Before attending orientation at the Wallingford Clubhouse, a prospective member must meet three requirements. These are: first, you have a mental health illness that is chronic and on going. Second, we have a referral form from your mental health professional, i.e., case manager or doctor. And third, you do not pose a threat to the other members.

    The orientation process occurs on two days beginning Tuesday at 1:30 PM. First, we discuss the mission of the clubhouse. Next, we complete the forms that are presented to new members as our clubhouse packet. We discuss the thirty-six standards that that guide all clubhouses. We explain and discuss the jobs offered by each unit. Then we end the day with a movie about the clubhouse program.

    On the second day a new member is required to return at 9:30 AM for our general meeting and to volunteer in the work unit he or she chooses. Members may volunteer in more than one. We ask new members to spend approximately two hours here and to join us for a free orientation meal. At this point, they are considered members for life.