Charlotte Clubhouse is organized around its members. And the people who come and participate are its members. As you would guess, membership in the clubhouse is open to anyone who has a history of mental illness. The idea of membership is an important one. Being part of an organization means that an individual has both shared ownership as well as shared responsibility for the success of the Charlotte Clubhouse as an organization.
TO BE A MEMBER MEANS TO BELONG.
TO ALWAYS BE WELCOMED.
AND TO FIT IN.
The
CHARLOTTE CLUBHOUSE PERSPECTIVE
IT IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ARE PEOPLE FIRST AND ALWAYS. THEY ARE NOT TREATED AS A PATIENT OR DEFINED BY A DISABILITY LABEL.
Each member is a valued participant in the clubhouse and in our community. They can achieve their dreams as well as transform their lives for the better. They are seen as a colleague and as a person who contributes to the rest of the group. They are part of the Charlotte Clubhouse Community that is engaged in important and impactful work.
"The sweet, caring, supportive people behind the clubhouse make a difference in our lives in big and small ways!"
Tarannum
Clubhouse Member
"I am all about touching people's lives and so many here have touched mine."
Mic
Clubhouse Member
"The Clubhouse is a supportive environment. It helps me cope with the things that I have to deal with."
Alex
Clubhouse Member
"The clubhouse gives me a reason to socialize and make friends. Without that, I wouldn't have that elsewhere."
Sarah
Clubhouse Member
100,000
PEOPLE ARE REACHED
each year from 350+ Clubhouses in 32 countries
REDUCED INCARCERATIONS
each year from 350+ Clubhouses in 32 countries
FEWER HOSPITAL STAYS
as a result of membership in a Clubhouse program.
42%
EMPLOYMENT RATE
employment rate at Accredited Clubhouses annually – double the rate for people in the public mental health system
MAXIMIZING DOLLARS
One year of holistic recovery services are delivered to Clubhouse members for the same cost as a 2-week psychiatric hospital stay
STIGMA IS A ROADBLOCK TO RECOVERY
COMMON TERMS LIKE CRAZY, DISABLED AND MENTAL PATIENT ADD TO THE DIVISION BETWEEN PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.
These labels segregate, define inabilities, create biased mental pictures of what they look like and can even inspire fear in our homes and communities. These terms carry weight, especially when internalized, and lead to assumptions that a mental illness makes a person needy, a burden, or helpless.
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MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
ARE THE FOUNDATION
Work, and bridging opportunities for work, building relationships for restorative growth and achievement.
It is a normal part of a person’s recovery path to include social and recreational wellness opportunities too, and Clubhouse supports that.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRUCTURES DESIGNED WITHIN OUR CLUBHOUSE ARE INTENTIONAL
THEY WERE CREATED TO ALLOW AS MANY CHANCES FOR HUMAN INTERACTION AND WORK AS POSSIBLE.
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Staffing levels in the Charlotte Clubhouse are purposefully kept low to create constant need for members to be involved in the process of meaningful work. Staff and members rely on each other for success individually as well as success as a Clubhouse. Working closely together each day, highlighting each person’s talents, strengths and abilities, members and staff build strong and lasting relationships.
The role of the staff is NOT to treat members as patients or students. They are there to engage
them as colleagues, gathered together for the purpose of encouraging confidence and showing
compassion. The staff serve as employees, talented scouts and cheerleaders alongside each
clubhouse member.
"Volunteering for and then working for the Charlotte Clubhouse, I feel like I am truly fulfilling a purpose and providing a service to our community. If you're thinking of volunteering or supporting us in some way, check us out! You'll walk away with a smile
on your face and ready to return!"