Health311Search all NYC.gov websites
Print icon Print

NYC Health Department Celebrates Opening of New Clubhouse for Adults With Serious Mental Illness in the Bronx

The Newly Constructed Clubhouse Includes a Kitchen, Art Studio, and Social Spaces to Foster Community for Adults Living With Serious Mental Illness

Diverse group of adults celebrates ribbon cutting at Venture House in the Bronx.

September 28, 2026 — Today, the New York City Health Department and Venture House celebrated the opening of Venture House Bronx, a newly constructed, permanently located clubhouse in Fordham Heights for people with serious mental illness. The new space includes a commercial kitchen, dining space, art and media studios, a wellness center, and more to support members with serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. To celebrate the opening, Venture House held a ribbon cutting and showcased artwork from clubhouse members today.

“New Yorkers with serious mental illness too often experience stigma and isolation rather than compassionate care,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Clubhouses are an integral tool to support our neighbors with serious mental illness in their recovery through community and engagement based on members’ goals and interests. It takes all of us together to foster a healthier city, and I’m grateful for all of our partners’ tireless commitment to this work.”

Clubhouses are free community-based gathering places designed to enrich the lives of New Yorkers who have serious mental health conditions and empower them to reach their chosen life goals. They help to address the social challenges of serious mental illness that medication alone cannot fix, including loneliness, feeling left out, pulling away from others, and low self-esteem.

Programs are shaped and led by their members, working side by side with staff to foster community and hold meaningful activities in a fun and safe environment. This helps members build new skills, strengthen their talents, and develop a sense of dignity and belonging, while making progress toward their goals.

Activities include connections to benefits, employment and education support, free and low-cost meals, and fun things to do with new people. Membership is available to anyone 18 and older with a primary psychiatric diagnosis regardless of insurance, immigration, or housing status or history of criminal-legal involvement.

Clubhouses offer an open door to sustained nonclinical connections for members. To join or tour a clubhouse, New Yorkers may walk into any clubhouse location, call the location’s phone number, send them an email, or call 988 to be connected to the nearest clubhouse in the area.

In 2023, the Health Department began to expand the clubhouse model for the first time in nearly 30 years through a City and State investment that doubled previous funding. By 2025, the City had expanded to 13 contracted clubhouses. As a result, clubhouses have been able to improve the quality of service and increase capacity to support more New Yorkers with serious mental illness.

There are approximately 5,000 active clubhouse members citywide. Roughly half have joined in the past two years. Another 31% have been enrolled for more than five years, demonstrating the long-term bonds that members form.

Clubhouses have also been shown to increase employment among members who are interested in working. In fiscal year 2025, employment increased from 31% at enrollment to 55% among active clubhouse members enrolled for at least one year and who were interested in working.

Anyone looking for their nearest clubhouse, mental health resources, or crisis support can call, text, or chat 988 24/7 or visit the Health Department’s website to learn more.

“At Venture House Bronx, we know that recovery is possible,” said Venture House CEO Juliet Douglas. “The clubhouse philosophy is rooted in the understanding that people recover when they have meaningful and lasting relationships, a chance to find purpose through work, opportunities to contribute their talents, and a community that believes in them.”

“Venture House has been very inspiring to me. I come every day and get the support I need, from updating my résumé and applying for jobs to participating in the activities, and I really enjoy myself,” said Stacy M., Venture House clubhouse member. “I recently moved into my own apartment, and Venture House helped me get a furniture voucher to purchase some of the essentials for my new home. I’m grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received.”

“The opening of Venture House Bronx’s new permanent home marks an important investment in creating welcoming, accessible spaces where all of our residents can connect, create, and thrive,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “With expanded opportunities for art, wellness, dining, and community, this new space reflects our commitment to holistically supporting members of our community.”

“Our office is excited to join the community in opening the doors to a bigger, improved clubhouse that can continue serving New Yorkers living with serious mental illness,” said New York State Assembly Member George Alvarez. “We know how greatly loved the original clubhouse was and the tremendous impact it had on the people who relied on it for support, connection, and community. Its success showed just how important these spaces are, and we are excited to see everything this new and expanded clubhouse will offer to the community.”

“Venture House Bronx gives our neighbors living with serious mental illness a place where they are welcomed, respected, and supported in reaching their goals,” said New York State Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia. “It was a joy to join members, staff, and the New York City Health Department to celebrate the opening of this clubhouse. I was also proud to allocate $200,000 to Venture House in the state budget, because a space like this is an investment in the dignity and independence of Bronx residents. I thank the Health Department and everyone at Venture House for their partnership in making it a reality.”

Locations and contact information for clubhouses throughout New York City are:

###

MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov