Bridge House is based on the Fountain House program, which has been in existence for nearly a half century. Incorporated in 1986, Bridge House is one of 400 clubhouse programs around the world and one of three in Connecticut certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development.
Members and Staff
Staff and members come from many walks of life and educational backgrounds. Their common denominator is a fierce commitment to empowering individuals to lead productive and meaningful lives. There are fourteen staff in the clubhouse, with an average of one for every twenty members.
Members and staff work side-by-side
in building pride and confidence through member accomplishments. Together,
we celebrate achievements: when a member a remains independent of a hospital
setting; when a member lives independently, returns to college or technical
school, or enters our computerized learning center to finish high school.
Most important, we celebrate when a member returns to work.
Day-to-day operation of the Clubhouse is carried out by Bridge House members, who participate on a volunteer basis. Clubhouse activities center around a work-ordered day program. Members learn new skills, reinforce good work habits, and prepare themselves for the transition to outside employment. The Clubhouse is divided into functional work units: Membership Services, Business, Food Service, Employment, and Education and Advocacy.
Clubhouse Data for Fiscal Year 2005
Average daily attendance:
88
Members enrolled since the inception of the Clubhouse:
2100+
Volunteer hours
that members worked in the Clubhouse: 66,000+
Member Employment
Average number of members
(attending daily) who returned to work or school: 94%
Active number of members (attending monthly) who returned to work or
school: 44%
Member Housing
100% of Bridge House members followed through The Residential Program maintained their housing during Fiscal Year 2004.
Member Education
Total who returned to school:
41
To
a college: 24
To
a technical school: 10
To
adult education classes: 7
Total who utilized the computerized
high school tutoring program: 123
Working
toward a GED: 17
Working
toward college: 17
Computer
skills: 54
Member "Reach-Out" Activities
Calls made by members to members
who were not doing well: 3700
Members visited
in the hospital: 50+
Letters, cards,
and newsletters mailed to members: 3300
Extensive reach-out (transportation
services): 566 Van Trips+
Membership Services Unit
Members of the Unit learn and practice a variety of skills to assist them in meeting educational and vocational goals. The unit consists of the Education and Advocacy Area, Intake and Orientation Area, and the Statistics/Research Area.
Below is a sampling of activities members perform in these areas:
Education and Advocacy Area
- Computerized tutoring in reading, mathematics, science, and writing, from the third grade-level to GED preparation and college-level courses.
- Peer tutoring
- Voter Registration
- Legislative Advocacy
- Audio-Visual Lab
Intake and Orientation Area
- Reception Desk and Member Tracking
- Tours of the Bridge House facility
- Host an open house every Wednesday at 11:00 AM.
- Help orient new members and provide "buddies"
Statistics/Research Area
- Generate reports for state and local agencies - data entry
- Member mailings
- Extensive reach-out (Transportation for members)
- Sunshine (Hospital visits) Club
Housing Support
Services provided depend on the individual members' needs. Typical services include the following:
- Activities of daily living
- Securing housing
- Obtaining furnishings
- Utilities assistance
- Entitlements assistance
- Retention of housing during hospitalization
- Residential dinner meetings
See also Supportive Housing Program.
Food
Service Unit
Members learn and practice skills that include menu planning, food preparation and cooking, service, sanitation, and maintenance. Members perform the following activities:
- Prepare a variety of meals, plan menus and purchase groceries
- Run the snack bar and wait tables at lunch time
- Holiday events and special occasion dinners and activities
- Emergency food bank
Business Unit
Members of the Business Unit learn and practice a variety of office skills and perform the following activities:
Accounting and Banking
- Photocopying
- Bookkeeping
- Data Processing
- Member Banking
- Vouchering Bills
- Check Writing
- Filing
- Data Entry
- Bank Runs
- Ordering Supplies
Employment Services
Members in employment training learn and practice employment-related skills including:
- Job Seeking
- Record Keeping
- Employment Placement
- Job Training
- Keeping Employment Statistics
- Data Entry
- Resume Preparation
- Photo ID Lab
Other Services and Community Connections
- Our thrift shop accepts donations of clothing for members of the clubhouse - call Bridge House
- The Clubhouse accepts donations of furniture - call 335-2725 for more information
- Our Clubhouse has linkages with area colleges and universities for student intern placements
- Infoline emergency coverage after hours
- Emergency food pantry for members
- Presentations to community programs and organizations
Links to Related Sites
International Center for Clubhouse Development
National Council on Disability
Related mental health sites, including clubhouses, organizations, and resources
Home Page | The Clubhouse | Employment Program | Homeless Outreach | Supportive Housing