1. Give us a brief history of your organization.
Focus Clubhouse incorporated in 2018 and opened doors in 2020. We are a resource for adults living with mental illness. The Clubhouse model has a proven program toward recovery and hope and has been in existence since 1948, the first clubhouse opened in 1948 and is still operating today.
2. What would you tell the rest of Acadiana makes you special?
We are a program that provides assistance to those affected with mental illness. Focus Clubhouse is a place for them to be around likeminded people and fills the gap in between therapy appointments. We have meaningful work for them to do so they don’t feel like they are worthless. It teaches them to work not necessarily skills. All work is voluntary.
3. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my son that also lives with a mental illness for wanting to share what he learned in Miami at Key Clubhouse. When he learned there was not a clubhouse in the State of Louisiana, he said Mom I will just start one. He has never wanted to take on anything like that before. Which makes me know that the clubhouse model worked for him.
4. Where do you see your organization in 10 years? What are your plans for the future?
I see our non-profit in 10 years being an accredited clubhouse with Clubhouse International, running a full clubhouse and with a complete staff. This means that our transitional work program will be up and running. We will have a full library for our members to read. We will have received funding from both local and state as well. Our fundraising will be going strong.
5. 1A is making an impact as we take an active role in improving the community we live in. Our members are making an impact, too! – What does impact mean to you? How is your company making an impact?
Our Clubhouse is making an impact by increasing the number of members in the clubhouse. The more members we have the more we will make an impact on the community. 1A is helping us do that by giving us the opportunity to network with others in 1A. We are grateful for all of their help.