Pathway Clubhouse is a community-based program of psychosocial rehabilitation for people who have a mental illness. The Clubhouse model began in New York in 1948 with Fountain House and has grown nationally and internationally as a holistic (addressing the whole person) approach empowering people living with mental illness. Pathway Clubhouse is certified by Clubhouse International and is nationally accredited by CARF. Membership in the Clubhouse is lifelong and is at the member’s discretion. Opportunities for social interaction, developing relationships, employment, education and building community are integral to the holistic approach of the Clubhouse model.
To maximize and strengthen our Members’ independence in working, living, and socializing in the community. This mission is accomplished through our Cultural Awareness and Rehabilitative Services that emphasize the building of skills, respect, friendship, teamwork, and the celebration of individual achievements.
For people with mental illness everywhere to achieve their potential and be respected as workers, neighbors and friends.
Pathway first started in 1975. It was located behind its present location in a small house on Champion Ave. Its name was Intermediate Care or ‘I.C.’ The program started as a day treatment center with only three staff and about 25 consumers per day. As the new program grew, there was a need for a larger facility. In 1971, Columbus Area Community Mental Health Center, Inc. bought the present building which is located at 1203 E. Broad St., at the corner of Champion and Broad.
In 1981, Intermediate Care added Columbus Area Senior Day Treatment which was housed at Isabelle Ridgeway Nursing Center. There were approximately 45 seniors added to the program at that time. The program immediately started to grow and by 1984, it had 12 staff members and approximately 64 to 70 members per day. In 1985, the mental health act changed the day treatment program to a partial-hospitalization program. The goals of this program were to help consumers make a transition into the community after hospitalization and to help them become more stable and stay out of the hospital. In 1986, the members of the treatment center wanted to get a new name for the partial-hospitalization program. They chose several names, but the one best representing the goals of the day treatment program voted on by members was ‘Pathway.’ That name has been used ever since.
In 1990, the agency further developed the day treatment program into a psychosocial rehabilitation program. The goal was to develop Pathway into more of a vocational training program. Pathway spent 1991 restructuring the program. Staff started sharing all the program’s work, among three units with no more “staff only” participation.
The years of 1997 and 1998 brought continued growth and change at Pathway Clubhouse. In 1997, Pathway was quite successful in creating a record number of paid jobs for 72 members, 10% more than the previous year. In 1998, Pathway furthered its operations by receiving a three-year CARF accreditation.
Pathway continued down the path of success in 1999 through overall growth and the beginning of a collaboration between Columbus Area Community Mental Health Center, Inc., Community Housing Network and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
In 2000, Pathway Clubhouse continued to experience growth. The Clubhouse served 261 people and 90 members were involved in some type of paid community employment showing that Pathway’s assistance has helped many members to improve the quality of their lives and work toward recovery.
Also, in 2000, Pathway added three new employment sites and was active in marketing and networking with the community. As an example, Pathway participated in the Millennium 2000 Summit on Mental Health at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Pathway received its second three-year CARF accreditation in September 2001. Pathway continues to maintain its CARF accreditation and is well positioned for continued growth and progress due to these efforts.
In 2003, Pathway continued to make progress and become more involved in the community. In addition to continuing Schizophrenics Anonymous, the program also implemented Women’s Issues, SAMI Recovery, and Arts & Crafts groups while continuing its weekly Transitional Employment Placement (TEP) dinner and cooking groups.
When the Great Recession of 2010 hit, Pathway continued to operate during difficult financial times. A small psycho-social program continued. This became totally self-sufficient, operating with money obtained from sales in our snack-bar and kitchen. We received generous donations to fund trips and activities, and participated in many fundraising events. No new referrals were accepted to the program. At the same time, staff and manager become full-time case managers with full productivity expectations as well as continuing to assist members with obtaining and keeping employment.
The focus continued to be on employment as well as case management. The parent agency decided that Pathway would become accredited in I.P.S. Supported Employment and had ultimately planned to phase out the Clubhouse. With strong support from the members, staff, and family members, the small self-sufficient psycho-social Clubhouse was able to continue. Pathway continued to receive some generous donations and participate in fundraising activities. A volunteer began creating our art program.
In the spring of 2014, Pathway manager was contacted by the Building Responsibility, Equality And Dignity (B.R.E.A.D.) organization to inquire about our Clubhouse. The mental health team was invited to visit the Clubhouse for a tour. Our long history of desiring to be a “true accredited Clubhouse” was explained to the team. The parent agency’s executive team at this time was not supportive of the goal, and focused on other programs within the agency. They made it clear that the goal was for Pathway to continue to do case management and supported employment.
The B.R.E.A.D. organization was committed to assisting Pathway with becoming a truly accredited Clubhouse in Franklin County. B.R.E.A.D. researched what would be the best outcomes for those with mental illness, and visited the Magnolia Clubhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. B.R.E.A.D. remained passionate and encouraged the ADAMH Board to dedicate funds to start a Clubhouse in Franklin County. Pathway became active in B.R.E.A.D. and attended their rallies, garnered support in all corners, and the decision was made in May of 2015 that ADAMH allocated the funds to have Pathway Clubhouse officially accredited by Clubhouse International.
We worked closely with ADAMH of Franklin County on program renovations and hiring additional staff. A team of Pathway’s staff was sent to a two-week Clubhouse International training. Also, in 2016, our “Grand Re-opening” took place and we began taking referrals again as a Clubhouse.
Concord Counseling Services Inc. based out of Westerville, Ohio became Pathway Clubhouse’s new auspice agency in 2019.
In order to operate at the highest Clubhouse quality and provide the members with the best experience, we are required to follow 37 standards set by Clubhouse International. Every 3 years, to continue receiving accreditation, Clubhouse International visits Pathway Clubhouse to ensure we are upholding these standards. To learn more about these standards, see the attached PDF.
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