Founded in October 1999 in the northwest lower peninsula, the Muskegon Clubhouse is definitely experiencing some exciting changes.
For one, the clubhouse's building is being completely remodeled. While the staff and members are keeping things moving at an alternate location, they expect to be back at their home at 1470 Peck Street in the next six to nine months. For now, they're operating at an alternate location: 313 W. Webster Avenue.
However, the building is far from the only thing under renovation – the membership and staff of Muskegon Clubhouse are currently evaluating everything from a potential name change to all of their current policies.
In the meantime, the clubhouse continues to provide a social outlet, structured activities, and the opportunity to learn skills that can translate into careers for its members. Work groups include kitchen, retail, and clerical units, and the clubhouse serves functions ranging from providing wellness classes to encouraging members to attend community activities and events.
Clubhouse staff help members by interceding with case managers and other mental health professionals, and they also are there to be a resource and advocate for individual members.
Muskegon Clubhouse was founded by six mental health care recipients who volunteered to get things rolling for their peers.
Coming Up at Muskegon Clubhouse
The members and staff of Muskegon Clubhouse have a very ambitious agenda for the next few months, including:
- Attending Power day in Lansing on September 14th;
- Visiting 3 clubhouses to learn about how they operate;
- Deciding whether to rename their organization;
- Redesigning their current annual clubhouse assessment;
- Evaluating all of their current rules & policies; and
- Hosting a Halloween Party
Overcoming Barriers
Like many organizations that are run primarily by people living with mental illnesses, Muskegon Clubhouse is facing some struggles within its community. According to clubhouse supervisor Sue Thue, those issues include problems being accepted as a viable workforce, and trouble recruiting members through the county's case management system.
Even with those issues, though, Muskegon Clubhouse is continuing to grow and do solid work in the community.
Contact Muskegon Clubhouse
Are you a person in the Muskegon area who is living with a mental illness and who might benefit from the services and activities that Muskegon Clubhouse is offering? Call 231-724-4495 or email: thue@cmhs.co.muskegon.mi.us.
The clubhouse doesn't have a website as of the date of this article.
By Dawn R. Wolfe