![\"Diverse](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/bronx-clubhouse-opening.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\nThe Newly Constructed Clubhouse Includes a Kitchen, Art Studio, and Social Spaces to Foster Community for Adults Living With Serious Mental Illness<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
September 28, 2026 \u2014 Today, the New York City Health Department and Venture House celebrated the opening of Venture House Bronx, a newly constructed, permanently located clubhouse in Fordham Heights for people with serious mental illness. The new space includes a commercial kitchen, dining space, art and media studios, a wellness center, and more to support members with serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. To celebrate the opening, Venture House held a ribbon cutting and showcased artwork from clubhouse members today.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Yorkers with serious mental illness too often experience stigma and isolation rather than compassionate care,\u201d said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. \u201cClubhouses are an integral tool to support our neighbors with serious mental illness in their recovery through community and engagement based on members\u2019 goals and interests. It takes all of us together to foster a healthier city, and I\u2019m grateful for all of our partners\u2019 tireless commitment to this work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clubhouses<\/a> are free community-based gathering places designed to enrich the lives of New Yorkers who have serious mental health conditions and empower them to reach their chosen life goals. They help to address the social challenges of serious mental illness that medication alone cannot fix, including loneliness, feeling left out, pulling away from others, and low self-esteem. <\/p>\n Programs are shaped and led by their members, working side by side with staff to foster community and hold meaningful activities in a fun and safe environment. This helps members build new skills, strengthen their talents, and develop a sense of dignity and belonging, while making progress toward their goals. <\/p>\n Activities include connections to benefits, employment and education support, free and low-cost meals, and fun things to do with new people. Membership is available to anyone 18 and older with a primary psychiatric diagnosis regardless of insurance, immigration, or housing status or history of criminal-legal involvement. <\/p>\n Clubhouses offer an open door to sustained nonclinical connections for members. To join or tour a clubhouse, New Yorkers may walk into any clubhouse location, call the location\u2019s phone number, send them an email, or call 988 to be connected to the nearest clubhouse in the area.<\/p>\n In 2023, the Health Department began to expand the clubhouse model for the first time in nearly 30 years through a City and State investment that doubled previous funding. By 2025, the City had expanded to 13 contracted clubhouses. As a result, clubhouses have been able to improve the quality of service and increase capacity to support more New Yorkers with serious mental illness.<\/p>\n There are approximately 5,000 active clubhouse members citywide. Roughly half have joined in the past two years. Another 31% have been enrolled for more than five years, demonstrating the long-term bonds that members form. <\/p>\n Clubhouses have also been shown to increase employment among members who are interested in working. In fiscal year 2025, employment increased from 31% at enrollment to 55% among active clubhouse members enrolled for at least one year and who were interested in working.<\/p>\n Anyone looking for their nearest clubhouse, mental health resources, or crisis support can call, text, or chat 988<\/a> 24\/7 or visit the Health Department\u2019s website<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n \u201cAt Venture House Bronx, we know that recovery is possible,\u201d said Venture House CEO Juliet Douglas. \u201cThe clubhouse philosophy is rooted in the understanding that people recover when they have meaningful and lasting relationships, a chance to find purpose through work, opportunities to contribute their talents, and a community that believes in them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVenture House has been very inspiring to me. I come every day and get the support I need, from updating my r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and applying for jobs to participating in the activities, and I really enjoy myself,\u201d said Stacy M., Venture House clubhouse member. \u201cI recently moved into my own apartment, and Venture House helped me get a furniture voucher to purchase some of the essentials for my new home. I\u2019m grateful for all the support and encouragement I\u2019ve received.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe opening of Venture House Bronx\u2019s new permanent home marks an important investment in creating welcoming, accessible spaces where all of our residents can connect, create, and thrive,\u201d said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. \u201cWith expanded opportunities for art, wellness, dining, and community, this new space reflects our commitment to holistically supporting members of our community.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cOur office is excited to join the community in opening the doors to a bigger, improved clubhouse that can continue serving New Yorkers living with serious mental illness,\u201d said New York State Assembly Member George Alvarez. \u201cWe know how greatly loved the original clubhouse was and the tremendous impact it had on the people who relied on it for support, connection, and community. Its success showed just how important these spaces are, and we are excited to see everything this new and expanded clubhouse will offer to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVenture House Bronx gives our neighbors living with serious mental illness a place where they are welcomed, respected, and supported in reaching their goals,\u201d said New York State Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia. \u201cIt was a joy to join members, staff, and the New York City Health Department to celebrate the opening of this clubhouse. I was also proud to allocate $200,000 to Venture House in the state budget, because a space like this is an investment in the dignity and independence of Bronx residents. I thank the Health Department and everyone at Venture House for their partnership in making it a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n Locations and contact information for clubhouses throughout New York City are:<\/p>\n Fountain House Bronx ###<\/p>\n
564 Walton Ave.
Bronx, NY 10451
646-485-5203
jointheclubbx@fountainhouse.org<\/a>
Venture House Bronx
2494 Elm Place, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10458
646-214-816
info@venturehouse.org<\/a>
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey: Lantern House
512 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10455
718-993-1078
hgarcia@goodwillny.org<\/a>
Brooklyn Community Services: Greater Heights Clubhouse
980 Halsey St.
Brooklyn, NY 11207
718-235-5780
GreaterheightsCHintake@wearebcs.org<\/a>
Services for the Underserved: Brooklyn Clubhouse
1125 Fulton St., 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11238
347-226-9015
brooklynclubhousemembership@sus.org<\/a>
Venture House Brooklyn
2708 Snyder Ave., 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11226
929-551-2130
info@venturehouse.org<\/a>
Fountain House Midtown
425 W. 47th St.
New York, NY 10036
646-485-5203
jointheclub@fountainhouse.org<\/a>
Fountain House Harlem
2067 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10035
646-485-5203
jointheclubharlem@fountainhouse.org<\/a>
New York Disaster Interfaith Services: Elements House
48 Henry St.
New York, NY 10002
332-400-1957
clubhouse@nydis.org<\/a>
Phoenix House Harlem
129 W. 138th St.
New York, NY 10030
646-455-0205
clubhouse@phoenixhouseny.org<\/a>
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey: Citiview Connections
33-24A Northern Blvd., 3rd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-361-7030
awaddell@goodwillny.org<\/a>
Venture House Queens
150-10 Hillside Ave.
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-658-7201
info@venturehouse.org<\/a>
Venture House Staten Island
1442 Castleton Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10302
718-658-7821
info@venturehouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n