But at the same time that such people are definitely better, she says, they still are not completely well. Many can, and do, hold jobs. But many also may need continuing support to deal with job-related demands or problems, plus flexible work arrangements at times when their illness flares or they suffer medication side effects. Also, Jones notes, many with more severe illness face restrictions on paid employment because of the need to maintain Social Security disability benefits. For the latter, the Clubhouse can offer the stability of volunteer work, and ease the transition into a paying job, if that's what the member wants, she explains.
Members also can try permanent placements in paying positions within Good Shepherd programs.
Jones notes that the Clubhouse project is the first time Good Shepherd has gotten involved in a large-scale project for people with mental and emotional, rather than physical, disabilities. Becker says the Clubhouse was modeled on Fountain House, a New York City-based program begun in 1948 by a group of people who had been discharged from a mental hospital. Fountain House has since grown to include several facilities, including housing units, an art gallery and a working farm in northern New Jersey. Organizers visited Fountain House in planning the local facility and hope to have it certified by Fountain House within three years, Becker says. Jones says the program was spurred by a state policy of funding local groups who want to start Clubhouse programs or others to assist people with mental illness so they can live successfully in the community.