Established in 1988
Forum
Clubhouse
A community organization providing support and resources for individuals living with mental illness looking to actively participate in the community and its programs.
What Is A Clubhouse?
Clubhouses are a local community-based solution to a global problem — these voluntary programs provide opportunities for work, wellness and socialization — in an evidence-based approach that has been proven to help people with mental illness recover their lives. A Clubhouse focuses on strengths and abilities and not on illness. Through friendship, shared work, education and employment, Clubhouses help people remain hopeful and fulfilling lives. In physical as well as virtual connections, Clubhouses make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve their social, educational and employment goals.
How to become a member: Contact the Forum House at 413-562-5293 to schedule a tour and complete a referral form. Referrals are available here on website or visit in person to pick up at Forum House Monday-Friday between 8am and 4pm. Tours are available Monday through Friday during hours of operation.
The Story of Forum Clubhouse
Forum House is a Clubhouse model program in Westfield, Massachusetts. We are one of 5 Clubhouses with Viability. Forum House was established in 1988 and for the past 36 years has supported individuals living in the greater Westfield community. We have 135 members and a lifetime membership of 1342. We are accredited by International Clubhouse and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. We are a member of the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC), and Forum House is the Western Massachusetts representative for the MCC Executive Board. Forum House also has an active and passionate Advisory Board comprised of staff, members, and community partners in the legal, business, real estate, medical, mental health, and legislative sectors.
The skills, talents, and creative ideas and efforts of each Forum member are needed and encouraged through the structure of a work ordered day. Members are readily engaged in side-by-side work with staff supporters and other members in one of our four units; Hospitality, Membership, Career and Educational Development, and Business.
In addition to the work ordered day structure, Forum offers a broad range of supports and services to members including:
- Employment and education assistance- accessing employment and education opportunities in the community, weekly job club, monthly computer classes, technical support, and transitional employment sites.
- Social opportunities through outings and in house activities on weekends, evenings, and Holidays.
- Volunteer opportunities in the community
- Dual Recovery Anonymous
- Public Benefit assistance and support
- Health and wellness support through nutrition and wellness events and exercise room
- Reach-Out to members isolated in the community
- Club Education events and Diversity and Wellness Group
“A clubhouse is a family; it helps us all step out into our lives with those we care about and love/like behind us, urging us, inspiring us to be the very best we can be.”
“It’s a place that allows me to heal and grow.”
“It’s a place of great supports, learning new skills and great opportunities for jobs. Always greeted with a smile.”
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How To Become A Member
Contact the Forum House at 413-562-5293 to schedule a tour and complete a referral form. Referrals are available here on website or visit in person to pick up at Forum House Monday-Friday between 8am and 4pm. Tours are available Monday through Friday during hours of operation.
Our Success Stories
Tyler’s Story-Tyler’s Journey from Training to Leadership
Four years ago, Tyler, having just completed an employment training program with CVS, attended a job development network luncheon to speak about his experience. It was there that he first learned about the Forum Clubhouse, a community dedicated to helping individuals develop skills and find meaningful employment.
Intrigued by the mission and opportunities at Forum, Tyler decided to take a tour of the clubhouse. The warm welcome and supportive environment made a strong impression on him, and he knew this was a place where he could grow and thrive. He joined the Forum Clubhouse and immersed himself in the various programs and resources available.
Tyler’s commitment and hard work did not go unnoticed. He actively participated in numerous workshops and training sessions, honing his skills in career development and admin unit. His dedication to personal and professional development quickly earned him the respect of both his peers and the Forum staff.
Over the years, Tyler’s career began to flourish. He secured a position at M&T Bank, where his professionalism and leadership qualities shone through. His journey from training to employment was a testament to his resilience and the supportive network provided by the Forum Clubhouse.
Today, Tyler is not just a success story; he is an inspiration to others. As an active advisory board member at the Forum Clubhouse, he plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s future. His insights and experiences help guide new members on their paths to success, just as he was guided years ago.
Moreover, Tyler’s career has continued to advance. He now holds a supervisor position at M&T Bank, where he leads with the same dedication and passion that have defined his journey. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right support, determination, and community.
Tyler’s journey from a CVS training program to a supervisory role at a major bank exemplifies the transformative impact of the Forum Clubhouse. His success is a beacon of hope for all members, illustrating that with hard work and the right resources, they too can achieve their dreams.
John’s Story-” I am no Longer Alone”
The reason why I came to the Forum is because I was severely depressed and I could not get out of the house, sleeping all the time. I felt very alone. My therapist recommended Clubhouse. Once I became a member, I started to feel motivated and better about myself. My colleagues at Forum are helpful and listen to me. They take the time to understand me. I have made many friends at Forum, and they are wonderful and supportive. My goal is to continue to be more social with other people and Forum is helping me achieve this goal. Forum is a great place to go for support, advice and socialization. I am no longer alone.
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Serving the Following Communities
Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesboro, Lee, Lenox, Monroe, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlboro, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor
Serving the Following Communities
Blanford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, West Springfield, and Westfield
Serving the Following Communities
Springfield, West Springfield, Hamden, Wilbraham, Longmeadow and East Longmeadow
Serving the Following Communities
Chicopee, Belchertown Easthampton, Holyoke, Ludlow , Palmer, Ware
Serving the Following Communities
Amherst, Chesterfield, Cummington Easthampton, Goshen, Hadley, Hatfield, Middlefield, Northampton, Pelham, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington
Accredited by
Forum Clubhouse is a Program of Viability working to support individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages to Thrive Beyond Limits.