What is a Clubhouse?

At Independence Center, we believe that how a person spends his or her day is singularly important and helps define that person’s relationship to the rest of the world. The Clubhouse is a place – a community – where membership is voluntary and life-long. Our members know they always have somewhere to turn for help. Independence Center has recently opened its new, consolidated clubhouse, West End Place, serving the entire St. Louis Metropolitan area.

Philosophy:
The Clubhouse model is based on a philosophy containing four basic tenets:

• Everyone needs to feel connected to a community; thus the notion of membership is important.
• Everyone needs to know that s/he is expected someplace on a daily basis.
• Everyone needs to feel needed; that one’s presence is important to others.
• Everyone needs to believe there is at least one place on the planet where s/he is truly wanted.

Within these four tenets are three important beliefs:

• Work helps define who we are. Everyone deserves a chance at securing meaningful employment.
• Everyone deserves to live in an affordable, decent home.
• Adults should be engaged in age-appropriate social opportunities.

Since 1981, this philosophy has stood at the core of Independence Center’s wide array of programs, which now includes rehabilitation services, housing and residential supports, case management, outpatient psychiatric care and medication management, employment services, a wellness program, education, daily meals and social opportunities.

International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD):

The ICCD was established in 1994 and serves to promote the development and strengthening of clubhouses. The ICCD oversees the creation and evolution of standards, facilitates and assures the quality of training, consultation, certification, research and advocacy, and provides effective communication and dissemination of information. Independence Center is an accredited member of the ICCD. To learn more, visit the ICCD web site.