We help people with mental health and substance abuse challenges live connected and satisfying lives through productive work, meaningful relationship and direct support.

WHAT IS A CLUBHOUSE?

The Clubhouse is an international, evidence-based program supporting adults with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, PTSD and other clinical diagnoses. We believe medication and therapy are important, but not enough to address the devastating effects of mental illness and substance abuse disorder.

At Clubhouse, member find connection, belonging, and wholistic support to break the cycle of instability caused by these diagnoses.

In treatment settings, adults with mental illness are labeled “client” and considered “disabled”. Summit County Clubhouse turns this all around. Here, members and staff work side by side as partners, operating all aspects of the organization in a team approach based on mutual respect. In this way a person who has struggled with mental health becomes a valued participant, a colleague, and a critical part of the Clubhouse community.

And it's working! SCC members report reduced hospitalization and incarceration rates, fewer symptoms of illness and isolation, higher employment rates and a strong sense of community. Since 2019, Summit County Clubhouse has been proving that people with a diagnosed mental illness CAN and DO lead connected and satisfying lives when treated with respect, dignity and understanding.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CLUBHOUSE?

WORK-BASED RECOVERY

Clubhouses are organized around a belief that work and work-based relationships are restorative and provide a firm foundation for growth and recovery. SCC members work alongside staff, operating the clubhouse in a team approach based on mutual respect. Although there’s rarely a typical day at clubhouse, examples include: answering phones and greeting visitors; clerical work; accounting; preparing food; facility maintenance; writing newsletter articles and facilitating meetings. Through work, members build skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Clubhouses are designed to help members build social networks and become part of a supportive community. Members develop friendships through evening, weekend, and holiday social events. Clubhouse is open to members on EVERY major holiday!

DIRECT SUPPORT

Summit County Clubhouse provides active members with support for basic needs and offers direct assistance with:

EDUCATION: Clubhouse helps members research degree options, apply to schools, secure financial aid, navigate the admissions process and secure disability accommodations.

EMPLOYMENT: Clubhouse helps with job searches, resumes, interview skills, employment paperwork, work transportation plans, and more. For those needing more support, Transitional and Supported Employment Programs provide opportunities to move toward independent work with the assurance of Clubhouse support, every step of the way.

HOUSING: Clubhouse helps members overcome barriers to independent living with support such as finding appropriate housing opportunities and assisting with deposits and rent payments as a member stabilizes and returns to work and community. We partner with other community organizations to ensure that unexpected financial emergencies don't lead to member eviction and homelessness.