A Clubhouse is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering adults living with mental illness. Based on the internationally recognized Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation, a Clubhouse provides a collaborative, restorative environment where members work toward recovery by participating in a caring community and accessing opportunities for employment, education, housing, wellness, social connection, and skill development.
At the heart of every Clubhouse is the belief that every person has strengths, talents, and something valuable to contribute. Rather than focusing on illness, the Clubhouse Model emphasizes purpose, meaningful relationships, shared responsibility, and opportunities for members to build confidence, independence, and fulfilling lives within their communities.
What is a Clubhouse?
Serious mental illness affects far more than a person's mental health. It can impact relationships, education, employment, housing, physical wellness, and a person's sense of purpose and belonging. Too often, the isolation, stigma, and loss of community that accompany mental illness go unaddressed, even though they can be significant barriers to recovery.
The Clubhouse Model recognizes that recovery is about more than managing symptoms. It is about rebuilding a meaningful life through connection, opportunity, and community. By addressing the social, educational, vocational, and wellness needs of each individual, Clubhouses help members regain confidence, develop lasting relationships, and pursue their personal goals.
Today, more than 370 Clubhouses in over 30 countries provide opportunities for friendship, employment, education, housing, wellness, and access to community resources within a safe, supportive environment. Together, these communities are helping reduce the isolation and exclusion that too often accompany serious mental illness while improving outcomes for thousands of people around the world.
At Genesis Club, we see the power of this approach every day. Recovery begins with belonging—and when people are welcomed into a community where they are valued, supported, and empowered to contribute, lives can be transformed.
More Than a Program
What happens inside of a clubhouse?
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Preparing and serving meals, shopping, ordering food and supplies, kitchen clean up and equipment maintenance
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Tours, orientation, outreach to hospitals, community visits, clerical and computer work
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Developing a full array of various employment and education opportunities in the community, data entry
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Statistics, main switchboard, typing, clerical duties, newsletter publication, and fiscal responsibilities
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Coordinating international training, fundraising, marketing, social media/website, community awareness, processing donations, grant writing
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Cashier, counter work, ordering and shopping for supplies, general maintenance, promoting wellness activities
At Genesis Club, members can participate in one of six work units:
Each day at Genesis Club is organized around a "work-ordered day" - the normal business hours during which members and staff work side by side to operate the Clubhouse. The work-ordered day is built on the belief that meaningful work, shared responsibility, and genuine relationships foster recovery, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.
Rather than participating in simulated activities or assigned tasks, members choose how they would like to contribute based on their interests, strengths, and personal goals. Every contribution is meaningful, and every member has the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, and become an active part of the Clubhouse community.There is no "typical" day at Genesis Club. Members may help prepare meals, welcome visitors, answer phones, complete office projects, write newsletters or grants, maintain the Clubhouse, develop employment opportunities, facilitate meetings, support fellow members, or plan outreach to members who are unable to attend. Every task contributes to the operation of the Clubhouse while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships.
The work-ordered day is centered on member choice. Members decide how they participate, what skills they would like to develop, and the goals they want to pursue. By working together as colleagues, members and staff create a community where everyone has something valuable to contribute and where recovery is built through purpose, participation, and connection.International Standards
Every accredited Clubhouse around the world operates according to the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs. Developed by Clubhouse International, these standards define what it means to be a true Clubhouse and ensure that members receive a consistent, high-quality experience rooted in dignity, respect, and opportunity.
The Standards emphasize principles such as:
Membership is voluntary and without time limits.
Members and staff work side by side as colleagues.
Every member has strengths, talents, and something valuable to contribute.
Decisions are made collaboratively whenever possible.
Meaningful work, relationships, and community are central to recovery.
Opportunities for employment, education, housing, and wellness are essential parts of the Clubhouse Model.
These internationally recognized standards guide everything we do at Genesis Club and ensure we remain committed to providing a community where recovery is possible.
→ View the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs