Gainesville Opportunity Center

Gainesville Opportunity Center GOC is a 501c(3) non-clinical program that offers recovery through work for adults diagnosed with mental illness.

Members participate in the work of the clubhouse. We do data-entry, make and serve lunch and occassional dinners, work on computers, look for jobs for each other, outreach members, answer phones, greet guests and other members. We also have a monthly newsletter that is almost totally written by the members.

Daniel is working toward his degree in Information Technology at Santa Fe College. When one of his public speaking assig...
09/01/2026

Daniel is working toward his degree in Information Technology at Santa Fe College. When one of his public speaking assignments called for giving a two-minute speech in front of a group, he knew he had a place to practice: GOC.

Daniel gave his presentation on IP addresses and how they work to his fellow colleagues at the Clubhouse.

Supporting Members means supporting their goals. Sometimes that means help with employment or transportation. Other times, it means simply providing a welcoming room, an audience, and a place to build confidence.

Daniel is doing the hard work of earning his degree. We’re proud that GOC can be part of the support system helping him get there.

Clubhouse International - ICCD Lutheran Services Florida Florida Department of Children and Families Santa Fe College

Our friends at Vincent House, another Clubhouse International - ICCD program in Florida, recently shared their homemade ...
08/31/2026

Our friends at Vincent House, another Clubhouse International - ICCD program in Florida, recently shared their homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe with us. Of course, our GOC colleagues had to give it a try!

Making cookies may seem like a simple task, but at GOC, simple tasks have purpose. Working together in the kitchen gives Members opportunities to learn skills, build confidence, take responsibility, and contribute to their Clubhouse community.

It also reminds us that we are part of something bigger. Clubhouses across Florida and around the world share ideas, support one another, and believe in the value and abilities of every Member.

And sometimes, that connection comes with fresh-baked cookies.

Vincent House Pasco Vincent House Hernando Florida Department of Children and Families Lutheran Services Florida

Cristina and Kyana are hard at work preparing GOC’s bank deposit. The money they are counting comes from meals—the only ...
08/27/2026

Cristina and Kyana are hard at work preparing GOC’s bank deposit. The money they are counting comes from meals—the only thing GOC charges for—and goes right back toward the cost of purchasing food.

This is real work with real responsibility. By helping manage an important part of our daily operations, Cristina and Kyana are helping keep affordable meals on the table for our Members. At GOC, colleagues work together to make the Clubhouse work.

Clubhouse International - ICCDLutheran Services FloridaFlorida Department of Children and Families First Federal Bank

Jacqui takes her work at GOC seriously!Today, Jacqui is hard at work helping keep our Clubhouse clean and welcoming. At ...
08/26/2026

Jacqui takes her work at GOC seriously!

Today, Jacqui is hard at work helping keep our Clubhouse clean and welcoming. At GOC, Members work with staff to take care of the Clubhouse and keep our daily operations running.

Every job matters. Whether it’s preparing lunch, answering the phone, working in the garden, or cleaning our space, Members have opportunities to contribute their talents, build skills, and know that their work makes a difference.

Thank you, Jacqui, for taking pride in your work and helping make GOC a great place to belong!

Wendy and David got married about a week ago, and we are so happy to celebrate this exciting time in their lives.While t...
08/21/2026

Wendy and David got married about a week ago, and we are so happy to celebrate this exciting time in their lives.

While they didn’t meet at GOC, they both enjoy coming to the Clubhouse, participating, and working alongside other Members. Today, Wendy worked hard in the kitchen while David took on several projects, including helping with repairs around the Clubhouse.

Wendy and David say they come to GOC for the same reason they love being together: because it is a positive influence in their lives.

Congratulations, Wendy and David! We are glad you are part of the GOC community.

GOC Recipe: Homemade Lentil SoupGOC Members worked together to chop fresh vegetables straight from our GOC garden.Want t...
08/20/2026

GOC Recipe: Homemade Lentil Soup

GOC Members worked together to chop fresh vegetables straight from our GOC garden.

Want to make it at home? Here’s our recipe:

Ingredients:

1 bag of lentils
4 cups water
4 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 bulbs garlic, chopped
Diced onion, to taste
Fresh oregano and basil (Or other seasoning)
6 cups chicken broth
Olive oil

Directions:

Add the bag of lentils to 4 cups of water. Cook for about 20–30 minutes, or until tender.
Chop the celery, carrots, garlic, and onion.
Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until they begin to soften.
Add the cooked lentils and 6 cups of chicken broth.
Add fresh oregano and basil from the garden.
Let everything simmer together and enjoy!

Cooking at GOC is about more than making a good meal. Members work side by side, practice skills, share ideas, and enjoy what we create together. This soup was definitely a tasty success!

UF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master Gardeners Clubhouse International - ICCD Lutheran Services Florida Florida Department of Children and Families

At GOC, taking care of our Clubhouse also means taking care of the things that keep our Members connected to the communi...
08/18/2026

At GOC, taking care of our Clubhouse also means taking care of the things that keep our Members connected to the community.

Our van is a big part of that. It helps provide rides for Members to and from the Clubhouse. Sometimes it helps Members get to other community support services. It also gets us to the store for groceries, kitchen supplies, and other materials we need at GOC.

That is why Members and staff worked side by side to give the van a good cleaning. Members take pride in caring for something that is so important to our Clubhouse.

And yes, they did it even in the August heat here in Gainesville!

It may look like a simple van cleaning, but it is also teamwork, responsibility, and Members helping take care of a resource that helps all of us keep moving forward.

Clubhouse International - ICCD Lutheran Services Florida Florida Department of Children and Families

It’s another busy Friday at the Gainesville Opportunity Center!Our Members are hard at work getting ready for the weeken...
08/14/2026

It’s another busy Friday at the Gainesville Opportunity Center!

Our Members are hard at work getting ready for the weekend, and there’s a lot happening around the Clubhouse.

From cooking and gardening to repairs and reception, Members bring their time, talents, and skills to the Clubhouse every day. Everyone has something to contribute, and every job helps make GOC a stronger community.

Now, who’s ready for some pork tenderloin, smoked on the grill?
Clubhouse International - ICCD Lutheran Services Florida Florida Department of Children and Families Alachua County Department of Community Support Services Housing Programs UF Department of Psychiatry UF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master Gardeners

We recently hosted faculty from Clubhouse International for a comprehensive three-day accreditation visit to Gainesville...
08/05/2026

We recently hosted faculty from Clubhouse International for a comprehensive three-day accreditation visit to Gainesville. The team reviewed our policies and operations to ensure our Clubhouse continues to meet international standards. As part of their visit, the team toured our Transitional Employment (TE) sites, where we ran into Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, who regularly engages with our program. Moving beyond isolation, re-entering the workforce, and directly connecting with local civic leaders shows the Clubhouse Model in action.

Before departing on Wednesday, the team shared that our overall program is exceptionally strong and that our Members are clearly gaining immense confidence, purpose, and community connections through their work. They provided valuable insights and recommendations that will help us make the Gainesville Opportunity Center even better moving forward.

We are deeply grateful to be an accredited Clubhouse, thankful for our strong local partnerships, and honored to support our Members as they reclaim their independence. Want to learn more about how our employment programs empower local adults living with mental illness? Visit our website or contact us to schedule a tour today!

Clubhouse International - ICCD Lutheran Services Florida Florida Department of Children and Families UF Department of Psychiatry Alachua County Department of Community Support Services Housing Programs Alachua County

Smiles.  That is what the GOC is all about.  The core of the Clubhouse Model isn’t just about getting work done; it’s ab...
08/03/2026

Smiles. That is what the GOC is all about. The core of the Clubhouse Model isn’t just about getting work done; it’s about how we get it done—together, side-by-side, as a community.

Whether we are organizing paperwork, planning the next big event, or documenting new GOC Recipes, Members and staff work as partners in every task. This collaborative approach builds confidence, creates meaningful relationships, and fosters a true sense of belonging.

The Gainesville Opportunity Center supports adults living with mental illness through meaningful work and community. Learn more and support our mission at goclubhouse.org!

Address

1210 NW 14th Avenue
Gainesville, FL
32601

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13522245523

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