Gov. Hochul Awards Unity House $2.8 Million to Open Mental Health “Clubhouse” in Auburn

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday that Unity House will receive a five-year, $2.8 million state grant to open a Clubhouse — a community-based recovery program for adults with serious mental illness — in Auburn. Unity House was one of just seven organizations statewide selected to receive the funding.

“The Clubhouse model is inclusive and member-driven,” said Unity House CEO Darlene Podolak. “And it works.”

Adults with serious mental illness often have needs that traditional clinical treatment isn’t equipped to address. They’re frequently socially isolated and unemployed, and many face poverty, housing instability, and difficulty navigating systems of care — all of which can interfere with recovery.

The Clubhouse model, developed by Clubhouse International, is built around community and self-determination. With guidance from staff and an advisory board, members decide what programs and supports their Clubhouse will offer. Research shows Clubhouses reduce members’ psychiatric symptoms and hospitalizations, improve quality of life, and help members find employment. Worldwide, more than 370 Clubhouse International affiliates operate in more than 30 countries. Starting next year, Auburn will have one of its own.

Unity House has provided housing and support to people with mental illness since its founding in 1977. When Darlene asks the people Unity House serves what’s missing from their care, their answer is clear.

“Their first response is that they don’t have anywhere to go to be with others,” Darlene said. “I’m so happy we won this award, because this is exactly what they said they need most.”

Isolation can make every other part of mental illness harder to manage, said Ashley Manning, Unity House’s director of mental health residential services.

“When you’re disconnected from your community, it’s hard to feel valued and included,” Ashley said. “They need a place, a community, where they feel a sense of belonging.”

Unity House staff are currently searching for a location and recruiting community members to serve on the Clubhouse’s advisory board. For more information, contact Unity House Chief Operating Officer Amy Durkin at 315-253-6227, ext. 366.