(ST. LOUIS – April 13, 2021) Independence Center, a St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to helping adults struggling with mental illness, is one of five accredited Clubhouse throughout the state of Missouri to form a Clubhouse Coalition.  This is a significant accomplishment that recognizes Independence Center for its model of psychosocial rehabilitation by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, and Clubhouse International. 

Independence Center’s Clubhouse, which is located at 4245 Forest Park Avenue in St. Louis, is designed to fulfill the basic human need of being wanted, needed, and expected. Members come to the Clubhouse voluntarily to work, set goals, learn life skills, improve their health, and much more. The Clubhouse staff and other members provide a supportive community where people struggling with mental illness can experience a purpose-filled day. The Clubhouse also helps members have access to healthcare, technology services, housing, workout facilities and provides job training and meaningful employment opportunities.

Independence Center Director of Operations, Jennifer Higginbotham said the Clubhouse model is at the core of Independence Center’s recovery process. “This recognition not only speaks to the amazing work our team does to provide meaningful opportunities for people struggling with mental illness, but it also highlights what we do well; what differentiates us from other community mental health programs,” said Higginbotham.

“The vision of Clubhouse Missouri is that every person in the state experiencing mental illness has access to a local Clubhouse to support them with their recovery,” said Higginbotham. “The creation of Clubhouse Missouri will allow us to provide training and mentoring for organizations that are interested in adopting the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. We are hopeful the result will be that more people living with mental illness find hope and purpose in a supportive, recovery-focused community.

The Independence Center Clubhouse is accredited by Clubhouse International, a globally recognized leader in changing the world of mental health. Out of more than 320 Clubhouses worldwide, Independence Center is one of the three largest in the world. Clubhouse Missouri, one of now 24 Coalitions, is committed to the International Clubhouse Standards and maintaining excellence through the accreditation process, while nurturing new Clubhouse development in Missouri. 

Independence Center’s mission is to provide all the services and resources a person with a serious and persistent mental illness needs to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life. For more information about Independence Center, or to learn more about their services, go to www.independencecenter.org.