Cowtown Clubhouse

Mission:  Cowtown Clubhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides opportunities for those living with mental illness to work, learn, and build relationships for more meaningful and productive lives.

Vision: to create a community of dignity, hope and recovery, empowering people who live with mental illness to improve their quality of life.

Addressing the Need in Our Community: National Institute of Mental Health reports that 6% of the U.S. population has a serious mental illness. That would represent about 120,000 people in Tarrant County. MHMR Tarrant County reports that 300 new adults enter their system each month and 8,000 adults per month secure services from MHMR Tarrant County.

In addressing those needs, the Clubhouse Model offers a different and proven approach to recovery. Cowtown Clubhouse is a community where people with mental illness can go to find meaningful work, socialize with peers and develop friendships, enjoy low-cost, healthy meals, make progress on overcoming obstacles to education and employment, participate in running the clubhouse via work that relies on talents and strengths, receive emotional support, and move toward recovery.

Centrally located near public transit and open daily during local business hours, Cowtown Clubhouse offers a single location where members can take advantage of multiple opportunities.   In addition to the work done during the day, Cowtown Clubhouse is open for social opportunities on some evenings, weekends, and all holidays. Members have a place to develop the skills and connections needed to venture successfully into the broader world.

A Proven Model of Recovery: Clubhouses are membership-based communities where people can come to rebuild their lives. Since the first Clubhouse opened in 1948, this Clubhouse model has been successfully implemented in more than 340 communities across 33 countries, serving close to 100,000 people.  In 2018 the Texas Legislature designated $1.7 million for funding of accredited Clubhouses in Texas.

The Clubhouse approach is a proven model for rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration into the community.   The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lists Clubhouse International on its National Registry of Evidenced-Based Programs and Practices.  

As a Clubhouse, members share a sense of ownership with a small staff and take responsibility for the success of the organization.  They build on strengths instead of focusing on illness.  Membership is voluntary and good for life: a Clubhouse remains a place of care and support for members for as long as they want to be a part of it.

All aspects of a Clubhouse operate with the fundamental premise that every member can recover from the effects of mental illness to lead a satisfying and productive life. Members encourage one another’s success.  People recover through work and work-mediated relationships, which studies show are restorative and provide a foundation for growth, self-respect, and success.