Mission

-To be a well organized, well-funded clubhouse coalition, comprised of accredited clubhouses or those in the process of accreditation

          -To promote and increase equal opportunities and improved quality of life for people recovering from mental illnesses in collaboration with organizations, business and industry, policy-makers, and our communities

          -To ensure quality, innovative, and evidence-based clubhouse services throughout Pennsylvania

          -To encourage member clubhouses to become integral participants and leaders in their local communities

Functions

  • To provide a definition of clubhouse for Pennsylvania.
  • To articulate clubhouse positions on issues that affect the interests of adults with mental illness
  • To educate and advise others throughout the State by clarifying the role of clubhouses in the array of services offered in the mental health system.
  • To support the development of new clubhouses.
  • To support the enhancement of existing clubhouses.
  • To develop educational forums related to clubhouse issues.
  • To facilitate outcome studies on the effectiveness of clubhouse programs and disseminate the results.
  • To secure funding in Pennsylvania for Transitional Employment as defined by the International Clubhouse Standards.
  • To facilitate the networking of clubhouses statewide.


For further information, contact:

Stephanie A. Visi
c/o Clubhouse of Lehigh County
1437 Gordon Street
Allentown,  Pennsylvania 18102
 
Phone #: (610) 433-9910
Fax #: (610) 433-9940
E-mail: svisi@gsrh.org


Background and History

The Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition (PCC) was founded in October 1993 by four clubhouses, which follow the 35 clubhouse standards established by the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD), based in Fountain House, New York City.

An ICCD clubhouse is a specific type of psychiatric rehabilitation program designed to assist people with mental illness to recover social and vocational functioning, and to lead full and satisfying lives, free of isolation and stigma. Based on the successful model established by Fountain House in NYC in 1948, the unique feature of ICCD clubhouses is the focus on “work” as the primary rehabilitative tool through which members are engaged and recover functioning. Member participation and involvement in all aspects of clubhouse operation, functions, and decision-making is integral to the clubhouse model as are peer support, education, self-determination, responsibility, and the opportunity to be employed in real work settings.

Over the past ten years, the Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition has grown to 26 clubhouses. These clubhouses are committed to supporting the growth and recovery of people with mental illness, and to reducing the stigma associated with having a mental illness in the community, especially through employment.

Beginning in the 1970s, with the early development of psychiatric rehabilitation philosophy and principles, many programs were established with the name “clubhouse.” While many of these programs provide effective and needed services, not all of these “clubhouses” follow ICCD clubhouse standards. ICCD clubhouses follow a very unique model of psychiatric rehabilitation.

The Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition follows the membership criteria, mission and goals as other statewide ICCD clubhouse coalitions throughout the United States. The primary purpose of the PCC is to provide a definition of “clubhouse” -- to preserve the integrity of the “clubhouse model” and to distinguish it clearly from other mental health treatment and rehabilitation programs. As a result of their success and popularity, and through the National Clubhouse Expansion Project of the 1980s, there are now over 450 clubhouses throughout the USA and overseas which follow the standards set forth by the ICCD.

The Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition also provides an important forum for local clubhouses to network with each other, and to obtain technical assistance. Another important role of the PCC is to provide a unified clubhouse voice on issues related to the treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of people with mental illness in Pennsylvania.

The PA State Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) recognizes the Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition. The state definition of the psychiatric rehabilitation program, which calls itself a “clubhouse,” is one which subscribes to the clubhouse standards established by the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD), and is actively engaged in the training and certification process of the ICCD.

The Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition meets monthly at a designated member clubhouse. Due to geographical distribution regional PCC meetings are held and minutes are shared. The director and member delegate of each clubhouse attend the meeting. The meetings are also open to others interested in clubhouse philosophy and development. We have by-laws and a statewide meeting at least once per year.

In 1997, the Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition sponsored a statewide conference on ICCD clubhouses. In September 2000, the Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition sponsored the Eastern Regional Clubhouse Seminar in Philadelphia. This was a highly successful conference, which brought together clubhouses from the entire eastern USA seaboard.
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