Legacy Clubhouse Opens In Southeast Houston

HOUSTON - April 11, 2014 - PRLog -- April 11, 2014– The second psycho-social rehabilitative work center, known as the “clubhouse model”, has opened on March 31st in Southeast Houston.  This is the second facility of its kind in the Houston area, the second, St. Joseph’s House, is located in the midtown Houston. Both clubhouses are owned and operated by Magnificat Houses, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) Catholic-based charity, serving the mentally ill and homeless in Houston for almost 50 years.

“Legacy Clubhouse follows the model of the internationally known Fountain House in New York City, and our own St. Joseph’s House here in Houston”, according to James Pinedo, the Executive Director of Magnificat Houses, Inc.  “The need to provide meaningful, competent work and educational pursuits for the mentally ill is overwhelming, nowhere more than in Houston.  Legacy will work towards meeting that need, as well as following the mission of Magnificat Houses to serve the most vulnerable in our society”, according to PInedo.

The goals of Legacy Clubhouse revolve around the power of community. It was created to relieve the loneliness and stigma that affect so many people who are living with serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Serious mental illness disrupts lives - people lose their jobs, they drop out of school, they alienate their families and friends, and end up alone

The clubhouse - a working community - offers people living with mental illness a sense of belonging and the opportunity to form relationships, so they can take the vital steps toward mental health. Membership in Clubhouses has been proven to reduce re-hospitalizations and to improve overall health.