The Power of Your Gift: Reduced Incarcerations, Improved Well-being, and Safe and Stable Housing for Clubhouse Members

Your support this season will enable members to create a secure and stable environment for themselves, resulting in improved overall well-being, fewer hospitalizations, lower incarceration rates, and increased employment opportunities. With your help, we are optimistic about making significant strides in reducing both incarceration and recidivism* among Clubhouse members.

Bridgeways Clubhouse is a mental health program dedicated to enhancing the well-being of its members and expanding their access to vital services and employment opportunities. Bridgeways Clubhouse combats the isolating nature of the journey towards recovery by implementing a “work-ordered” day.  

A “work-ordered day” is a concept often associated with psychosocial rehabilitation programs, particularly those using the Clubhouse Model. In this context, a work-ordered day is a structured and intentional approach to daily activities within a supportive community, with the goal of promoting vocational and social skills, as well as fostering a sense of purpose and routine for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

*: Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend, while incarceration is the state of being imprisoned or confined in a correctional facility.

Mental Health Treatment Can Be Isolating – But It Does Not Have To Be!

Bridgeways Clubhouse offers a supportive community for its members, guiding them on a path to independence, employment, and improved mental well-being. Our program recognizes and addresses the challenges individuals face in accessing essential services and mental health treatment. Members actively participate in maintaining the Clubhouse, fostering a sense of community, and addressing essential needs like housing. This unique rehabilitation approach empowers members by focusing on building independence, workplace skills, and social capabilities. Ultimately, the program aims to prepare individuals to reintegrate into the workforce.

History of the Clubhouse Model

In 1948, Fountain House in New York City pioneered the groundbreaking Clubhouse Model, a program designed to empower individuals facing serious mental health concerns. Over the decades, this model has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, offering tangible improvements in the lives of its participants.

Fountain House has achieved remarkable success, with an impressive 99% of its members currently enjoying stable housing. This accomplishment stands in stark contrast to the 15% employment rate among American adults grappling with serious mental health issues. The impact is clear – the Clubhouse Model is not just a concept but a proven catalyst for positive change.

The program’s influence extends beyond housing and employment. According to Fountain House, high utilizers of New York State Medicaid services experienced a notable 21% decrease in the total cost of care after enrolling in the Clubhouse Model. These outcomes are not isolated; they’ve been replicated across more than 320 clubhouse programs worldwide.

The success stories emanating from this model speak to its universal applicability. As we explore the landscape, it becomes evident that the Marysville area, like many other communities, stands to benefit significantly from the implementation of a Clubhouse Model.

Bridgeways Clubhouse’s Model 

The Bridgeways Clubhouse location is located in Marysville, WA. The building has over 4,000 Sq Ft space including: a reception area, an office/administrative area, a conference room, a food-service kitchen, a dining area and a learning/classroom space. All areas are open to members and staff.​

In essence, Bridgeways Clubhouse is a peer run group that treats all with dignity and respect and provides the opportunity for individuals to be participating members and be part of a beloved community of belonging. We do this by seeking to facilitate those living with a mental health concern, an inclusive community that emphasizes their strengths and not their weaknesses as a mode for strength and empowerment.

In the dynamic landscape of mental health and holistic well-being, the Clubhouse Model emerges as a beacon of transformative change. Designed to bridge the gap in mental health treatment and essential services such as employment, the Clubhouse program operates on a unique “work-ordered” day framework. This structured approach empowers members by focusing on their strengths, creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and recovery.

The Clubhouse Model’s approach revolves around engaging members in a variety of daily tasks, ranging from admin work to clubhouse maintenance. By showcasing individual strengths through meaningful contributions, this model effectively shifts the narrative from weaknesses to capabilities.

At its core, the Clubhouse Model catalyzes rehabilitation, providing a restorative haven for individuals profoundly affected by mental health concerns. This program serves as a lifeline, connecting members with a supportive community of individuals on a shared journey of recovery. The result is not only improved mental health but also enhanced confidence and self-esteem for Clubhouse Model participants.

Clubhouse: A Day-to-Day Look Inside

Within the Clubhouse Model, the day-to-day activities for members are thoughtfully structured to not only ensure the effective operation of the Clubhouse but also to provide meaningful opportunities for showcasing individual strengths. Members actively participate in various roles, contributing to the overall success of the Clubhouse while developing valuable skills. In the realm of administration, members take on responsibilities such as front desk reception, attendance management, answering phones, and handling paperwork essential for Clubhouse operations. Additionally, roles like intake orientation involve managing paperwork for new members and facilitating orientation sessions. The Clubhouse also offers opportunities for members to engage in the training and evaluation of staff, providing valuable perspectives on the member experience. Public relations tasks involve representing the Clubhouse in public settings, building positive community relationships, and advocating for mental health through personal experiences. Members actively participate in community outreach and advocacy efforts. Through these diverse roles, Clubhouse members not only play an integral part in the Clubhouse’s daily functions but also experience personal growth and empowerment within the supportive community environment.

Why is Structure Important for Those Dealing with Mental Health Concerns?

For individuals grappling with mental health concerns, the Clubhouse Model offers a transformative approach by providing essential structure to their daily lives. The significance of structure in daily life for those facing mental health challenges cannot be overstated. Establishing a routine not only helps in fostering a sense of purpose and direction but also provides a framework for individuals to showcase their strengths rather than focusing on perceived weaknesses. The structured environment of a Clubhouse not only aids in the successful operation of the program but also serves as a therapeutic tool, offering stability, routine, and a supportive community. 

In return, Clubhouse is a step to higher employment, reduced incarcerations, improved well-being, increased stability and housing, and reduced hospitalizations – simply by creating structure in members’ lives.

DONATE NOW

Discover how the Clubhouse Model’s emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and structured daily tasks can reshape lives, providing a holistic approach to mental health and employment support. Contribute to the clubhouse by donating HERE. 

Donate today!