Clubhouse Fights To Stay OpenThey continue to fight. They continue to write letters and make phone calls.
The members of New Hope Clubhouse are fighting for the place they've grown to love.
Located at 603 N. Parker St., Warsaw, known to its members as simply Clubhouse, it's a self-help program for men and women recovering from mental illness.Clubhouse is a type, or model, of mental health treatment. Facilities using it can be found worldwide.
In an attempt to cut down on fraud and save money, the state, along with Indiana's mental health division, reviewed Medicaid and proposed revisions to the state legislature.
Included are changes to billing codes and rates. Under the changes, the billing code that covers Clubhouse would disappear. These changes are set to take place July 1.
Since 1994, the primary source of Clubhouses in Indiana has come from Medicaid.
Clubhouse members, employees and advocates plead their case to the state's mental health commission in Fort Wayne Wednesday. The 16-member board makes recommendations to the state legislature.
According to Jonnelle Brehob, an employee of Clubhouse in Warsaw, 13 people spoke on behalf of the Clubhouse model and council chairperson Connie Lawson described the presentation as "impressive."
No decisions on Clubhouses' future were made at Wednesday's meeting.
State Representative Bill Friend was in town Tuesday to tour the facility.
"I've learned about the Clubhouse program and what they're doing here," said Friend.
Friend said places like Clubhouse need to be "on the offensive" when it comes to getting the word out about what they do.
"Everyone's got a story," said Friend. "And in a soft economy like this one, some tough decisions have to be made. People know that. They have to make decisions in their own life. Places like Clubhouse need to get out there and state their case."
Clubhouse is a member-oriented place where those seeking recovery from mental illness learn to do for themselves.
Member Mello Hall served as Friend's tour guide Tuesday.
Hall has been coming to Clubhouse for two years.
When she first arrived she had trouble doing basic things. She couldn't socialize. She couldn't muster up enough energy to stay awake through the day because of her mental health issues.
"I've learned responsibilities," said Hall. "I'm goal-oriented now. I plan on going back to college. I've regained confidence."
Member Debbie Kilcoyne has been going to Clubhouse for more than two years.
Kilcoyne began writing letters to politicians and even celebrities to save Clubhouse.
"I'm 56 years old. For 51 years I've been depressed. I had trouble in classes and been in special classes. I couldn't keep a regular job," she said.
Now Kilcoyne has a goal to have a job.
"I've built friendships with the people here and the staff," Kilcoyne said.
Kilcoyne comes to Clubhouse Monday through Friday. She lives with her brother in Milford and a Clubhouse van picks here up every day.
Members at Clubhouse learn to do things for themselves.
They run a kitchen that Edie Seewald, Clubhouse director in Warsaw, calls "the cheapest lunch in town."
In many ways, the Clubhouse is only as good as the members make it.
"We believe in recovery," said Seewald. "We believe in maintenance. It's definitely a collegial atmosphere."
And with the funding crisis Clubhouse is facing, the members are kept fully informed of what's going on.
Seewald acknowledged that Clubhouse is a program that is geared toward certain people although it's welcoming to all who want to stop by.
"We are small, but we hope to grow," said Seewald.
There are currently about 25 members, but Seewald said once you're a member you're always a member.
Jonathan Fisher, chief operations officer of Northeastern Center, which Clubhouse is based out of, said he's concerned about the members if Clubhouse is forced to close.
Member Emily Spear said her depression and mental health issues became so bad she wouldn't leave her house and shut her self off from the world. Spear didn't leave her home for two years.
"I didn't smile for two years. Now I smile every day. Clubhouse is like the greatest place in the whole world," said Spear.
Hall said she thinks there is a place for Clubhouse as an option in dealing with mental illness and not as a competitor to other agencies.
"There was a time I needed help and there were places I could go," Hall said. "Now I have Clubhouse."
"I can tell you it will be a tragedy if the Clubhouse program doesn't stay open," Seewald said.
Clubhouse is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as holidays to offer members a place to go those days when they one have one otherwise.
