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 Independent Clubhouse co-founder Helen Croze, left, clubhouse manager Theresa Archambault and co-founder Gloria Kraft say changes to the clubhouse will serve their members better. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo |
The clubhouse is a member-based organization where people coping with mental illness can find help and support to live their lives to the fullest.
Clubhouse co-founders Gloria Kraft and Helen Croze said accreditation into the American Fountain House model will improve the lives of their nearly 300 members and open up alternative funding sources.
But before that happens the community also has to be supportive, said Kraft.
"The community needs to realize mental illness is no different then diabetes or high blood pressure," said clubhouse manager Theresa Archambault.
When the Yellowknife clubhouse opened in 1995 the format was based on the Fountain House model.
The Fountain House model was started in New York City more than 50 years ago when the American government closed many mental hospitals. Instead of finding acceptance, the mentally ill ended up on the streets, jails and slum housing.
The clubhouse model grew from a need to provide a restorative environment to becoming a world wide organization for people living with psychiatric disabilities.
The model runs on a set of 35 rules and means staff and members take an equal role in the clubhouse operations and management.
The Yellowknife Clubhouse started the accreditation process in October. Kraft and Croze have already attended training sessions in Toronto.
"You have to live, eat and breath the model. You have to believe in it," said Kraft.
Once the clubhouse is accredited, members will be part of an international organization. They can go on-line and speak with members from all over the U.S., Europe and Canada.
There will also be more funding for staffing which could mean an increase in operational hours. Right now the facility is not opened on weekends or holidays, said Archambault.
Members are especially excited about a transitional employment program.
The program guarantees the employer 100 per cent coverage if the clubhouse client can't work due to health reasons.
"It gives members a chance to get back into the workforce without any added pressure," said clubhouse member, Laura, not her real name.
Accreditation could take a few years to completely solidify. Until then Kraft, Croze and Archambault will continue to train and meld the existing facility to suit the model.
