About Charlotte Clubhouse
A Place To Belong
Our Story
What is a clubhouse?
A Clubhouse is a supportive community for adults living with mental illness. Members find purpose through meaningful work, friendships, and a shared path toward recovery. The model focuses less on clinical treatment and more on connection, belonging, and skillbuilding.
History of Charlotte Clubhouse
Charlotte Clubhouse opened in 2022 as the first and only Clubhouse in Mecklenburg County. A member of Clubhouse International, it follows the proven Work Ordered Day model that helps members regain confidence, form relationships, and rebuild their lives. The Clubhouse plans to expand to a full five day schedule soon.
How does a clubhouse work?
Each day follows a structured “Work Ordered Day,” similar to a regular work schedule. Members and staff work side by side on activities like meal prep, gardening, outreach, and producing a newsletter—creating purpose, routine, and community along the way.
The
CHARLOTTE CLUBHOUSE PERSPECTIVE
IT IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ARE PEOPLE FIRST. 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.
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
Bridging opportunities for work, building relationships for restorative growth, and a sense of achievement.
It is a normal part of a person’s recovery path to include social and recreational wellness opportunities too, and Clubhouse supports that.
Charlotte Clubhouse is organized around its members. And the people who come and participate are its members. 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. To fit in.
What Our Volunteers Say
"The sweet caring, supportive people behind the clubhouse make a difference in our lives in big and small ways!"
Tarannum
Clubhouse Volunteer
"The clubhouse gives me a reason to socialize and make friends. Without that, I wouldn't have that elsewhere."
Sarah
Clubhouse Volunteer
"I am all about touching people's lives and so many here have touched mine."
Mic
Clubhouse Volunteer
"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!"
Kristin
Director of Programming