Riverside Clubhouses Attend Clubhouse International World Seminar

Sixteen Clubhouse members and staff from Riverside’s four Clubhouses flew to Detroit this September to participate in the Clubhouse International World Seminar. Over 700 individuals from 16 different countries came together to share information and best practices, hold discussion workshops, and explore new Clubhouse initiatives. This event is held every two years and offers a great opportunity for training sessions and facilitating dialogue, innovation, and networking. The mission behind Clubhouse International is to help communities create sustainable solutions for mental illness by developing, training, and supporting Clubhouse programs around the world.

One of the newest International Clubhouse Standards holds Clubhouses accountable for promoting healthy lifestyles – a primary theme throughout the weeklong seminar. The Riverside Clubhouses were ahead of the curve, as they have all been adding health and wellness practices to their programs for over a decade. Our Neponset River House presented at a workshop on healthy kitchens where they promoted food safety as well as the basic principles of cooking and serving healthier menus at the Clubhouse.

Paula, Julie, and Lauren in Detroit.

And, our Crossroads Clubhouse’s reputation for supporting individuals with addictions did not go unnoticed either. They held Dual Recovery Anonymous meetings for attendees during the conference.

The Riverside Clubhouse delegation worked hard, attending more than half of the 40 workshops offered. Topics ranged from employment, education, housing, work-ordered day, and advisory board development. Two notable themes at this year’s conference were Clubhouse Community Integration and Technology in the Clubhouse – both of which all of our Clubhouses will undoubtedly be focusing on going forward.

~Eric Quist, Clubhouse Operations Director