Work-Ordered Day
The work-ordered day in a Clubhouse model is designed to mirror the structure and rhythm of a typical workday, providing members with a sense of purpose, routine, and belonging. From morning meetings to afternoon tasks, the day is filled with meaningful activities that engage members in the operation of the Clubhouse itself, whether it's cooking meals, managing clerical duties, maintaining the space, or supporting employment and education efforts.
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This structure helps members by fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership. It encourages social interaction, builds confidence, and reinforces the value of each person's contributions. By participating in shared work, members develop skills, strengthen relationships, and experience the dignity that comes from being needed and relied upon. The work-ordered day is not just about productivity, it’s about recovery, empowerment, and community.
Clubhouse Units: Where the magic happens
Clubhouses are divided into units, each responsible for different aspects of daily operations. These units offer members a variety of roles and learning opportunities.​ Each unit is designed to reflect real-world work environments, giving members hands-on experience and a sense of ownership. Members can switch units anytime to explore new interests or challenges​. Each unit focuses on a specific area of operation, and members choose where they’d like to contribute based on their interests and goals. The work is always done side by side with staff, not under supervision. It’s not paid, but it’s voluntary, meaningful, and considered an essential part of recovery.
Administrative Unit
The Administrative Unit is the heartbeat of the Clubhouse’s daily operations. Members and staff work side-by-side to manage essential tasks like answering phones, maintaining attendance records, organizing files. The unit tracks referrals by logging new member inquiries, scheduling tours, and organizing orientations. Members help manage follow-ups and record attendance, ensuring a smooth and welcoming intake process. This builds clerical skills while strengthening the Clubhouse community. This unit offers members a chance to build clerical and communication skills in a supportive environment, while contributing meaningfully to the Clubhouse’s structure.
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The Administrative Unit plays a key role in helping members set and track SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Members work alongside staff to document goals related to employment, education, wellness, or personal growth. They also update member profiles, record progress, and enter data into the Clubhouse database. This process builds valuable skills in organization and data management while ensuring each member’s journey is supported and accurately reflected.
C.O.N.N.E.C.T Unit
Community, Outreach, Network, Newsletter, Employment, Culinary, Training
The Culinary & Care Unit is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals to the Clubhouse community. Members work alongside staff to create menus, shop for groceries, cook, set up the dining area, and handle cleanup. It’s a hands-on, team-oriented unit that helps members build kitchen skills, practice food safety, and contribute directly to the daily routine of the Clubhouse.
The Unit focuses on keeping members connected and engaged. This unit reaches out to members who haven’t been in for a while through phone calls, texts, or letters. They also help welcome new members, organize social events, and build a sense of community. It’s a great unit for people who enjoy connecting with others and helping everyone feel like they belong.
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One of the key units in the Clubhouse plays a vital role in outreach, helping to grow and strengthen the program’s presence in the community. Members and staff collaborate to build relationships with local organizations. They create and distribute promotional materials, manage social media updates, and coordinate presentations or tabling events.
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The Unit supports members in preparing for, finding, and maintaining jobs in the community. Members help update job boards, assist with resume writing and interview practice, and work with staff to coordinate transitional and supported employment placements. It’s a motivating space for those looking to re-enter the workforce or support others on their employment journey.
The Unit also creates the Clubhouse’s regular newsletter, which keeps members informed about upcoming events, success stories, unit updates, and other creative contributions. Members write articles, edit content, design layouts, and distribute the final product. This unit is a creative and collaborative space, ideal for those interested in writing, design, or communications.