Who We Are

Our History

Bridge House was established in 1986 in Bridgeport by three fathers whose adult children were living with mental illness. These founders acquired our current building at 880 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport and served on the initial Board of Directors, overseeing the Clubhouse's development during its first five years.

The Clubhouse is a community-based organization that provides support and resources for people living with serious mental illness (SMI). Using the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation, each Clubhouse facilitates a collaborative environment in which members have access to employment opportunities, social activities, educational resources, skill development, housing resources, and wellness programs.

As part of being an internationally recognized Clubhouse, Bridge House maintains a three-year accreditation with Clubhouse International and is included in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs by SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Bridge House is committed to creating a supportive environment that promotes individual empowerment, provides access to meaningful employment, and supports social reintegration.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Bridge House’s supportive and empowering community for adults with serious mental illness

OUR MISSION

To provide a supportive diverse community with a range of opportunities to promote an inclusive, independent, and purposeful life for persons with a serious mental health condition.

OUR VISION

For every person living with mental illness to have the opportunity and resources to live a life of purpose, dignity, and fulfillment without stigma or isolation.

OUR VALUES

Generosity

We believe in being open, patient, accepting, giving and respectful.

Accountability

We drive impact, by working in collaboration, and delivering meaningful outcomes with honesty, fairness, and transparency.

Community

We nurture connections that lead to sustainable and impactful change.

Our Impact

Better outcomes for people living with SMI are tied to the recovery of dignity, hope, personal agency, and a better quality of life—none of which are possible when people are socially isolated. As humans, we value ourselves in part because others value us and thrive in part with the support of others. Bridge House provides an environment where those fundamental connections can take root and flourish.

Connecting to a community is not only a basic human need — it’s a pre-requisite for mental health. People living with SMI need a holistic approach to treatment that addresses social symptoms, as well as psychosocial needs such as employment, housing and skills development. Our treatment approach, referred to as psychosocial rehabilitation, is designed to do just that.

MEMBER STORIES

“Bridge house is a place to grow, flourish and extend your knowledge. It gives you an opportunity to gain more independence and practice good professionalism I need for work.”

Azija

"I come to Bridge House because it feels good to be part of a community. I enjoy spending time with everyone and helping out in the clubhouse.”

Christian

"The program helped me with my social anxiety by working in small groups across different areas of the clubhouse. It also supports you with job searching and getting ready for the real world, while helping to keep your mind active and engaged."

Shryre'

SuccessStories

Our Future

Since 1986, Bridge House has assisted more than 2,000 individuals living with mental illness by fostering a supportive community that provides opportunities and resources to pursue lives of purpose, dignity, and fulfillment. This inclusive environment reduces experiences of isolation and loneliness, enabling members to feel valued, supported, and integrated.

In recent years, it has become evident that our current facility is insufficient to accommodate the evolving needs of our membership. As our membership increases, particularly within our young adult program, limitations in location and available space have constrained our ability to expand programming, extend service hours, and introduce additional opportunities.

In October 2024, Bridge House acquired a three-story property in Stratford which, following renovations, will address our future requirements. Since the purchase, we have obtained the necessary permits to proceed with renovations and initiated a quiet Capital Campaign to raise the $850,000 required for this project. Presently, more than half of the needed funds have been secured.