Referral

INFORMATION FOR MAKING REFERRALS TO CENTER CLUB:

Center Club is a Fountain House Model Clubhouse certified by the ICCD (International Center for Clubhouse Development). The Club serves the Department of Mental Health’s Metro Boston Area (Boston, Brookline, Revere, Chelsea, Winthrop, Cambridge and Somerville). However, individuals from outside the area may also join. There is no wait list; Center Club puts no limit on the number of members who may join.

• A person must be a DMH client in order to join the club
• Center Club has no program fees. Additionally, there is no insurance required

Center Club is a rehabilitation program in which club members and staff members partner to set and work toward members’ employment, education, housing and social goals. The model emphasizes peer support and self-help, with club members and staff members working side by side in all functions of the house. Individuals who want or need a staff intensive program may not feel comfortable with the type of support we provide.

Our membership is large and diverse, with approximately 40% people of color. We have a large homeless membership and have designed the program to be responsive to their needs. Creating a safe, affirming place is a major focus of the club.

Many members at Center Club are interested in employment, education or housing. The club offers transitional and supported employment positions, and can provide assistance with obtaining and maintaining independent employment. We provide supported education and referrals ranging from in-house literacy tutoring to assistance with college level work.
We offer a range of supports for housing search, placement and problem resolution.
Most members are also interested in having a place to meet people, make friends and socialize.

The referral procedure is as follows:

1. The referring counselor or the applicant should contact Doug Kull, Intake Coordinator at (617) 788-1003. A membership application will be faxed or mailed. Upon review of the completed four page form, he will contact either the referring counselor or the prospective member to arrange an appointment. Our fax number is (617)788-1080.
2. Prospective members will be given program literature and a tour by a Center Club member. Goals will be explored during this initial meeting. Prospective members are then asked to return for unit orientation during which time they will meet other new members and learn about each of the units. After this, individuals may begin immediately and are encouraged to spend at least one day or part of a day in each of the three work units: Membership and Education, Food Service and Social Activities, and Employment and Housing. Everyone is expected to attend orientation meetings which are held on Mondays from 2:00-3:00pm and cover a different area each week for 16 weeks. Orientation is ongoing, so members may attend the meetings at anytime during their first few months at the club.
3. New club members are assigned a key staff member who will meet with them to develop a rehabilitation plan and provide assistance in working toward personal goals.

The following information may assist you in deciding whether or not Center Club is the best program for a specific individual:

• Membership is voluntary and not time limited. Members set their own schedule and decide how to best utilize the clubhouse. Because we are a clubhouse and intentionally not staff intensive, we cannot monitor members’ whereabouts.
• The club is not a drop-in center or a social club. Members attending during the day are expected to become involved in a work unit. Our work – ordered day hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. The social program is in operation Monday through Friday 4:00-7:00 P.M. and on holidays from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
• Although the club is not a highly structured program, members are encouraged to develop their own structure by planning a schedule, working in a unit and participating in activities of their choice (such as job interview skills, resume writing, educational tutoring, meal preparation, diversity discussion or visiting the gym).
• Center Club does not provide transportation. Meals cost $1.00 for members and $3.00 for guests. There may be a charge for some social activities.

Center Club is one of the few Department of Mental Health funded programs fortunate enough to operate on an open referral basis, that is, we do not need prior approval from DMH. Referring counselors and prospective members are given a packet which describes eligibility as well as the referral and intake process. Eligibility is usually determined via telephone.

In the rare case that a particular individual is not eligible, Center Club’s Intake Coordinator consults with the Center Club Program Director to research other possible resources. Both club members and staff members have significant knowledge and familiarity with local programs. The primary reason for ineligibility is usually that the person is deemed to present a safety risk to the Clubhouse community based on the “risk assessment” form completed by the referring counselor.

Center Club Application and Referral FORM:

 Click here to download referral form Center Club Application and Referral Form rev 03-23-2011