THE Clubhouse YOU need to know about…
When you think of a clubhouse, you might think of where you hang out for a meal or a drink after a vigorous round of golf. Or, if you are of a certain age, you might recall the 1952 cover of The Saturday Evening Post featuring Norman Rockwell’s version of a boys’ clubhouse proclaiming, “no girls allowed.” While vastly different in style and approach, both scenes have in common a social space for members to gather and share a sense of community and camaraderie.
A bit of history
In 1948 in New York City, another version of a clubhouse quietly took root, and that’s where this story begins. Fountain House, the “Mother ship” of the clubhouse model, evolved from a self-help group of former patients of Rockland State Hospital and a handful of determined volunteers.
At about that same time, John Beard, a young social work graduate student working with patients suffering from severe and chronic schizophrenia, began applying the methods of a reform-minded young psychiatrist named Arthur Pierce. Departing from the usual focus on the patient’s symptoms and etiology, they believed that much of the suffering that persons with severe mental illness encountered was due to isolation and the loneliness that resulted from estrangement from family, job losses, aborted education, homelessness, and inability to form meaningful relationships. (Read the story here)
From AGT to WOD
They began to practice what became known as AGT (Activity Group Therapy), designed to restore the social functioning of the patients and possible assimilation back into society upon discharge. Those first steps have evolved into the signature program of all clubhouse models, called the Work-Ordered Day (WOD). Today there are over 350 clubhouses in over 30 countries globally, including the first and only clubhouse in Charlotte.
Enter CHARLOTTE CLUBHOUSE
Charlotte Clubhouse opened for business as a non-profit on Oct. 18, 2022, at its present location in the Fellowship Hall of Commonwealth UMC, 2434 Commonwealth Ave. It recently celebrated its second anniversary with the First Annual Gala, “Breaking the Stigma: Celebrating Mental Wellness in Mecklenburg County,” held at the Uptown Mint Museum.
The Clubhouse model is a unique, data-driven, non-clinical program that creates a safe place for members to participate in socialization, relationship development, and skill-building. Most importantly, it restores a sense of dignity and self-worth to those whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness. Membership is free and lifelong; attendance and participation in the Work-Ordered Day is optional. It doesn’t take long for members to reap the benefits of working side-by-side with staff, volunteers, and other members to accomplish the operational tasks of the day. In a nutshell, the members run the show and even have representation on the Board of Directors.
We should pause to take note of a common thread here so far. Mental wellness requires socialization and a sense of community. (We can take issue with Norman Rockwell’s gender discrimination another day!) In their weekly newsletter, members attribute the positives in their lives to Clubhouse membership:
I started a comic book company and I have an investor! -Alex
I’m finally getting my sleep schedule under control! -Kamryn
Being able to communicate with people and make great relationships! -Kevin
I’ve had so much growth since I’ve come here! I found Nathan again! -Nathan
I have made great progress in overcoming social anxiety.-Asa
Members become like family to each other, and Charlotte Clubhouse celebrates those bonds every day it is open, currently Tuesday and Thursday from 9-4, with selected offsite excursions on a third day. While it is still in the start-up phase, major goals in the Clubhouse strategic plan include being open five days a week, acquiring a van, and initiating a capital campaign towards its own facility.
If this article sparked an interest in donating financially to the Charlotte Clubhouse, click here or here.
If you would like to become a Clubhouse volunteer click here.
If you would like to visit the Clubhouse or have questions, call Kristin Varnell, the Operations Manager at 704-605-7032 and be sure to visit the website www.
Thank you for tuning in to this newsletter, where mental wellness thrives. Until next time,
Linda
