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The Key Clubhouse of South Florida recently opened its new facility located at Northside Commons, 8301 NW 27Ave. in Miami. The new 5,000-square-foot space was built to serve individuals living with serious mental illness.
The Key Clubhouse of South Florida is a nonprofit organization that offers a free-work centered program for adults living with serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. It assists them with recovery and reintegration in the community.
Built through a partnership with Carrfour Supportive Housing, the Key Clubhouse of South Florida is the only Clubhouse in the state of Florida offering Supportive Housing in the same building.
“We are proud to open this new Key Clubhouse at Northside Commons as it now enables us to serve more individuals in our community,” said Debra Webb, executive director. “Our primary focus is to encourage Key Clubhouse members to learn new skills and rebuild old ones while also helping them to find employment.”
Webb added, “Currently, about 45 members are living in apartment units at the Northside Commons Clubhouse.”
Key Clubhouse of South Florida is an accredited member of Clubhouse International, the governing body of a worldwide network of more than 330 mental health Clubhouses on six continents. The organization’s main mission is to bring positive change to the lives of those living with mental illness.
Originally founded in 2008 by a group of family members and a young woman with bipolar disorder, the Key Clubhouse fills a significant gap in the mental health system by offering opportunities for meaningful work, education, friendships and access to housing in a supportive, caring and dignified community setting.
Key Clubhouse of South Florida is funded by the Thriving Mind/Department of Children and Families, Miami-Dade County, several foundations and numerous generous contributors.
Those companies providing employment to members of the Key Clubhouse of South Florida include Career Source of South Florida, Sonesta Hotel, Levy Restaurant Compass Group (FTX Arena & Marlins Park), Centerplate (Hard Rock Stadium), Books & Books, Publix Supermarket, Busy Bee Car Wash and Segal Trials.
“We thank the many companies that offer jobs to our members,” Webb said. “Placing them in a work setting instills a sense of pride and responsibility which helps them to achieve their full potential. Their talents and abilities are recognized and encouraged.”
For information on The Key Clubhouse of South Florida, visit www.keyclubhouse.org. Those companies wishing to provide employment opportunities to Clubhouse members should call 305-693-3508.