The International Standards for Clubhouse Programs define the clubhouse model of rehabilitation. They are at the heart of a Clubhouse's mission to help people with mental illness stay out of hospitals and achieve social, financial, and vocational goals. The Standards serve as a "bill of rights" for members and a code of ethics for staff, board, and administrators. Program components include:
Clubhouse Work-Ordered Day
An essential and unique feature of the clubhouse model is collaboration among staff and members. All activities associated with running the clubhouse are accomplished through the work-ordered day, with members and staff working together as a team, mutually supporting one another in all functions of the clubhouse. Through this collaboration and hands-on experience, members learn or re-learn what is necessary to participate in the job market today.
Employment Programs
Vocational Rehabilitation is a primary function of Hillsgrove House with the consistent expectation of movement towards employment for all members. Community employment represents the ultimate in independence, community integration and wellness. Each member’s recovery process is unique. The clubhouse has three levels of vocational programming:
- Work-Ordered-Day/Unit Work: An opportunity to practice working in units and develop the skills, confidence, and routines necessary to return to paid employment.
- Transitional Employment Program (TEP): Clubhouse staff train and support individual members at a community employment site. Members works part time (12-20 hours per week) for six to nine months and are paid by the employer. At the site, members work one to four different positions to learn different vocational skills while building the confidence to pursue competitive employment. Transitional employment helps members put into practice the skills they have developed through the work-ordered day. TEP’s help members to build their resume and facilitate their search for competitive employment.
- Supportive/Competitive Employment: Members build upon the skills developed in the previous levels to seek, secure and keep competitive part-time and full-time employment. Staff provide direct and indirect supports to assist members in finding and retraining competitive employment as needed.
Social and Recreational Programs
Social connection is essential to an individual's well being and mental health. Through social and recreational programs, members have opportunities to develop friendships and learn how to participate in community social activities. This encourages members to establish natural support systems outside of staff support and the clubhouse environment. This may include, but is not limited to, family members, other clubhouse members, and people in civic and community organizations.
Supported Education
Individuals impacted by mental illness oftentimes find their educational process is interrupted by the cyclical nature of mental health symptoms. Many members have struggled to complete high school, college or GED course work. Clubhouse staff and members support these members in pursuing and completing their educational goals.
Hillsgrove House Clubhouse
A Program of Thrive Behavioral Health
70 Minnesota Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888
Tel: 401.732.0970 • Fax: 401.738.7265
Hillsgrovehouse91@gmail.com
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