SCHRANK'S CLUBHOUSE d.b.a CLUBHOUSE VISALIA

Schrank's Clubhouse is founded by Gwen Schrank and Brittany Schrank with the mission to provide help and resources to individuals and families have suffered from a mental illness. One of their objectives is to provide awareness and prevention. Gwen suffered with anxiety and depression which led to suicide attempt in which her daughter Brittany found her.  They want to help as many people as they can so that families don't have to go through what their family went through. Gwen was offered a position in San Diego at the Community Research Foundation; an organization that has multiple Clubhouses throughout San Diego County. She turned the job down to open up Clubhouse Visalia to help the community in which she lives in instead. Gwen has partnered with Clubhouse International; a organization that helps people open Clubhouses throughout US and abroad. They have over 300 Clubhouses partnered with them. It is a innovative and different way of supporting people with Mental Health Disorders.

​Our Mission is: To be a community of love, understanding, and support to help those who suffer from mental illness recover and become an integral part of society.

Clubhouse Visalia's Objectives are to:

• Provide a place where people with mental illness can have the support and resources to help them lead productive lives where they can thrive.
• Provide a place where people participate in their own recovery process by working and socializing together in a safe and welcoming environment
• Provide a place where work, education, and social activities are meaningful and helps members regain self-worth, confidence, and purpose
• Reduce hospitalization, incarcerations, and homelessness due to lack of programs, support, and resources.
• STOP THE STIGMA Associated with Mental Illness and REDUCE AND STOP SUICIDES

My Quote Says, "I'm A Survivor and Warrior" Gwen

Training

Training comes in many different forms. It can be training on things such as professional dress, interviewing, typing, computer skills, and various other skills that will help members train and become the best that they can be. We will work with them as peers in whatever training is needed to help them accomplish their goals and become integral part of society.

Education

Member´s educational needs are an important component of Clubhouse services. Clubhouse staff assists members to accomplish their educational goals in a variety of ways.
Staff and members maintain resource books, which provide members with easy access to locations of all the local community colleges, universities, and adult education facilities, important dates, class offerings, academic requirements and funding resources. Relationships have been established with local university and community college disabled student service offices to facilitate entry into the academic community.
Staff and members help complete applications, financial aid forms, and secure financial assistance from The Department of Rehabilitation. Tutoring is also available to members in a variety of areas.

Employment

The vocational component of Clubhouse Visalia assists members in preparing for, securing and retaining employment. The first step is accomplished through participation in the Clubhouse units, which increases stamina, self-confidence, problem solving skills, and the ability to interact and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals.
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, or re-entering after a long absence, the Clubhouse offers a variety of options designed to assist you with this important transition. Members may return to work through transitional, supported, or independent employment.

Health & Wellness

 Clubhouse Visalia wants help each member maintain the best possible health; that is why staff and members  work together to develop a strong Health and Wellness Program.
We hope you will join us as we move toward a healthy lifestyle. Here are some examples of what's  available:

• Weight loss programs
• Nutrition and health education
• Daily walking
• Yoga and Exercise Programs
• Mindfulness

Recreation

When all the work is done, there’s still plenty of time for fun and relaxation. Clubhouse Visalia has a very active and varied social program.
During the summer months there are monthly barbecues, trips to the park and other tourist attractions.
In addition, throughout the year, members and staff enjoy going out to dinner, the movies, plays and shopping trips. We celebrate holidays, play bingo, learn to dance, karaoke, and create art projects together.
The social calendar is created during the monthly social activities planning meeting, with input from members and staff alike. The calendar is published in the monthly newsletter and available at the Clubhouse. Members sign up for the activities that interest them.

Affordable Housing Help 

 Clubhouse Visalia works with members to help them find affordable housing. It is important that all members have a warm safe place to live. If we are unable to help them find housing, we will work together towards creating affordable housing together. We believe that it is in the benefit of our members and community to help advocate in this area.