Painting Pathways Clubhouse will afford people disabled with mental illness an
opportunity to recover meaningful and productive lives of their choice through reintegration with the workplace and community.
Clubhouses are local community centers that offer people who have mental illness hope and opportunities to achieve their human potential.
The goal of a clubhouse is to maximize chances of full recovery through clubhouse activities, through job training, and ultimately, through employment. Clubhouse members "work" in their clubhouse to keep it operating, to develop work skills, to gain a sense of belonging to something, to regain self-esteem, and to be reminded of what it is like not be be judged and labeled because of their mental illness.
There currently are 400 clubhouses that operate in about 30 countries around the world.
All these clubhouses are of the belief that medication is not sufficient for the recovery of a person with a mental illness. They all believe that real recovery is dramatically accelerated by the involvement in clubhouse activities. In fact, there is a growing body of supportive research pronouncing that people with mental illnesses can successfully participate in society through education, employment and social activities.
Clubhouse job training and leadership workshops will lead to additional skills.
These skills can be hopefully translated into improved employment opportunites which will lead to a higher standard of living and better access to healthcare.
What are the benefits of a Clubhouse?
Research has demonstrated that members in certified clubhouses can have:
Reduced hospitalizations
In one study, membership in a clubhouse reduced the number of hospitalizations by one third and reduced the average number of hospital days by 70%.
Higher employment
Two studies have shown that the clubhouse model produces higher rates of employment, longer job tenure, and higher earnings than other programs. Longer clubhouse membership has also been shown to correlate with longer job tenure and higher earnings.
Reduced incarcerations
Criminal justice system involvement has been found to be substantially diminished with continued clubhouse membership.
Improved well-being
Compared with individuals receiving typical mental health services, clubhouse members were significantly more likely to report that they had close friendships and someone they could rely on when they needed help.
Reduced cost of services
Reduced hospitalizations and incarcerations along with higher employment translates into dramatic cuts in the costs to the community to provide typical mental health services.
What are the basic components of a clubhouse?
The basic areas of Clubhouse activities are:
Work Day
Members and staff work side by side, as colleagues, to carry out the work that is important to their Clubhouse community.
The Employment Programs
Clubhouse provide members with opportunites to return to paid employment in integrated work settings.
The Evening, Weekend and Holiday Programs
Members and staff together organize structured and non-structured social activities at the Clubhouse.
Community Support
Clubhouse members are given help accessing the best quality services in their community.
Reach-Out
Part of the daily work of the Clubhouse involves keeping track of all of the active members.
Education
The Clubhouse offers educational opportunities for members to complete or start certificate and degree programs at academic institutions and adult education programs.
Housing
Safe, decent, dignified housing is a right of all members. The Clubhouse helps members to access quality housing.
Decision-making and Governance
Members and staff meet in open forums to discuss policy issues and future planning for the Clubhouse.
