Elm Brook Place

Elm Brook Place is a clubhouse day program in Burlington for adults living with mental illness. Following the clubhouse model, members take part in shared work and gain routes back into friendships, family life, employment and education, along with the individual services and support they need to continue their recovery. The approach focuses on strengths and abilities rather than illness, offering a restorative setting for people whose lives have been disrupted and who want the support of others in recovery.

The clubhouse helps members find jobs and succeed in school or training, assists with housing searches, benefits and landlord issues, and builds daily living skills from money management to cooking and coping with stress. Members prepare and serve a nutritious meal each day, which doubles as a chance to learn about healthy living. An advisory board of community members offers financial, legal, employment and advocacy support, and members reach out to those who are isolated or hospitalized.

What to Know

• Elm Brook Place is operated by Eliot Community Human Services.
• Participation is voluntary, and the main requirement for the work program is a desire to work.
• Clubhouse members have almost double the average employment of others receiving public mental health services.
• More than 320 clubhouses operate in 34 countries under the same model.