The Clubhouse, which is based on a national model, helps individuals who are socially and vocationally disabled by mental illness achieve the confidence and skills needed to lead vocationally productive and socially satisfying lives.
Work underlies and pervades all activities at the Clubhouse; days are structured like workdays. Members contribute their time and skills in a business-like setting. The Clubhouse has several different departments, including reception/clerical, kitchen and building maintenance, which provide practical work experience and job skills. In addition, Clubhouse job coaches offer members individualized assistance in setting career goals and locating and maintaining permanent employment. Low cost meals are available for members.
Members receive transitional employment placements, paid, part-time positions that last approximately six months and provide work experience. The Clubhouse also helps members enroll for services through Wisconsin’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Waukesha County receives productive members of the community and a reduced need for expensive psychiatric hospitalizations.
The Clubhouse is member driven, with paid staff serving as a resource and working together to build the kind of organization members want. The Clubhouse recognizes the importance of socialization and recreation and helps with opportunities for affordable and adequate housing.
Organizations that follow the clubhouse model share these beliefs:
- The most severely psychiatrically disabled person has the potential to be productive.
- Work is a generative and integrative force in the life of every human being.
Four promises of Spring City Corner Clubhouse:
- Guaranteed right to a place to come
- Guaranteed right to meaningful relationships
- Guaranteed right to meaningful work
- Guaranteed right to a place to return
Membership and participation in Clubhouse is voluntary and free. Members must be Waukesha County residents with a verified diagnosis of a major mental illness. Applicants must not pose a significant threat to the general safety of the Clubhouse.
‘Lost’ Mary – a personal story
Having grown up in poverty in an abusive home and having just gotten out of an unhealthy relationship, I found myself standing at the bus stop crying, asking myself, “Where do I go from here”? I have suffered from major depression my whole life, with thoughts of suicide, feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and not knowing where I belong.
I was walking to the library one day feeling confused, lost and afraid about my life. I saw a sign for Spring City Corner Clubhouse and decided to check it out; it changed my life.
Once a member, I had a community of people who accepted me for who I am and became a strong support system. I had a place to go every day where I was needed. I learned how to run the snack shop, make meals and enter statistics on the computer. My self-esteem began to grow as I became more involved in the program. I began to realize that my input and ideas were valued when given opportunities to have a voice in the decisions regarding clubhouse and articles for newsletters.
Through the assistance of the employment department, I received help in resume writing, interviewing skills and finding employment. I have been working full time since Dec. 5, 2011. Since joining Clubhouse, I have gained confidence and the ability to make better choices. Staff and members have made such an impact on my life.
The Clubhouse became part of my family. I wake up with a smile now because I know I will always have someone at Clubhouse to talk to.
Vocational and transitional services
We also offer vocational services and transitional employment. Click here to learn more.
Location and hours:
247 Wisconsin Ave. (entrance on North Grand Avenue, across the street from Cutler Park and behind First Baptist Church)
Waukesha, WI 53186
Monday through Friday : 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Closed on major holidays)
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact:
Linda Cole, program coordinator
lcole@st-al.org
262- 549-6460
262- 522-9754 fax
Facts about mental illness.
