MIAMI, FL — The Key Clubhouse of South Florida will open its second facility in Miami-Dade County to assist people whose lives have been disrupted by such mental illnesses as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. The new 1,600-square-foot facility, located at 9000 S.W. 137 Avenue in Kendall, is scheduled to open on Aug. 15.
The individuals who participate in the Key Clubhouse program are referred to as members. The Clubhouse is run by the members and staff working together as equals. Among the many services it offers members is a recovery through work program that assists them to reintegrate into the workplace and community.
“It is our hope that by opening a second location we will now be able to better serve residents in the Kendall and South Dade areas,” said Debra Webb, CEO. “This new location was inspired by an increase in the need for support services for individuals living with mental health illness in Miami-Dade County. Our members will no longer have to travel for hours to receive much needed services offered at the Key Clubhouse.”
In 2022, the Key Clubhouse of South Florida opened a location at Northside Commons (8301 NW 27th Ave.). Built through a partnership with Carrfour Supportive Housing, Northside Commons is the only Clubhouse in Florida to offer Permanent Supportive Housing in the same building.
During the last two years, the Key Clubhouse has been instrumental in placing more than 100 of its members in jobs throughout South Florida. The Clubhouse’s Employment Unit develops partnerships for Transitional and Supported Employment positions for its members.
Key Clubhouse of South Florida is an accredited member of Clubhouse International, a worldwide network of more than 350 mental health Clubhouses on six continents. The program helps people with mental illness avoid hospitalization and interaction with the criminal justice system and find employment in the community.
“Our primary focus is to assist members in finding meaningful work, education, access to housing and friendships,” said Webb. “The goal is to provide a high quality of life for all members.”
Originally founded in 2008 by a group of family members and a young woman with bipolar disorder, the Key Clubhouse is funded by the Department of Children and Families, Thriving Mind of South Florida, Miami-Dade County, several foundations and numerous generous contributors.
For information on The Key Clubhouse of South Florida, visit www.keyclubhouse.org.