Clubhouse International Is…
The Clubhouse Model began in New York City in the 1950’s during a period of great de-institutionalization. Many people who had recently been discharged from the Rockland State Hospital began to meet on a street corner for mutual support. A social worker by the name of
John Beard recognized a gap between hospitalization and re-integration back into society for adults who suffered from serious mental illness. He understood that people need a place to build meaningful relationships and to be a contributing part of a community that needs them. He is the founder of Fountain House, the first established Clubhouse. As Fountain House experienced success in helping people reclaim their life, it opened its doors to others wishing to duplicate their program, which is now known as the Clubhouse Model. As the idea that work combined with relationships and normal expectations for Members who belonged to clubhouse communities grew, so did the number of Clubhouses. Today over 300 Clubhouses exist worldwide, who have embraced the original ideas that began in Manhattan, New York.
“A Clubhouse is first and foremost a community of people. Much more than simply a program, or a social service, a clubhouse is most importantly a community of people who are working together toward a common goal.”
– Joel Corcoran, Executive Director, Clubhouse International
How are the Clubhouse Standards a part of the Clubhouse International Movement?
Over time a set of guidelines were established known as the Clubhouse Standards to better assist developing clubhouses and to distinguish them from other types of programs. Essentially they are a set of 35 guidelines created with the input of over a thousand Members and staff participating in aspiring programs at that time. They are a “Bill of Rights” for Members and used as a tool to help clubhouses evaluate their effectiveness worldwide. To obtain a copy of Clubhouse International Standards, please e-mail Alliance House at firstname.lastname@example.org.
What is Clubhouse International?
Clubhouse International grew out of a need to keep clubhouse connections and the clubhouse movement alive. The mission of Clubhouse International is to build and coordinate strong international networks of clubhouse programs. Clubhouses are founded on the realization that recovery from serious mental illness must involve the whole person in a vital and culturally sensitive community. A clubhouse community offers respect, hope, mutually and unlimited opportunity to access the same worlds of friendship, housing, education and employment as the rest of society.
In pursuit of this mission, the center promotes the development and strengthening of clubhouses; oversees the creation and evolution of clubhouse standards; facilitates and insures the equality of training, consultation, certification, research and advocacy; provides effective communication and dissemination of information. For further information about the benefits of certification, how to apply, and or how to join the clubhouse movement, please contact Clubhouse International or visit its website at www.iccd.org.