Clubhouse has been of great help to me. During the isolation of COVID, it has been a helpful place for me to interact with others who share the struggles of mental illness. I would suggest it to anyone grappling with the throes of mental illness looking for a way to break free from pervasive feelings of loneliness. Staff is very supportive and demonstrates kindness. Lunch is regularly excellent and activities keep you busy. All in all a helpful place.
I was looking for a place to go where I would feel comfortable and meet friends then I found the Austin Clubhouse (AC). Through the AC, I found purpose, self esteem, friends, support, fun, things to do so I do not isolate, and VERY IMPORTANT - others in mental health recovery. It is because of the AC that I am certified in the State of Texas as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Certified WRAP Facilitator (CWF), and found a Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) meeting that I attend twice a week...all of this has saved my life - literally. Thank you Austin Clubhouse.
Austin Clubhouse is an authentic community where adults living with mental health diagnoses find hope, friendship and inner strength to live their best life and contribute to the healing and prosperity of society at large. People who were told or who believed their life was hopeless turn the tables.
A safe, and nice place to go for support and fun activities. They serve lunch on the days they are open for $1 and you have the opportunity to help prepare the food or prep the tables and then enjoy a meal together. Afterwards it's typical to go on a wellness walk in the neighborhood which is a nice time to learn people's names and fun facts about each other. They offer so many different events like crafts, gardening, movies, and you can help the clubhouse by making house calls and making birthday cards. Austin Clubhouse is a very special and thoughtful place here in Austin, TX. They help you find resources if you need housing, work, help with medical case management or transportation. They are connected in the community and use their resources to help a lot of individuals daily. I really enjoy the loving community they have built here. They work so hard and deserve much more recognition than they have now.
I’ve been a Clubhouse member for almost a year now. While working from home, I became a lot more isolated and my mental health started to decline. I began taking walks to help get out more, and I stumbled upon (almost literally) the Austin Clubhouse. I talked to someone that day, and got a tour for the following. I immediately thought “wow, they were so supportive” and had a feeling in my heart they were really good, genuine people. About a year later, they’ve really proven those feelings and more. They’ve made such a difference in my recovery, and I never feel like I don’t fit in there or unwelcome. I really can come there exactly how I am, and that’s really rare for me personally but also for others in the world. There aren’t many places like that, and I think that’s what makes the Clubhouse unique. I think the work they do there is so important, and truly everything is done collaboratively with members and staff. I could go on and on; but the Clubhouse is a wonderful organization to be a part of and I’m so, so grateful for them.
Before I went to Austin Clubhouse, I was bored and just not feeling motivated in life, I was in a funk I felt I couldn’t get out of. I didn’t know where I was going in life. Just mainly sitting at home day by day with no accomplishments. I had heard of the Clubhouse and thought I was not ready for something like that. A member that I was living with in a boarding home kept saying such good things about the Clubhouse that I asked him to take me with him.
Coming into the clubhouse I felt welcomed. Went on my tour and the Vitality Unit drew me in because of learning new recipes and how to cook them. The Operations Unit helped me with wanting to learn more things to do on a computer and what office work is all about. I felt wanted and needed through sweeping in the kitchen and helping with a flyer in the Operations Unit. I felt like there was always something to do here, never a dull moment. It would get me out of the house and I felt like I would accomplish something every day just coming a few times a week. It would keep me going and motivated in everyday life.
I have always been afraid of working. Coming here has given me stamina and patience with myself and has helped me to be brave. I had the opportunity to work with the Transitional Employment position with Mae at the S. Lamar Goodwill location. I was nervous. Yet the clubhouse helprd with that. I just want to say thanks to Austin Clubhouse for giving me power in myself I forgot and didn’t even know I had.
-Lauren B.
i had to start allover with my life after seeing my friends moved out of the town.lost my job to take care of others in my family's sickness .being only take care of myself i lost the will to do so for my health ..the austin clubhouse got me back on track in my seeing the world in others eyes.,,i have mostly all my friends come for the same goals is we each of us support on to the others in clubhouse staff and members come to giver as one as for every thing wonderful to get help from others........i deal with pds .though i been free from that for 5 years when i stared i 2016 .have not been in hospital for 6 years because from the clubhouse programs i learning new skills.what would i do without them
So far I've had a great time here at the Austin Clubhouse! Everyone here is caring, thoughtful, and are willing to provide any resources in order for the members to succeed!
I’ve been in 6 different 12 Step programs during a 6½ year period, I’ve had many types of therapy, and I’ve been on many different medications. All of those things were helpful, but all of that help hasn’t helped me as much as being an active member of the Austin Clubhouse.
I've donated to this organization for 5 years. They have continued to grow their membership, staff, and the services offered to the members. They have an incredible leadership team and board of directors. It's part of an international clubhouse model that is a proven success. Can't say enough good things about this organization and the impact they are having on our community.
Review from Guidestar
The Austin Clubhouse is a place where members have an officially diagnosed mental illness of some description and can go for any type of help from other members, comraderie, a great healthy lunch (1$) made by members each day, and a place to go where people understand you and the issues you face. This is the kindest most compassionate place you can be while we suffer through the trials and tribulations of being mentally ill. It is, absolutely, a "clubhouse" in the truest sense of the word. If you want to work, you can. Need a new doc? Someone will help you find one if you need, or you are welcome to use the computers to help yourself. You can choose twice a day, how or if you would like to help the clubhouse, your co-members, lunch committee, etc., or you can just socialize if you like. This place is da' bomb! It is hard to say who is friendlier, the members of the staff., or the friends you make of other members! This is a GREAT NON-PROFIT!!!