Fresh Start Clubhouse

Fresh Start is an intentional working community for adults living with mental illness that focuses on wellness and abilities. The Clubhouse promotes recovery through opportunities for members to work, learn, and contribute their talents to our community of mutual support.

Mission Statement

• A Member-Led Community Empowering People with Mental Illness

Vision Statement

• We envision a world where all people living with mental illness lead healthy, productive lives and have equal opportunity.

Fresh Start is a Fountain House/Clubhouse model psychosocial rehabilitation communityfor adults living with mental illness in Washtenaw County. We provide a structured work day where members of our community (people living with diagnoses such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) can participate in meaningful work and develop the self-worth, confidence, and sense of purpose required for mental health recovery. Our goal is to help our members live the life they want to live and experience socially satisfying and vocationally meaningful participation in society. We help people return to work and school, live independently, and reassert their existence as valued citizens, neighbors, coworkers, and family members in Washtenaw County. Fresh Start is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accredited by Clubhouse International.

Clubhouse International Accreditation (TM) is a symbol of quality it is a clear demonstration of a Clubhouses commitment to excellence. Accredited Clubhouses are universally recognized as operating with a high level of compliance with the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs.

The Clubhouse model is listed in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (SAMHSA's NREPP).

In 2014, the Clubhouse model, represented by Clubhouse International and Fountain House in NYC, was the recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world'slargest humanitarian award, presented to organizations judged to have made extraordinary contributions to alleviating human suffering.