Today I am pleased to welcome Megan McCann, my good friend and fellow co-founder of the CHARLOTTE CLUBHOUSE, a unique psychosocial rehabilitation program for persons with mental illness.
L -Megan, tell us a little about how your career path led you to become involved with the Charlotte Clubhouse.
M – I am an Occupational Therapist. My favorite area of practice is mental health, and I believe OT should address mental health and wellness in any setting. I also believe that the field of OT is underutilized in a variety of settings, including in Psychosocial Clubhouses. The focus of Occupational Therapy is what a person, group, or population wants or needs to do (occupations). Our job is to address barriers that prevent people from doing the things they want or need to do. In the case of a Clubhouse, members are given opportunities and encouragement to do things they might not do otherwise, for reasons such as stigma, anxiety, financial constraints, or fluctuation of symptoms. I believe OT and the clubhouse model are intrinsically aligned, so when you and David Boyle proposed starting a clubhouse in Charlotte, I was intrigued by the idea and felt that I might contribute a unique perspective to this new organization.
L – And we are incredibly grateful that you followed your instincts! Charlotte Clubhouse opened in October 2022. While I was directly involved in operations that first year, give us your perspective on what the program is all about and how it has evolved since its inception to the present moment.
M – The most unique part of the clubhouse model is the Work-ordered Day. From day one, Charlotte Clubhouse has been intentional about putting Clubhouse International standards into practice. Standard #16 states, “The work done in the Clubhouse is exclusively the work generated by the Clubhouse in the operation and enhancement of the Clubhouse community.” When we first opened, we had volunteer staff and were open just one day per week. We were able to adhere to standard 16 by collaborating with members to determine what needed to be done and focusing on the strengths of each of the members. For example, one member had janitorial experience and trained the staff and volunteers on proper cleaning techniques. Members have truly shaped the structure of the Work-ordered Day at Charlotte Clubhouse. As we grew in membership and opened two days a week, members invested in the structure and ultimately were responsible for over 90% of the needs completed each Work-ordered Day.
Since the first week of June this year, the Charlotte Clubhouse has been on pause. While this was not our first choice, we recognized that our success and growth warranted a new space that would be our sole property (rather than sharing with other groups), would be ADA compliant (no stairs, accessible bathrooms, etc.), and would enable us to be licensed so that we could start to bill Medicaid and other insurance. While we were able to operate for 2+ years in a rented space with generous donations, the model was not sustainable without a consistent income source.
L – As you just mentioned, the program is on pause right now, with exciting plans in the offing. What can you tell us about those plans?
M – We have been working with a well-established Behavioral Health group that has agreed to help us in this next phase. Right now, they are offering technical assistance and loaning their expertise and resources so that we can raise funds and find a suitable new space. We plan to launch a fall campaign to raise funds for securing and upgrading a facility that meets licensure and Clubhouse International standards, aiming to open with enough paid staff to operate five days a week. Our first task will be to find sponsorships and then we will organize fun events that will not only raise funds but also increase awareness of our project.
In the meantime, we are staying connected with members by meeting virtually once a week and in-person once per month. Several members are taking an active part in the transition process, helping with the location search, fundraising, and marketing.
We have a newly elected board of directors, bringing fresh perspective and passion for the project, as well as two Clubhouse members. A silver lining of the pause has been a heightened awareness of the uniqueness of Charlotte Clubhouse. Members have expressed that they miss the community and structure of Charlotte Clubhouse and are very much looking forward to returning to the community in a new space.
L – I know there are many folks in the community who want to make sure that Charlotte’s first and only Clubhouse continues to be available for all persons with mental illness. What are the needs now and going forward, and what are the best ways to help?
M – We appreciate the tremendous support for Charlotte Clubhouse. Everyone who was able to visit our first location recognized the value and gave us lots of encouragement. Right now, the biggest need is raising funds for our new space. Although we have not officially launched our campaign yet, if you are interested in being a sponsor, please reach out to me at secretary@charlotteclubhoue.org. We are always accepting donations, large or small. There is a portal for general donations on our website: https://www.charlotteclubhouse.org/support. Or, if you’d rather send a paper check, our PO Box is 8022 Providence Rd, Suite 500-104, Charlotte, NC 28277
My thanks to you, Megan, for this update on the progress of Charlote Clubhouse. And thank you, readers, for your continued support of this unique program that changes the lives of persons who have struggled with mental illness.
Until next time,
Linda
