MISSION STATEMENT & PHILOSOPHY
Sky Light Center, a clubhouse on Staten Island established in 1988, is committed to offering quality rehabilitation services and support to individuals recovering from psychiatric disabilities. Employment, educational opportunities, social activities, community services and affordable housing are offered through mutual support. These programs are designed to improve our member’s quality of life. The Clubhouse empowers members to regain their role in the community. Through ongoing systematic self-evaluation, we strive to enhance our services, thereby assuring integrity of the clubhouse.
VALUES AND PRINCIPLES STATEMENT
- We believe our community is a haven of support, fellowship, encouragement, exploration and opportunity which is member driven.
- We strive to affirm member’s talents, strengths and skills by expressing the need for them in the day-to-day operation of the clubhouse.
- We focus on the wellness of a person rather than the illness.
- Our decision-making process is inclusive, collaborative and respects the dignity and worth of each individual. This opens the doors to mutual ownership.
- Members’ individuality and their right to choose permeates every Sky Light Center opportunity.
- We create opportunities for each member to find a voice in fighting stigma and discrimination through advocacy and education.
STANDARDS
Sky Light Center is a certified member of the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). This certification is based on the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs. These Standards are best practices agreed on by consensus of the world-wide clubhouse community and they define the clubhouse model of psychiatric rehabilitation. The Standards are based on the values and principals that have driven clubhouses such as Sky Light to excel in their work of helping adults recovering from psychiatric disabilities stay our of the hospitals and achieve social, financial, and vocationally viable lives. Sky Light Center’s certification is a credential that affirms that it is operating as a clubhouse and is in substantial compliance with the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs.
Important Features of Sky Light Center’s Programs and Services
- No Fee Services
- Life-time membership
- Certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development
- Individualized Service Coordination
- Free Meal program
- Monthly Newsletter
- Outreach
- In-house Thrift Shop
- Advocacy
- Wellness Program
- Double Trouble Recovery Meetings
- Job and Education Clubs
- Transportation Program
Sky Light is a Member of the:
- International Center for Clubhouse Development
- Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies
- New York Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services
- New York Clubhouse Coalition
- Staten Island Mental Health Council
- Staten Island Behavioral Network
- Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Rights of Membership
- The right to a Place to Come
- The Right to a Place to Return
- The Right to Meaningful Relationships
- The Right to Meaningful Work
Sky Light Center’s Philosophy
As with all clubhouse model programs, Sky Light Center is a therapeutic community comprised of both people who are recovering from psychiatric disabilities and generalist staff who work within the program. Work, both voluntary services within the club, and as paid employment in the community, is the focus of Sky Light Center.
Consumers who are part of the program are called members, not patients or clients, because the program is first and foremost a club with definite rights of membership, including the choice of work activities or whether or not to work at all, choice in the selection of a staff worker, and lifetime right of re-entry and community support services. However, rights of membership are balanced by member responsibilities. Members are expected to assist in operating Sky Light Center by taking on essential tasks, thus reversing the typical provider-recipient role in mental health services. Sky Light Center sends a clear message to members that they are capable, competent, wanted and needed.