People are seeking a place to belong and thrive. Photos courtesy of Joseph Finn.
By Codi Chen
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be challenging enough, but limited access to care and the weight of stigma can make it feel insurmountable. At Austin Clubhouse, a local chapter of the Clubhouse International nonprofit organization, these challenges are met with a welcoming, strength-based approach prioritizing community, opportunity and empowerment.
“We offer membership to any adult with a history of mental illness, and we help remove as many barriers as possible for leading a productive, fulfilling life,” Jen Cardenas, Executive Director of Austin Clubhouse, explains.
Unlike many mental health programs, Austin Clubhouse does not require referrals from a doctor. Individuals can self-refer and become members simply by taking the first step and walking through the door. That trust-based model allows members to be seen for their strengths and talents rather than their diagnoses.
Julie P., a Clubhouse member, emphasizes how this approach helps counteract the seclusion that often comes with mental health diagnoses.
“The biggest part of mental illness besides the stigmatization is isolation,” she says. “The Clubhouse is a unique community, and we have outlets for socialization while doing something productive.”
Currently, Austin Clubhouse is assisting Julie in her training to become a grant writer, and she was invited to attend a seminar in Florida at another Clubhouse International location last year to help further her career goals.
Austin Clubhouse is built on the belief that all members can achieve their fullest potential when they have the right support. The organization provides a wide range of resources, from employment assistance and housing support to education and wellness programs, all designed to empower members in their mental health journey.
Breaking Stigma and Building Understanding
A 2021 study by The Hartford, a leading provider of workers’ compensation and disability insurance, found that 70% of employers acknowledge employee mental health as a significant workplace issue, yet 72% report that stigma prevents individuals from seeking treatment.
“Because of the stigma or gaps in employment, these people are often not the first ones to get a chance,” Cardenas explains. “We’re here to support members first and foremost, and we’re able to introduce resources to help them reintegrate into the workforce.”
Austin Clubhouse connects members with stable housing and rental assistance, food scarcity resources, financial and employment help, amongst much more. Roger Harris II, Staff Generalist in the Operations Unit shares that the nonprofit even offers weekday programs and events for members.
“And if they cannot attend in person, we have online opportunities for them to participate in as well,” Harris says.
A core part of Austin Clubhouse’s mission is crisis intervention by ensuring that members receive the right kind of support when facing difficult moments. Austin Clubhouse even shares members’ stories about how Austin Clubhouse continues to strengthen our community in blogs to help resonate with the community.
Join the Mission, Make a Difference
Austin Clubhouse’s mission requires community support through financial investment, volunteer engagement and awareness.
“We are definitely looking for people to invest in mental health so we can have a sustainable future,” Cardenas says. “Access to mental health services in Texas is difficult, and for nonprofits, we don’t know what future funding will look like.”
Beyond donations, raising visibility is critical.
“If you’re reading this, chances are you know someone who could benefit from being a member,” Cardenas explains. “We need people to share this resource with their friends, family, coworkers, and community. You never know who might be silently looking for support.”
This organization is not only a resource, but a movement toward dignity, inclusion and opportunity for those living with disabilities. By breaking down barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities, this nonprofit creates lasting change in the lives of its members.
Sustaining this impact requires the support of the broader community and every effort helps ensure that no one has to navigate their journey alone. Now is the time to invest in mental health, uplift those seeking support and be part of a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
