East New York Clubhouse

The East New York Clubhouse (ENYCH) is a community-based psychiatric rehabilitation program that encourages members to actively work together with staff in all aspects of the clubhouse's operation. It was opened by the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service in 1995 and has over 400 members, of which about 160 are regularly active. All members have a history of mental illness. Many also deal with barriers such as chemical dependency, housing needs, literacy problems, and lack of GED or vocational training. By contributing to the running of the Clubhouse, many members feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing the results of their work that leads to greater self esteem. The Clubhouse is experienced as a place for members to come to empower their lives, learn new skills, build relationships and feel useful and productive again.