Info for New Members: Common Questions

What is a Clubhouse?
A Clubhouse is a place where people belong-a place where people with brain injuries come to be productive and enjoy contributing to a common cause. If people want to learn work skills and get a job in the community Side by Side Clubhouse can help.

Where did this idea come from?
The Clubhouse model began in 1948 when some people with psychiatric disabilities gathered together to support each other. They got some help to develop a program to keep them busy and productive, help them work, live independently, get some education, and socialize with each other. Now there are over 300 Clubhouses around the world, but only about 9 of them focus on people with brain injuries.

How did the Clubhouse program come about in the Atlanta area?
Cindi Johnson and Mike McCord are known to the brain injury community as therapists and co-directors of Camp Hardgrove of the Brain Injury Association of Georgia. They had a desire to create a place for people with brain injuries to come every weekday where they can belong, contribute, be accepted and appreciated; have responsibility and control over their daily lives-and to feel good about themselves while doing it!

Shepherd Center and Emory Healthcare, Cindi`s and Mike's employers, agreed to sponsor the startup of Side by Side Clubhouse in July 1999. Both facilities are committed to helping people with brain injuries be as successful as possible throughout their lives, long after rehabilitation has ended. Side by Side Clubhouse opened as a not-for-profit charitable organization in March 2000 with 3 members and 3 staff in Decatur Georgia.

By March 2004 Side by Side had served 125 people from 13 metro Atlanta counties and 10 ethnic backgrounds or nationalities.

What happens at Side by Side Clubhouse?
The program follows a work-ordered day. The members do everything that must be done to run the Clubhouse each day. For example, we need to answer the phone, deliver the mail, keep track of which members are present, advocate for ourselves in the community, and know where the jobs are and how to get them, learn jobs and keep them... We also need to pay the bills, eat lunch, clean and maintain the Clubhouse...you get the idea.

Are there staff at the Clubhouse?
Yes, there are a few staff, just enough to guide the members in deciding how to make sure Side by Side Clubhouse runs smoothly. The staff are not there to give individualized physical assistance or "do therapy". Staff are available to work side by side with members to complete the "work" of the Clubhouse. Staff will also help members find, learn, and keep jobs in their community. There is about one staff for every five Clubhouse members.

Are members paid for their work in a Clubhouse?
No, members are not paid, just like they wouldn't be paid for their efforts in another "club". Members are assisted and encouraged to secure employment in the community and may return to Side by Side Clubhouse for support.

Is there a membership fee?
Yes, there is a daily charge to attend Side by Side Clubhouse. Discounts are offered as available to help those who cannot pay the full fee. Side by Side Clubhouse is a non-profit organization, so it only needs to cover the costs of operating the Clubhouse itself. Therefore the cost of membership is minimal. Some members' fees are paid by World's Compensation Carriers; Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Program; or the Independent Care Waiver Program of Medicaid.

If you will be paying membership fees yourself, ask for a Private Payment form. If your brain injury happened from trauma, like in a car accident, fall, or assault, you may qualify for funds from the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund www.bsitf.state.ga.us. You can use these funds to pay your membership fee or for other needs.

How do I know if the Clubhouse is right for me?
If you want to be part of a dynamic club where you help make decisions and carry out everything to keep it going, Side by Side Clubhouse may be right for you. If you need a place to "fit in", or want help getting back to work, the Clubhouse may be a good option.  If you are independent with your assistive devices (things that help with toileting, walking, eating, taking medicines, etc.) or have someone to help you with those things, you will do fine at the Clubhouse. You also must be able control your behavior so that you are not a threat to yourself or anyone in the Clubhouse.

When, where, and how do I get there?
Members may attend Side by Side Clubhouse from 9:00 - 3:00, Monday through Friday. Members are responsible for their own transportation and can come as often as they want.

Side by Side Clubhouse is located at 755 Commerce Drive, Suite B, Decatur, GA 30030. It is in the Commerce Plaza building about 2 blocks form the Decatur MARTA station. The phone number is (404) 378-1139.

Other Questions?
Call us at (404) 378-1139 or e-mails us at info@sidebysideclubhouse.org