Clubhouses are a powerful demonstration of the fact that people with mental illness can and do lead normal, productive lives. Clubhouses are local community centers that provide members with opportunities to build long-term relationships that, in turn, support them in obtaining employment, education and housing, including:
- a work-ordered day in which the talents and abilities of members are recognized and utilized within the Clubhouse;
- participation in consensus-based decision-making regarding all important matters relating to the running of the Clubhouse;
- opportunities to obtain paid employment in the local labor market through a Clubhouse-created Transitional Employment Program. In addition, members participate in Clubhouse-supported and Independent programs;
- assistance in accessing community-based educational resources;
- access to crisis intervention services when needed;
- evening/weekend social and recreational events; and
- assistance in securing and sustaining safe, decent and affordable housing.