Key Clubhouse of South Florida, an agency focused on improving the lives of adults with mental illnesses, has received a three-year accreditation from Clubhouse International, affiliating the Miami-based non-profit organization with the respected worldwide network of more than 320 community-based centers dedicated to sustainable solutions for mental illness.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been accredited by Clubhouse International because it recognizes Key Clubhouse as part of a very elite and effective global group of agencies responding to the challenges of mental illness,” said Debra Webb, Executive Director of Key Clubhouse.
Approval of Key Clubhouse’s accreditation followed a thorough inspection and site visit process, including analysis of the local agency’s social, educational and vocational programs, to ensure that they conform with Clubhouse International’s strict standards.
“The Key Clubhouse is a strong Clubhouse with a clear sense of community and a vibrant and engaging work-ordered day,” the inspection team wrote in its written evaluation. “We noted that relationships were very collegial – member to member, member to staff and staff to staff. Everyone seemed to enjoy being at the Clubhouse and most staff and members were fully engaged in the work-ordered day.”
The mission of Key Clubhouse is to afford people whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness the opportunity to recover meaningful and productive lives through reintegration into the workplace and the community. The goal is a high quality of life for all members, ongoing improvement, and the ultimate elimination of stigma associated with mental illness.
Now that it is accredited, Key Clubhouse is recognized as following the Clubhouse International program model, an evidence-based program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This program model has been successful in reducing the rate of hospitalization and incarcerations, and in securing longer-term and better paid employment for its members. More than 320 Clubhouses in 34 countries around the world follow this program model.
In the past year, Key Clubhouse has placed 31 persons with mental illnesses in employment opportunities. Founded in 2008, the agency currently offers GED classes through a partnership with Lindsey Hopkins Technical College, and offers a Wellness Program that includes exercise and nutrition classes. Key Clubhouse is supported by South Florida Behaviorial Health Network, Health Foundation of South Florida, Peacock Foundation, The Able Trust, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Litowitz Foundation, Florida Department of Children and Families, other private foundations and individual donors.
Located at 1400 Northwest 54th Street, Key Clubhouse has an open-door policy, admitting adults living with serious and persistent mental illnesses, regardless of their insurance status or place of residence within the county. For more information, visit www.keyclubhouse.org or call 305-693-3508.
