About Us
Welcome to Cirrus House!
Cirrus House is a clubhouse for people who experience serious mental illness or substance abuse. We provide a chance for members to participate in the life and work of the larger community by using existing skills and learning new skills. Members feel valued and accepted in an environment of work, productivity, and mutual support. We also offer in-house therapy sessions, community support programs, and youth services.
History
The first Clubhouse, Fountain House, was formed in New York City in 1948. It was created with the intent of putting people first while providing resources to help those living with mental health challenges. Cirrus House follows their Clubhouse model and philosophy in all services offered.
Cirrus House started in 1984 as a Clubhouse program and has since grown to include counselling, housing, an assisted living program, transitional services for youth, community support programs and other related services. Though we are more than a Clubhouse now the original clubhouse philosophy of working with people permeates everything we do. Cirrus House promotes approaches that focus on talents, abilities and strengths instead of on deficits.
In general, we focus on treating people with dignity and respect while minimizing stigmas often associated with mental illness.
Our Philosophy
- Expected: All members are made to feel, on a daily basis, that their presence is expected, that someone actually anticipates their coming to the program each morning and that their coming makes a difference to someone, indeed to everyone, in the program.
- Wanted: All program elements are constructed in such a way as to ensure each member feels wanted as a contributor to the program. It will not work without the cooperation of the members; the entire program would collapse if members did not contribute.
- Needed: Cirrus House helps members meet the profoundly human desire to be needed, to feel they are an important member of a meaningful group.
CARF Accredited
-Since 1999-
We strive to meet the standards set by CARF International, who guide agencies in providing the best quality of service.
