The Clubhouse is designed to provide the opportunity to work for all the members organized around a work-ordered day. The work-ordered day is an eight hour period, Monday through Friday, during which members and staff work together as colleagues to carry out the tasks involved in running the Clubhouse. Members volunteer to participate as they feel ready and according to their individual interests. The Clubhouse work includes cooking and cleaning, gardening, fundraising, research, assisting each other with housing, outreach, intake and orientation of new members, new staff orientation, evaluation of Clubhouse effectiveness, administering the employment programs, assistance with education, planning social activities, and assisting members to obtain services from the wider community.

 

The Clubhouse provides members with opportunities to return to paid employment in the form

of Supported or independent employment. Supported employment is a program through which

members, when ready, are given help from the Clubhouse to apply for and acquire a job of their

own. Assistance from the Clubhouse, either at the Clubhouse or on-site when requested, is

available. Independent employment assistance is provided at the Clubhouse for members who

are ready and want to find jobs on their own within the larger community.

 

The Clubhouse organizes social activities for the members. Most activities are scheduled so

they don’t intrude on the work day. Some activities are scheduled evenings and weekends and

members and staff have the opportunity to get to know each other outside the pressures of the

Clubhouse work day.

 

The Clubhouse assists members complete education that has been disrupted or to start

certificate and degree programs at academic or adult education programs. The Clubhouse

may also take advantage of the talents and skills of staff and members to provide in-house

educational opportunities.

 

Members and staff meet in open forums to discuss policy issues and future planning for the

Clubhouse

 

Members are given support in acquiring and keeping affordable housing, good mental health

and general medical services, government disability benefits and any other services they may

need.

 

Part of the daily work of the Clubhouse involves keeping track of members. When a member

does not attend the Clubhouse, a "reach out" telephone call or visit is made to let the member

know that he or she is missed.

 

Racine Friendship Clubhouse members are encouraged to provide their own transportation

to and from the clubhouse. We help members learn the bus routes, and will help members

schedule specialized transportation services. Racine Friendship Clubhouse does have a mini

van that is used on certain days  to transport those members who feel uncomfortable taking public transportation and cannot walk to the clubhouse. We may also provide transportation to and from some evening and weekend social/rec events. Rides cost $1.50 each way.