Meanwhile in Tampa, another up-and-coming mental health Clubhouse under the auspices of Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS) is, like the Academy at Bradenton, in early development. They too are working out of a temporary space while their building is being constructed. They came to see how we structure our work-ordered day, especially now, without having all of our systems in place. Michael gave them a tour and spent time answering their questions. Our guests noted the easy rapport our members and staff have with each other and took away strategies and tips for building those strong relationships. 

As the mental health Clubhouse movement gains even more momentum and the Florida Clubhouse Coalition grows larger, we relish these opportunities to share what we’ve learned along the way. We believe that everyone benefits when we contribute what we know. The Clubhouse movement, originally called WANA (“We Are Not Alone”), is rooted in a philosophy of collaboration and the sharing of ideas. Here at the Academies, we take that to heart. 

Asha Terminello paid us a visit this week, along with our longtime friends and colleagues Linda McKinnon and Larry Allen. Asha shared some very exciting news! ACTS is opening a Clubhouse program in Hillsborough County. There are currently no Clubhouses in Tampa, so the need for recovery-based services is high there. For our part, we are thrilled that the Clubhouse model will reach more people, and we will do whatever we can to help make it a success.

This is a big undertaking, and Asha’s excitement was palpable.  She brings expertise in program development and implementation to the table, and a fierce determination to do it right. With her credentials and enthusiasm, it is not surprising that she has the support of many sectors of the Tampa community.

Our guests toured the Academy, meeting our members and staff along the way, asking great questions, and taking in the culture of service and recovery that we have cultivated over our first four years.  They joined us for the day’s lunch: Caesar salad, tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons and parmesan-encrusted salmon cooked to perfection by our Culinary Arts Team. We are setting the bar high!

ACTS is currently renovating a 10,000 sq ft facility for the project, and the discussion centered around facility design and use, preliminary budget, Clubhouse International Standards and accreditation, the work-ordered day and employment programs. Basically, all things Clubhouse.

Asha will be introduced to the Florida Clubhouse Coalition at June’s meeting. Once open, the Hillsborough Clubhouse (their name yet to be chosen) will become the 15th Florida Clubhouse program. They hope to open their doors in the spring of 2022.

We thank our good friends Linda and Larry for bringing us into the conversation. They are champions in the recovery movement and played crucial roles in the creation of the Academy at Glengary, as a public-private partnership. Over the years, members and staff have come to know them as dear friends, and always look forward to their visits.