A prime commitment for the Center has always been the seriously mentally ill. At a time when institutions for this population were closing their doors, the Center opened theirs wide, adopting a new concept -- the clubhouse model. In May 1990, the program moved into the N.E.W. Clubhouse, a beautiful, specially designed, 6,200 square foot building located in a picturesque setting adjacent to a park with recreational facilities. This clubhouse would be a different approach. Here, members themselves would take on as much responsibility as possible -- cooking the meals, washing the dishes, and, with the encouragement of professional staff, even keeping the books.

Membership Applications for membership are considered for those persons who have been diagnoses with a serious or long-term mental illness. The minimum age is 18. The program is not designed for persons with marked retardation, alcoholism or drug addiction as a primary disability.

Relationships All clubhouse meetings are open to both members and staff. There are no formal member only meetings or formal staff only meetings where program decisions and member issues are discussed. Clubhouse staff are sufficient to engage the membership, yet small enough in number to make carrying out their responsibilities impossible without member involvement. Clubhouse staff have generalist roles. All program staff share employment, housing, evening and weekend unit responsibilities. Clubhouse staff do not divide their time between clubhouse and other major work responsibilities. Responsibility for the operation of the clubhouse lies with the members and staff and ultimately with the clubhouse director. Central to this responsibility is the engagement of members and staff in all aspects of clubhouse operation.

The Work Ordered Day The philosophy of the Clubhouse is that through meaningful work, a supportive environment and friends, persons with a serious mental illness can gain confidence, increase self-esteem and maintain mental health. The N.E.W. Center provides a "work like" atmosphere where persons come daily, if they choose, and volunteer to join one of the three work units.

The Kitchen Unit serves breakfast and lunch to members and staff. Members plan menus, shop, cook, serve and clean up. They learn budgeting and meal preparation skills if they choose to participate.

The Clerical Unit performs office duties, such as word processing, filing, typing, writing donor letters and publishing the Clubhouse newsletter, The NEW Horizon.

The N.E.W. Center’s Community Thrift Store, located in the nearby Stonewood Village shopping center, provides members with the opportunity to inventory donated items, price and display merchandise, serve as sales clerks and use a cash register.

Members and staff work side by sde in each of the units. A bond of mutual trust and friendship develops between members and staff. The emphasis is placed on a person’s abilities, not their limitations. The healthy part of the member is nurtured and developed in the day rehabilitation program.

N.E.W. Center 3109 S. 70th Fort Smith, AR (479)452-9490