Shore House: New Beginnings

​ What is Shore House?

Shore House is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the health and welfare of those members of the community who are mentally ill. It is neither a hospital nor a day-program. It follows what is known as the clubhouse model. Generally, members at Shore House are more functional and further along in their recovery than those who continue to need the supervision and psychotherapies that are integral to the day-program model.
 
 
Why is Shore House such an important asset in the treatment and recovery of those who struggle with mental illness?
 
There are very few organizations established that are designed to act as transitional facilities. Often, a day-program leaves one institutionalized to some degree. Some of these programs make no provisions for follow up care, and there is little concern over how someone will support themselves functionally and emotionally. Shore House offers a next step in recovery once someone is discharged from their day program. However, Shore House does not limit its membership to day program attendees only. It is open to anyone in the community who has as a diagnosed mental illness. Regular attendance is, of course, nice but not required. Attendance and participation at Shore House is voluntary but encouraged.
 
 
What is the clubhouse model?
 
The clubhouse model functions as a volunteer program to allow its members to participate in a structured, ordered work day. Shore House is dedicated to the recovery of people with mental illness by providing opportunities for its members to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support. Members perform all activities, including advocacy, administrative support, and food preparation. As a non-profit organization, the funding for Shore House is provided by donations and grants. One of the responsibilities of the members is to work to find sources of financial support in order to keep Shore House operating.
 
The clubhouse model differs substantially from day programs and partial hospitalization programs. It is not a classic therapeutic milieu in that it does not offer physicians, psychotherapy, or group therapy. Instead, the therapeutic goals of Shore House and other clubhouses are achieved by encouraging its members to participate during the day, but work is voluntary. Through work, education, and mutual support, people learn ways to cope with their illnesses and enhance the quality of their lives. People learn to become more independent and function in their communities in ways that increase their self-esteem and sense of empowerment.
 
 
What is the Shore House mission statement?
 
Shore House is a membership organization dedicated to providing resources and supportive services to people with mental illness so that they may have a fulfilling life, including access to employment, education, housing, healthcare, and the opportunity to be productive, contributing members of their community.  Shore House strives to achieve the above by operating under the guidelines stated in the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs as determined by Clubhouse International.
 
 
New beginnings?
 
Shore House often functions as a step in the transition from being a patient in a clinical day program to being a productive member of mainstream society. People are helped to discover their talents and interests. Help is provided for locating resources that will enable someone to go to school or find employment. Once becoming a member, the membership is for lifetime, regardless of attendance. The clubhouse is always there for education and support. Shore House acts as a springboard for people to rebuild their lives. Each day offers new beginnings.
 
- SLS