TERRE HAUTE – Hamilton Center, Inc. (HCI) has various facilities of different types that serve consumers and their mental health needs in an 11-county area of West Central Indiana. None of them, though, operates like the Infinity House on South 13th Street in Terre Haute – a facility most often known as “The Clubhouse.”
While the other facilities operate on a set of guidelines established by HCI staff following treatment plans and standard operating procedures, Infinity House gives members the chance to have a voice in everything from the daily lunch menu to the hiring of new staff in the event an opening arises.
“The concept is that the members and staff are partners, and we run the clubhouse together,” said B.J. Steadman, the program manager who oversees all Clubhouse programs and activities. “Staff are here to facilitate safety, but outside of that, we all run the Clubhouse together. Members work at the front desk and the cafe, collecting money, making change, and taking lunch orders – work that really helps build their skills.”
The range of skills from the approximately 25 members who come to Infinity House each weekday is wide, and Steadman said that’s OK since they all learn from each other.
“We have members who have no formal education and some who have master’s degrees,” Steadman said.
The Infinity House program is evidenced based and is structured on a “work ordered day.” Not only are skills obtained but meaningful, purposeful work is achieved. Sign-up boards are posted for members to choose which jobs they want to perform each day. If a job doesn’t have anyone’s name assigned to it, the members band together to complete the work that needs to be done.
Do members need a drink? They just go to the café where other members keep inventory stocked, collect money, and make change. Trying to get in better shape? Members go to the activity room for health and wellness activities. Chair yoga and many other activities are available for members to take advantage of at their own pace.
Five staff members help Steadman keep things going smoothly, but no one wears name tags. Steadman noted that the Clubhouse model includes guidelines about not differentiating staff vs. members as everyone works together.
Education is also provided for Infinity House members. If someone wants to learn to read, develop simple math skills, or obtain their GED, Infinity House connects them with resources in the community to assist them.
These educational opportunities coupled with skills development help the members make the transition into being self-sufficient in society.
Members are encouraged to participate in an employment program. Hamilton Center runs a supported employment program which ranges from 15 to 20 hours a week, with Clubhouse staff staying in touch with the employer to ensure it is going well. Ultimately, the goal is independent employment where members have permanent full-time positions.
In addition to skill development, education, and obtaining work, Infinity House provides a way to gain socialization skills and develop relationships. Many of the members had been isolated at home with limited interaction with others. Infinity House provides a way to make friends and gain meaningful relationships.
The Infinity House is one of 340 facilities officially affiliated with Clubhouse International. Those facilities are in 30 countries across the globe, with 11 of them in the state of Indiana.
To meet the Clubhouse International accreditation, 37 standards need to be met.
“We meet all 37 standards, and we recently received our three-year accreditation,” Steadman said proudly.
While some members were not as outspoken as others and did not desire to be interviewed, others prepared notes in advance and had a lot to say.
Becca has been attending the Clubhouse for two years.
“The clubhouse helps me with a lot. I don’t sit at home and isolate myself like I was doing in the past. I have a lot of friends here. I participate in the education program and my math skills are increasing. I always volunteer to cook in the kitchen and recommend the Clubhouse to anyone looking for a place to go.”
Becca also serves as an ambassador and enjoys going to different speaking engagements in the community.
Melissa is also an ambassador and is glad the Clubhouse has helped turn her life around.
“The Infinity House helped me find a place to live. I enjoy doing education and helping others when needed. I’ve been attending for about four years. This is a good place for people to attend so they don’t isolate.”
Travis has been coming to the Clubhouse for three years.
“I started going five days a week. I like doing things around here and helping out. Since I got back from Fort Wayne [where he attended the statewide coalition Clubhouse meeting], I’m learning new skills and I’m heading up the Reach Out program.”
Steadman noted Travis returned with good ideas and is now in charge of the Clubhouse’s Reach Out program focusing on person-to-person contact.
Steadman is proud of what activities the current Clubhouse building can offer but knows it’s not sufficient for much growth.
“We’re hoping to get a new building in the future,” he said. “Right now, we’re pursuing grants to help fund a new location. The general idea of Clubhouse is that even though I don’t want to get up out of bed, I’m going to go because BJ might not have anybody to work the cafe if I don’t go. I’m going to push myself for somebody else, probably more than I would myself. It’s an interesting dynamic that we have here.”
Any such organization typically needs to provide evidence that what it is doing actually works.
No problem for the Clubhouse.
“The concept is successful world-wide,” Steadman said. “There is a 97% non-hospitalization return rate for people that participate in clubhouses at least three days a week.”
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute. Services are provided to children, youth, and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
