Clubhouse News & Updates:
"Work springs from Hope"
Florida Weekly - April 10, 2013
Summary: Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida recently earned a three-year accreditation from Clubhouse International. The Hope Clubhouse is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. Since opening in Ft. Myers in 2010, Hope Clubhouse has served 159 people. At the core of everything they do, as is the case at other Clubhouses around the world, is work. Several members were interviewed for a recent article in Florida Weekly and work was cited as the most important aspect of their Clubhouse experience. Will Prather, owner of a local theatre, has hired several Hope Clubhouse members and has had a good experience. "There's nothing that can have a more dramatic impact on a person than having a job," he said. Army veteran and Clubhouse member Jonathan Southard suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome. He works 25 hours a week at Goodwill and plans to go back to school. Dr. William Madaus, chairman of the Hope Clubhouse board as well as board member of Clubhouse International, has been instrumental in the success of the Clubhouse. "It's almost that work becomes a therapeutic tool in terms of getting back their self-esteem, normalization in terms of working in the community and getting paid for it," he said.
"House of Healing for Mental Health in Hawaii"
Honolulu Magazine - March, 2013
Summary: Honolulu Magazine recently published an article about Diamond Head Clubhouse, which is funded by the Adult Mental Health Division for the state of Hawaii's Department of Health. The Clubhouse is helping many adults living with mental illness, including Michael Kirk, who was interviewed for this piece. Kirk, who suffers from a permanent disability caused by mental illness, tells about his experience with the Clubhouse. Not only did he find purpose for his days and a relief from isolation, last year he found work through the Clubhouse's Transitional Employment Program. He is now earning enough money to eliminate the need for some public support. Last year, Diamond Head Clubhouse members earned more than $600,000 from private employment.
"Genesis Club marks 25 years of hope, support"
Telegram.com - March 25, 2013
Summary: It has been 25 years since Genesis Club in Worcester, Massachusetts was founded to help people living with mental illness. The group began small, and hired Kevin Bradley as their first – and since then, their only - executive director. The Clubhouse today includes 2 buildings and a 6,000-square-foot addition. Last year, Genesis House served nearly 800 people, helping them with employment, education, housing, health and peer support. The Clubhouse’s success has become a model for other programs, which send representatives to Worcester to train. “We’re leading the charge,” Mr. Bradley said. At Genesis Club, they have been able to serve whoever walks in the door, and Mr. Bradley hopes that continues.
"New Clubhouse Granite Pathways: One bright light in NH Mental Health Reform"
Concord Monitor - March 13, 2013
Summary: According to a recent article in the Concord Monitor, new funding for mental health reform in New Hampshire is still unresolved. Governor Hassan has proposed to add $28 million in mental health care funding, but it is unclear whether the proposal will be passed. Although the Governor’s proposed budget covers “peer support services”, New Hampshire’s first Clubhouse for people living with mental illness, Granite Pathways, is not included in the peer support budget. This situation points out the challenges faced by many Clubhouses. Pam Brown, founder of Granite Pathways, worked with 5 other families 3 years ago to start the Clubhouse when she couldn’t find help for her son to restart his life after a diagnosis of psychosis. Today, about 60 people use the Clubhouse regularly, and there is a waiting list. With public funding, the group could move to a better space and continue to grow at a faster pace. However, Brown and the others at Granite Pathways are not waiting for the state to help, despite the challenges. They know the effectiveness of the Clubhouse model and continue to operate every day.
“Clubhouse provides jobs for adults with mental illness”
KSAT.com News - February 25, 2013
Summary: The Executive Director of the San Antonio Clubhouse, Mark Stoeltje, was recently interviewed by KSAT.com in San Antonio, Texas. Stoeltje talked about the value of the Clubhouse program in helping people living with mental illness lead better lives and in changing stereotypes. He believes that Clubhouse programs could possibly stop shootings like the events recently in the news. “Those kinds of things could have been prevented. These are not guys that just snapped, this built up over time, I’m certain,” Stoeltje said.
From Joel Corcoran, ICCD Executive Director
December 20, 2012
We are all very shocked and saddened by the shootings and deaths in Newtown, Connecticut last week. Although words don't seem to be nearly enough, we offer condolences to all of the families who lost loved ones and to the entire Newtown community as it struggles to make it through this difficult time.
As the details of the tragedy and the young man behind this unthinkable act of violence against innocents become clear, it may or may not be true that he was living with mental illness or other disability. Eventually, we will know more about him and his circumstances. However, what he did will never, ever be excusable or even understandable.
In the coming weeks there will be much discussion and hopefully effective action to help significantly reduce the chances of this ever happening again.
There will be dialogue about the state of our mental health systems and what we can do to make them better.
One thing that we know already is that people living with a mental illness are often alone, overlooked and forgotten about in their own communities. We also know that if this is changed those same people can thrive and live successful and meaningful lives. We know from years of experience, study and research that access to a caring community of support can make all the difference for a person isolated by their disability. Belonging somewhere, with others who care, might be the single most available and effective means of preventing desperation.
It is past time that we recognize our obligation to come together to create and support places in every community where people living with mental illness can find the belonging they need.
Establishing an ICCD Clubhouse in every town and city in this country - much the same way that every town and city has a library, or a YMCA, or a community center - would provide a community base of support for hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of Americans living with mental illness. It would widen the tent of our society. Rather than isolation, hopelessness and despair, the expanding ranks of Clubhouse members would have access to community, hope, jobs, and a reason to wake up in the morning.
Please support the development of ICCD Clubhouses. Together, we can change our world.
Mark Glickman on recovery and his Clubhouse experience
psychiatryonline.org – December, 2012
Summary: Mark Glickman, ICCD Board Member, recently wrote about his recovery and his Clubhouse experience. He began his journey with mental illness at the age of 18 and over the years experienced hospitalizations, therapy and disabling depression. In 1973, he arrived at Fountain House in New York and gradually began a long and painful recovery. Mark eventually had several successful transitional employment jobs, found his own job and later went back to graduate school at age 40 to study broadcast journalism. He made a documentary about the Fountain House program and co-authored a book. “I had to regain my confidence, my courage, and my basic sense of competency…I believe that clubhouses offer an ideal environment to fulfill one’s potential.” Download full article.
ICCD Board Member Mark Glickman writes about “Psycho” and mental illness stigma
November 27, 2012
I recently watched “Psycho” again, and - pardon the pun- was of two minds about it. As a lover of film, I was sucked into the mood of high anxiety and dread from the opening moments. On the other hand, from my perspective as an advocate for people with severe psychiatric illnesses, I was troubled that the film grotesquely caricatured mental illnesses that affect millions of people.
Today, more than 50 years since the infamous “shower scene,” we understand that schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are illnesses caused by brain chemistry, not bad mothers like Mrs. Bates. Nevertheless, the stigma still remains. Those of us who have suffered from these illnesses and those who fight against them have a tough battle in combating stigma. Look at our use of language. We equate being wrong with being crazy. Someone says something we disagree with and we say "he’s crazy."
Unfortunately, violent acts are occasionally committed by people with untreated mental illnesses. Those stories too often capture the attention of the media and perpetuate the erroneous view that violence and criminality are prevalent in people with psychiatric disorders. The reality, however, is that men and women with mental illnesses are much more likely to be the recipients of violence then the perpetrators of it.
Further, the reality is that long before “Psycho” opened in 1960, a quiet revolution began in the realm of recovery from mental illness. Starting in the late 1940’s in New York City, a non-profit organization called Fountain House pioneered a model of psychiatric rehabilitation in which former mental patients came to a place called a “Clubhouse.” Today, there are almost 350 Clubhouses around the world.
Clubhouses focus on the positive healthy parts of the person which still exist no matter how severe their illness. Clubhouse “members” come in each day and participate in all the work needed to run the program, such as cooking, cleaning, outreach, putting out newsletters, answering phones, research and data entry. When members are ready, they can go on to part-time entry level jobs in the community, continue their education, and ultimately get their own independent jobs. Working side by side with a small professional staff, members build relationships, skills, self esteem and confidence. The Clubhouse model is a cost-efficient and effective path to recovery from mental illness.
Almost everyone knows about “Psycho” and its depiction of Norman Bates as a dangerous, homicidal “crazy person.” But few know about the hope that Clubhouses have brought to tens of thousands of people who have regained their mental health. The stigma of mental illness reinforced by films like “Psycho” will only be eradicated when these Illnesses are brought into the light of day and talked about without shame.
“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
“ICCD Clubhouse Data Included in SAMHSA's Mental Health, United Stated, 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. Read More
“The ICCD Announces the 17th International Clubhouse Seminar
Summary: The ICCD is pleased to announce the 17th International Clubhouse Seminar will be held October 19-24, 2013 at the elegant Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in St. Louis. Independence Center, an
international ICCD Training Base and host Clubhouse of the Fifth International Clubhouse
Seminar in 1989, will serve as our local host Clubhouse. The members, staff and Board of Directors of Independence Center are eager to share their Clubhouse and community with you.
17IS will be a wonderful celebration of the extraordinary worldwide expansion of the Clubhouse movement!
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"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.
“Partnership Helps People Back to Work”
Livingston Daily.com - November 26, 2011
Summary: Genesis House, based in Fowlerville, Michigan was in the news recently. The Clubhouse has developed successful partnerships with local businesses who support their transitional employment program. Genesis House member Brian Draganski suffers from bipolar disorder and, until October of this year, had been unemployed for six years. He was recently hired by Asahi Kasei Plastics through the transitional employment program. Genesis House’s partnership with Asahi Kasei began in 2005 and Draganski is the eighth Genesis House member to work at the company. Asahi Kasei recently received an award from the National Employment Expansion project in Washington, D.C. for its partnership with Genesis House. According to Bobbie Mazurek, safety and loss control specialist for Asahi Kasei, the Genesis House partnership works well. “Their work ethic is very strong; it’s a great asset for the company. It helps them and it helps us. We help each other in the program.” Genesis House director Lee Kellogg added, “Now they have a positive picture about adults with mental illness and what they’re capable of. It’s helpful in that way, too.” Genesis House also partners with Centurion Medical Products, T.J. Maxx and Old Navy and is always seeking new employment partners.
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A recent study found that Clubhose members were more likely to report being in recovery and having a higher quality of life compared with a group of participants from consuer run "drop in" centers ( Mowbray, Woodward, Holter, et al, 2009). Clubhouse members indicate that the Clubhouse provides valuable oportunities to pursue meaningful activities that help them address their mental health recovery at their own pace (Stoffel, 2008)...
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The international Clubhouse community remembers and honors the lives of Rudyard n. Propst, Anse Leroy and Jim Schmidt. These three "fire souls" will be missed. With respect and sadness, we wish them farewell.
Rudyard n. Propst, the founder and first Executive Director of the ICCD, died on June 16, 2011. As an international Clubhouse community, we mourn the loss of the man who fanned the Fountain House flame into a worldwide movement, and we celebrate his life...Read More
Anse Leroy, M.D. Unfortunately, we have lost Anse Leroy. After four months in hospital, she died on Saturday, April 30th 2011. Anse was a fiercely dedicated advocate for the Clubhouse model, both in theory and in practice... Read More
Jim Schmidt, James R. "Jim" Schmidt, who worked for 38 years at the Fountain House in New York City and served as its Executive Director 1982 to 1992, died August 11, 2011, of pancreatic cancer. Jim was born in 1927 in Queens...Read More
Get an update on the status of ICCD's Japanese Clubhouses and Colleagues after the devastating earthquake and tsunami Read More
The ICCD Clubhouse Community Mourns the Death of Barb Hennings:
Barb Hennings, long-time member of Yahara House in Wisconsin, was a powerful advocate for people with mental illness. She never shirked from defending the rights of people living with mental illness to have dignity, respect, friendship, and equality. Barb was a founding member of the ICCD Faculty and helped to draft the original Standards for Clubhouse Programs, which now serve as a 'bill of rights' for Clubhouse members around the world. Her profound commitment to the values of Clubhouse equality and opportunity have helped to change the lives of members everywhere. The Clubhouse movement will miss Barb tremendously, and we owe her a great debt of gratitude.
