History

Traverse House Clubhouse had its early beginnings functioning primarily as a drop-in center at the corner of Front and Division in 1992 serving Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.  In 2000, the clubhouse moved to its present location to Hall St.

Traverse House Clubhouse was among the first clubhouses in Michigan to achieve accreditation under Clubhouse International.

A three-year conditional accreditation was achieved in 2012 under then Director, Signe Ruddy. The unconditional accreditation was achieved in 2018 under the current Director, Hannah Driver.

Traverse House Clubhouse offers a number of opportunities to assist in the recovery of those with mental health issues. It's one of the few organizations that takes a holistic approach to recovery and provides assistance in a broad range of fields, including:  

• Health and Wellness
• Social Recreation
• Education and training
• Employment
• Housing

The Clubhouse experience has been proven to result in positive outcomes for many members, including better employment rates: 42% at Accredited clubhouses annually - double the average rate for people in the public mental health system.  Improved Well-being compared with individuals receiving psychiatric services without clubhouse membership. Clubhouse members were significantly more likely to report that they had close friendships and someone they could rely on.

Members participate on a voluntary basis as often and to the extent that they feel comfortable. Taking responsibility to complete tasks, however, is vital to the clubhouse structure. 

In accordance with the Clubhouse International principles, Traverse House utilizes a "Work Ordered Day" (WOD) where each member's talents and abilities are recognized and utilized within the clubhouse.  Within the WOD Traverse House offers a culinary unit and a clerical unit to provide the clubhouse with the needed services and affords the members structure and opportunities for participation.

The Culinary Unit operates Monday through Friday and is responsible for preparing and serving lunches and managing a café, selling snacks and refreshments. It entails maintenance including cleaning and restocking. Members are also involved in meal planning with an emphasis on health and wellness.

The Clerical Unit produces daily notes and creates a monthly newsletter. Members learn basic computer skills including filing, data entry, maintaining statistics, billing for services, telephone operation and community outreach.

Operational Meetings & Committees:  (enlarge font)

• House Policy Meetings
• Health and Wellness
• Employment & Education
• Community Awareness
• Newsletter
• Technical (Computer/Website)