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Not quite a clubhouse, not really a drop-in center.....what are we? We are what our community needs. We are in awe of the Clubhouse model, established by Fountain House in New York City in the 1950's and now replicated around the world. There is an emphasis on collaboration between staff and consumers engaging in meaningful work to run the clubhouse. The Drop-In Center model, with unstructured activities and support, offers advantages to people who are more impaired or are not ready for the work-structured day that is a key component of the Clubhouse model. The focus here is on consumers determining the activities and choosing their own level of involvement. And in Tarrant County, as the only daytime programming of any kind for adults with mental illnesses, we have found that a blending of these two ideas, along with some other unique aspects that are ours alone, has helped us to meet the needs of a greater number of citizens. So we don't fit a mold. That's okay with us. We like what we've become and are excited about our future. In the nine years since our incorporation, we have had over 1,000 members. Many of our members have moved on to part-time and full-time employment with complete reintegration into the community. In 1995, with the vision of the CEO of MHMR of Tarrant County and the , the former psychosocial rehabilitation program “Opportunity House” was transitioned into a consumer-run drop-in center. Since the program at “Opportunity House” was guided by a Consumer Council with input and direction provided by consumers, the transition was a logical step for the program. On March 18, 1998, Paradise Center received its Articles of Incorporation to become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission statement captures the goal of our drop-in Center: to empower mental health consumers to lead active lives in the community by providing a safe, supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth through meaningful activities and interactions with others. The philosophy of our program is that offering individuals a chance to help out at the center and support others in crisis will increase their feelings of self worth and well-being. Member choice, empowerment, mutual support, and individual growth are all values that influence the structure of our program. Constant and widespread use of the Center speaks to the need it fills for mental health consumers in Tarrant County, Texas. |
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