(514) 764-5599
Over 320 across the world ….but the only clubhouse in Québec
A lot of places tend to focus on your disability and here [at Up House] they focus on your abilities.— Robert Denier, UP House Member
Empowering Members
UP House empowers its members in a variety of ways:
- Maintaining an intentionally low staff-to-member ratio – making the skills and contributions of members truly needed for the success of UP House;
- Grouping staff and members as equal colleagues in work and administrative decision-making;
- Focusing on members’ strengths, talents, and interests, not on their limitations or treatment programs.
At Up House, recovery is fostered by a supportive community providing opportunities to assert, discover or rediscover valued qualities and competencies.
Meaningful Work & Contribution
The clubhouse model emphasizes meaningful work as vital to recovery, reintegration and community building, which is why work is the main activity at UP House.
Work at UP House means voluntary acts of contribution by members that help Up House maintain itself and grow (see What We Do).
What We Do — Work Units, Projects & Initiatives
These acts of contribution are inherently meaningful as they better the lives of those in the Up House community and beyond. Members pitch in within their capacity and according to their interests.
WHAT WE DOWork Units, Projects & Workshops
The Website and Social Media Project
The Board & Members’ Newsletters Projects
No matter what unit or project a member chooses to join, the tasks within them are adapted to his or her abilities, aiming for an optimal level of challenge (not too hard, not too easy).
Members’ Initiatives
The following are initiatives organized and facilitated by members:
*Leisure activities such as these offer a break from the workday. Membership implies contributing in one’s own way to the Up House community and not only accessing leisure activities.
A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Work organizes the day at UP House but UP House is foremost a caring community that supports recovery.
The first thing that struck me when I first walked into Up House was the bustling activity and that everyone was smiling.
The community feels warm, positive and, as many members have commented, “like one big family”. Working together in common purpose is a great ice breaker that sparks genuine relationships.
The community feels warm, positive and, as many members have commented, “like one big family”. Working together in common purpose is a great ice breaker that sparks genuine relationships.
Work is challenging enough to be rewarding, but not arduous or unpleasant. Laughs are easily shared over lunch and coffee. Special days are set aside within the year to celebrate and enjoy.
Up House imparts a genuine feeling of belonging, often a key support in members’ recovery.
Further Supports
Time is readily set aside from work for members to receive informal support with:
- Continuing education;
- Finding work or volunteer opportunities;
- Resolving financial and housing issues;
- Managing mental health issues.
