project pg 4

The cllubhouse modelof a psychosocial rehabilitation is a comprehensive and dynamic program of support and opportunities for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. In contrast to traditional day- treatment and other day program models. , clubhouses patients are called members, not  patients or clients and restorative activities focus on their strength and abilities , not their illnesses. The clubhouse is unique that it is not a clinical program, meaning there are no therepists or psychiatrists on staff.

All clinical aspects of the program have been removed so as to focus on the strengths of the individuals, rather than their illnesses. Additionally . all participants in the club house is strictly on a voluntary basis.

The international center for clubhouse development lays out four guaranteed  rights of membership, which are at the core of the clubhouse model: 1. A right  to a place to come
                                                                            2  A right to a meaningful relationships
                                                                            3    A right to meaningful work
                                                                            4     A right to a place to return.

pg 3

The clubhouse is a place for a member to meet, socialize, learn basic skills, and ready themselves for work. At fountain house members may start with one of the basic units such as the clerical unit.The clerical unit publishes daily and weekly newsletters written by the community. They also prepare bulk mailings, assist the accounting office with book keeping, member banking , accounting and filing. There is also a Horticulture unit where members maintain plants for the clubhouse, a dining room  and snack bar where members prepare meals , order food and supplies , and serve meals. Members and staff work side by side in these units.

The ultimate goal of the clubhouse is to find meaningful independent work for the members. Clubhouses use two types of pre- emloyment programs to prepare the member for the work place.

project pg 2

Fountain house has research that shows a decrease in the percent of patients hospitalized in a 2 year period from 77% to 37% in those who participated in the clubhouse. Members can enter the clubhouse at any stage of their recovery. Out patients don't need to be symptom free to join and participate in the clubhouse. Some patients come to fountainhouse and may only tolerate sitting on a couch for a few hours per day and yet others may be in a temporary job placement. at the local newspaper or museum.
                                      The philosophy of the clubhouse model is that individuals with psychiatric disabilities have the right to work, have satisfying relationships and have adequate housings. Secondary to this philosophy clubhouses stress peer support, employment opportunities, and housing.