ARTICLES

U.S. Business A systematic review of evidence for the clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation

August 31, 2016

The Clubhouse Model has been in existence for over sixty-five years; however, a review that synthesizes the literature on the model is needed. The current study makes use of the existing research to conduct a systematic review of articles providing a comprehensive understanding of what is known about the Clubhouse Model, to identify the best evidence available, as well as areas that would benefit from further study. Findings are summarized and evidence is classified by outcome domains. Fifty-two articles met the selection criteria of Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT’s), quasi-experimental studies, or observational studies for domains of employment (N = 29); quality of life/satisfaction (N = 10); reductions in psychiatric hospitalization(s) (N = 10); social relationships (N = 10); education (N = 3); and health promotion activities (N = 2). RCT results support the efficacy of the Clubhouse Model in promoting employment, reducing hospitalization(s), and improving quality of life. Quasi-experimental and observational studies offer support in education and social domains. The findings from this review indicate that Clubhouses are a promising practice but additional studies using rigorous methods that report the strength of the outcomes are needed to evaluate Clubhouse programs with fidelity to the Clubhouse Model. For full article click here.

U.S. Business Leaders Honored for Paving Way
to an Inclusive Workforce

November 16, 2011

Business Leaders from across the United States were honored in our nation’s Capitol on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 for opening their workplaces to adults and young adults who are recovering from mental illness. With assistance from quality accredited rehabilitation and support centers, known as "ICCD Clubhouses", people who have psychiatric disabilities are re-entering the workforce and relying less on public benefits as they reclaim their lives from often life challenging illnesses. ... for full article

Massachusetts Employers Celebrated for Diversifying Workforce

April 5, 2011

Forty-two companies that employ Massachusetts residents who have mental illness gathered at the statehouse on Tuesday, April 5 th to receive recognition from their legislators, the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) and the members and staff of 33 DMH funded Clubhouse recovery centers. Awards were presented to them for their efforts to diversify their workforces and welcome onto their staff adults who are working to recover. The MCC released preliminary results of their annual employment survey, demonstrating that over 1,900 adults with mental illness earned more than $13.1 million dollars in FY10 with the support of Massachusetts Clubhouses. Clubhouse employment and recovery centers serve more than 8,300 citizens annually, providing a productive place to spend time during the day and assistance in gaining employment, an education, housing and peer support. ... for full article

U.S. Employers Honored on Capitol Hill for Mental Health Leadership

March 24, 2009

John Peacock, Executive Director of the Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, was honored at the Capitol in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, for his leadership in promoting the hiring of adults who have psychiatric disabilities with the support of inclusion and resiliency centers called Clubhouses. Mr. Peacock is a member of the National Employer Advisory Board, providing leadership for a U.S. wide effort to expand employment opportunities for adults who are recovering from the effects of mental illness. The National Employment Expansion Project has engaged the leadership of 74 employers in twenty-five states, in an effort to expand employment opportunities for people who are recovering from the illness. Twenty-one of the corporate and non-profit leaders were presented with awards in DC and the additional companies will receive their awards in the states where their companies do business. ... for full article

Lieutenant Governor Murray Applauds Employer Leaders

May 3, 2007

On May 3, 2007, the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) celebrated the employment success of over 1,899 Massachusetts residents who have serious and persistent mental illness and 35 of the companies who employed them. Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined with Clubhouse members, legislators, families, allies and advocates as well as the Department of Mental Health Commissioner in recognizing Clubhouse members’ acomplishments and the employer leaders who have helped them achieve so much. ... for full article

First National Employment Celebration on Capitol Hill: a Resounding Success

The Employment Expansion Project held the first National Employment Celebration event in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 22,2007. The event focused attention on the accomplishments of people who have mental illness that have gained employment with support from Clubhouses certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). Forty-one employers were honored by their Congressional representatives for playing a leadership role in encouraging their colleagues to hire Clubhouse members. Each employer honoree wrote a reference letter to support the work of developing additional jobs. The Project, organized by the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition, is dedicated to expanding employment opportunities and dispelling the stigma of mental illness that often serves as a barrier to employment. Over 300 people from 63 Clubhouses and other organizations from 19 states across the U.S. participated in the Celebration held in our nation’s Capitol. Approaching the podium to a standing ovation, ... for full article

Effort Under Way To End Homlessness in Massachusetts

2007

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Tim Murray are collaborating with legislative and community leaders in an effort to end homelessness in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) plans to support this effort by educating officials about the housing needs of people who have mental illness. In November, Clubhouse members testified at an Ending Homelessness hearing and spoke eloquently about the importance of having a safe place to call home. Our collective voices are needed to advocate for additional funding for housing and support services to address the pressing, unmet housing needs that so severely impact the lives of people who have mental illness. The MCC is perfectly situated to play a key role in helping to prevent homelessness for the 8,000 people who have mental illness who participate in Clubhouses each year. Clubhouses provide flexible housing supports to help people move out of shelters and group homes into their own apartments. Clubhouses offer peer support, assistance in obtaining rental stipends, apartment search assistance and help with moving and landlord mediation while also providing employment and education assistance, dual recovery support and active outreach to help people stay connected.... for full article

Libraries And Clubhouses: An Exciting Partnership

Thanks to guidance from the Employment Expansion Project Employer Advisory Board members, and in particular Board member Kathy Glick-Weil, Director of the Newton Free Library and Past President of the Massachusetts Library Association, the Project has embarked on an exciting partnership between Clubhouses and libraries. In addition to distributing employer reference letters from three library employers to all US ICCD certified Clubhouses, the Project has begun a series of activities including participating in library tradeshows, hosting luncheons for library and Clubhouse staff and organizing trainings for library staff about mental illness. The Project has found that participating in business trade shows is an excellent vehicle to spread the word about Clubhouse employment while educating about mental illness. Trade shows provide immediate access to a large number of potential employers at one time. This year, the Project staffed exhibit booths at two library conventions, the Massachusetts Library Association Convention in May, 2007 and the New England Library Association Conference in October, 2007. ... for full article