The Clubhouse Model
• clubhouse organization
Hudson Valley Clubhouse is proud to be part of a proven global movement
The community-based Clubhouse model started in 1948 and has grown to include more than 400 communities across 28 countries. By establishing our house, we are joining a dedicated coalition of over 174 accredited Clubhouses in the United States under the guidance of Clubhouse International.
Together with our partners, we work every day to show that community is the best therapy.
A Supportive Community Where Membership is Voluntary and Lifelong
Traditional mental health care often focuses entirely on clinical treatments.
While medicine and therapy are important, they cannot solve the social challenges that come with serious mental illness. Many people experience deep isolation, a breakdown of personal relationships, and a lack of daily routine.
The Clubhouse model is designed to heal these social gaps.
We offer a warm, supportive, and accepting environment where adults aged 18 and older find true belonging.
Membership is entirely voluntary and completely free. We do not place any time limits on our community. Once you are a Member, you are a Member for life, and you can participate at your own comfortable pace.
Connecting Our Members with Helpful Community Resources
We know that a stable life requires holistic support. Often, our Members face challenges that extend beyond the walls of the Clubhouse. We act as a central hub to connect our community with essential resources through six main pillars of support.
education
We assist members with enrolling in GEDs, trade schools, or colleges to restart their schooling. This support helps individuals rebuild their confidence and opens up new pathways for career advancement.
Housing
We coordinate with all major housing providers to secure stable, long-term living for our members. Finding a safe place to live provides the foundational security needed to focus on long-term recovery.
Primary Care
We work with members to find reliable health practitioners, local clinics, and hospitals. Navigating physical healthcare helps our members maintain their overall wellness and vitality.
Mental Health
We connect members to counseling, psychotherapy, and essential social work support services. Linking to these professional resources ensures that every member has a comprehensive clinical care team.
Addiction
We provide access to rehabilitation support services and various recovery-based programs through our contacts. This open access ensures that individuals facing overlapping challenges get specialized, compassionate help.
Employment
We partner with local employers to help members build resumes, improve interviews, and find jobs. Securing meaningful employment is a powerful step toward gaining financial independence and personal fulfillment.
• a day at the clubhouse
Sharing Responsibility Through the Work-Ordered Day
Our daily routine is structured around a concept called the work-ordered day. This means the Clubhouse operates with the feel and rhythm of a real workplace. We do not have a large staff running programs for passive participants. Instead, we work with an intentionally small team of trained staff.
Because our staff is small, we can’t run the house without our Members. Staff and Members work side by side in a blended leadership model, sharing equal responsibility for the daily operations, decisions, and overall success of the Clubhouse.
Members choose their own daily tasks based on their personal interests and long-term goals. Every task is a real, necessary job that keeps our community thriving. A typical day at the Clubhouse includes many collaborative activities.
- A morning community meeting
This daily gathering builds communication skills and helps everyone feel connected to the goals of the house from the very start.
- Meal planning, shopping, and preparation
Working in the kitchen teaches budgeting, teamwork, and culinary skills that promote independent living.
- Outreach phone calls to Members, advocacy work for mental health
Checking on absent peers strengthens our community support network while public advocacy builds confidence and civic pride.
- Job research, data gathering, resume building, and mock interviews
These activities provide practical professional tools and reduce the anxiety of entering the local job market.
- Management of a library/media center
Running this space develops organizational skills and ensures everyone has access to helpful learning resources.
- Outreach to schools, application support, tutoring for fellow Members
Navigating these steps together helps Members overcome educational barriers and practice peer leadership.
- Design, editing, publication of a Clubhouse newsletter
This creative project builds professional writing, graphic design, and collaborative publishing skills.
- Art studio or music time
Creative activities offer a peaceful outlet for self-expression and help to build personal confidence.
- A tech literacy study group
Mastering digital tools is essential for modern life and helps Members stay connected with family and future employers.