Vocational Clubhouses

The Clubhouse Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation is used with success at the Capitol Clubhouse in Augusta, the High Hopes Clubhouse in Waterville, Looking Ahead Clubhouse in Lewiston and Village Clubhouse in Topsham. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for adults who experience mental illness by providing social, educational and employment opportunities. The Clubhouses are independent programs of Kennebec Behavioral Health.

 

The Clubhouses help support members overcome barriers to employment by offering services such as job development, job placement, job  and financial coaching and job support.  A major component of Clubhouse is Transitional Employment.

 

Transitional Employment offers members the chance to work at a paid, part-time job for six to nine months. The Clubhouses have established partnerships with local businesses that provide these Transitional Employment opportunities. There is extensive support from both the Clubhouse and employer.

 

The Clubhouses have an in-house pre-vocational program that focuses on members’ strengths – not their illnesses.  The Clubhouses also offer educational resources to members and encourage them to further their education. 

 

Some members might not be ready to work, but they are welcome to attend a Clubhouse to deal with any feelings of loneliness and isolation. Membership provides an opportunity for growth and increased self-esteem as well as a sense of empowerment. The Clubhouse is a place where members can meet others, feel accepted and where they are treated with dignity and respect.