through the activities of a work-ordered day, individual members achieve or regain the confidence and skills necessary to lead vocationally productive and socially satisfying lives.” Traverse House currently has 76 members and 4 staff.
ICCD Clubhouse Data Included in SAMHSA’s Mental Health, United States, 2010
Summary: The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released Mental Health United States 2010 earlier this year. This publication is part of a series and this issue reports on the nation’s mental health system across three themes: people; treatment facility characteristics; and payers and payment mechanisms. It includes all sort of useful information including state-level data and services in non-traditional settings such as clubhouse programs.
This is the first time that clubhouse data has been included in this publication. The Program for Clubhouse Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School was able to provide SAMHSA with information from an earlier version of the Clubhouse Profile Questionnaire – a comprehensive survey of Clubhouse Programs affiliated with the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). The ICCD and ICCD Clubhouses are included in this document in a meaningful way.
