Accreditation Prep

Friends In Action Clubhouse, accredited by Clubhouse International…. I like the sound of that. It has been a long road and is not quite over. This has been a time of change and we are all in it together. The accreditation audit for Friends in Action to become an accredited clubhouse will be January 12-15, 2015.

We have been working hard to comply with the clubhouse standards in recent months, but now it is crunch time. We have implemented the work ordered day, the evening weekend and holiday social program, the wellness center and numerous other improvements. We no long offer coping skills groups at the clubhouse, but they are offered at our auspice agency. There have been arrangements made so that members are able to have transportation from the clubhouse to the groups. Staff and members have gone over many clubhouse articles as well as the Clubhouse International standards, individually and as a group. The purpose of this is so that we can understand the reason for changes that must be made.

There are still several items on our to-do list as well. We currently have one Transitional Employment position, but are striving for one more. We continue to work on the member handbook, making updates to reflect the changes that we are making. The resource center is up and running for the members, but we would like to expand our educational opportunities. We would like to form a relationship with the local community college and perhaps the vocational training center. We have a good start on the outreach program, but it is a work in progress. The self study is underway as well as the Clubhouse Profile Questionnaire. These are vital to take an honest look at the things that we have accomplished and the areas that require attention.

There are many other things that we have done and are planning to do, but these are just a few that come to mind. We are working towards this accreditation, because we feel that it is in the best interest of Friends In Action. As an accredited clubhouse we will continue to be able to provide our members with many beneficial services and opportunities as well as new ones.


Mike H.