Due to Covid-19, we will be taking necessary steps as ordered by the CDC and our local and state government.
Please join us for our daily ZOOM Social Calls
Monday - Friday ZOOM opens @ 10:15 am and will stay open until 10:30 am at a minimum. How long ZOOM meetings last depends on participation. Please note our new hours since we are allowed to open.
MONDAY - FRIDAY
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (CT)
Click the link below to join us anytime during those hours!
The clubhouse model
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A clubhouse is a restorative and safe environment for people who have had their lives dramatically disrupted by a mental illness and need the support of others who believe that recovery is possible. A psychiatric diagnosis often leaves consumers isolated, hopeless and lacking the skills and support to rejoin their communities as independent, productive members of society. Through Clubhouse membership, participants are given the opportunity to rejoin the worlds of friendships, families, job skills, employment, education and access to the services and supports they need. The Clubhouse Model, which began in 1961, is currently being successfully used in over 30 countries around the world and is a proven method of psychiatric rehabilitation.
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The Clubhouse model is based on the belief that every member can recover from the effects of mental illness and have a personally satisfying life. At Focus Clubhouse, all members, even those struggling with the most severe mental illnesses, can make a contribution to the work of the Clubhouse and build their confidence and ability to maintain relationships. We know that shared work is restorative and forms a foundation for growth and achievement, but we also believe in the power of socializing and having fun. Our goal is to create a sense of community and belonging.
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A great many adults who have serious mental illnesses have repeated mental health crises resulting in frequent hospitalizations and encounters with law enforcement. The power of the Clubhouse International model is its effectiveness in keeping members out of crisis and on a path to recovery.
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Meet the Founders & board members
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CLARICE GALLEGOSFOUNDER / PRESIDENTClarice took her son's vision and decided to make it a reality. She single-handedly began an undertaking she soon found would take much more than one desperate mom to accomplish. When approached by others with similar issues, Brian's journey started to flourish.
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jeremiah sams
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nia vernon
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board members
Our goal for 2020 is to increase our board members to have committees designated for specific areas including: Fund Raising and Events, Communication and Public Relations, and Membership Committee.
Kenny HebertKenny is a local attorney in Lafayette, La. He was approached to serve as an active board member to assist FOCUS Clubhouse with legal advice.
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leslie bourqueLeslie is a local activist who dedicates her time to issues concerning the betterment of society. Clarice invited Leslie to join the board knowing she held the passion it takes to truly make a difference.
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susan j. judice
Susan was compelled to get involved with FOCUS Clubhouse while attending the clubhouse's first fundraising event, Let's Make WAVES. Susan has vast experience with fundraising and event planning. Her Chief of Police husband has kept her active in the community for years.
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Todd SwartzendruberTodd is a local attorney in Lafayette, LA. He reached out to FOCUS Clubhouse to serve as a board member to give back to his community after attending the clubhouse’s first fundraiser, Let’s Make WAVES.
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Beth SwartzendruberBeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in the field of mental health for 18 years. She was invited to serve as a board member by her long-time friend, Rachel, after she attended the clubhouse’s first fundraiser, Let’s Make WAVES.
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J. Lynn TrahanJ. Lynn is a local business owner in Lafayette. She approached Clarice offering to assist as she has experience with clients who suffer mental illness. She knew her passion in helping others coupled with her skills in advertising would be an asset to increase exposure for FOCUS Clubhouse.
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Brian Boswell |
Club Member and Board of Director Member Brian Boswell is the 'why' Lafayette, Louisiana has a Clubhouse for those who suffer with mental illness. Brian envisioned a Clubhouse in his new home state of Louisiana and posed the concept to his mother, Clarice Gallegos, the driving force behind the 'how' there is FOCUS Clubhouse.
Per Clubhouse International Standards, a minimum of one club member resides on the board to assist in insight, voting, and day to day activities regarding the Clubhouse. To read more about the 'why' FOCUS Clubhouse exists, please view the page below and read more about Brian's quest to find a place where he and others like him could belong. |
contributing founding members
A special THANK YOU to these individuals for assisting with the needs of FOCUS Clubhouse. These women were initial members who traveled to South Carolina with Clarice to learn about the structure of a Clubhouse.
Rachel Foreman, lcsw
Shortly after Clarice introduced the Clubhouse Model, she was introduced to Rachel through a mutual acquaintance. Suddenly, Clarice wasn't alone in her quest to making Brian's dream a reality. Two women with similarities to band together for the good of the community.
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Sophie Thompson
Sophie was a contributing founding member who introduced Clarice to NAMI. Sophie is an active member in our community contributing her time and efforts to a local Diocese as well as NAMI.
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Location & HoursMEMBERSHIP DRIVE:
TUESDAY JANUARY 7, 2020 9:00 am - 2:00 pm THURSDAY JANUARY 9, 2020 9:00 am - 2:00 pm REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION TO BEGIN MAY 18, 2020 MONDAY - FRIDAY 10:00 am - 3:00 pm MOVIE NIGHT is currently scheduled the 2nd FRIDAY of each month starting in FEBRUARY from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. FOCUS Clubhouse 904 General Mouton Avenue Lafayette, La. 70501 OFFICE: 3378069843 MOBILE: 2258061965 Days of operation to be added in the future. Please check back frequently and follow us on Facebook! |
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 5014 Lafayette, LA 70502 |
