The Clubhouse is a farm base-based psychosocial rehabilitation program helping those living with mental illness achieve more satisfying daily lives. Members and staff work together as colleagues to accomplish the goals of the Clubhouse. This program helps people with serious, persistent mental illness to restore their self-esteem and self-confidence, to re-enter the job market and to live indepe
ndently. Dona Marie Clubhouse offers meaningful relationships in a supportive environment. A comprehensive program of vocational training and social adjustment is offered five days a week from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Social and recreational activities are offered on evenings and weekends. We provide the opportunity to be in an environment which enables members to build the confidence, self-esteem, and skills necessary for vocationally productive and socially satisfying lives while accepting and living with their illness. Work areas include culinary arts, clerical, hospitality, horticulture, and housekeeping. Members use the Clubhouse the way they need - they choose the amount of time they spend there, the type of work they engage in, and with whom they work. Members and staff make decisions together about the operation of the clubhouse. If they wish, members can participate in one of our work programs Dona Marie Clubhouse is building relationships with employers in Houston, and with the help of staff, members can secure placement with these cooperating employers.
“Dona Marie Clubhouse follows the model of the internationally known Fountain House in New York City, and our own St. Joseph’s House here in Houston”, according to Kevin Campbell, the Director of the Dona Marie Clubhouse. “The need to provide meaningful, competent work and educational pursuits for the mentally ill is overwhelming, nowhere more than in Houston. Dona Marie Clubhouse will work towards meeting that need, as well as following the mission of Magnificat Houses to serve the most vulnerable in our society”, according to Campbell. The goals of Dona Marie Clubhouse revolve around the power of community. It was created to relieve the loneliness and stigma that affect so many people who are living with serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Serious mental illness disrupts lives - people lose their jobs, they drop out of school, they alienate their families and friends, and end up alone
The clubhouse - a working community - offers people living with mental illness a sense of belonging and the opportunity to form relationships, so they can take the vital steps toward mental health. Membership in Clubhouses has been proven to reduce re-hospitalizations and to improve overall health.
