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Clubhouse International presents community mental‑health model, offers local support and ROI estimate
Summary
Clubhouse International representatives told Laurens County Council that the Clubhouse model can improve social functioning, employment and quality of life, and presented a local return‑on‑investment estimate of about $17.87 for every $1 invested; presenters offered a potential house and discussed accreditation and partnerships.
Casey Edmonds, Officer of Expansion for Clubhouse International and executive director of Clubhouse South Carolina, presented the Clubhouse recovery model to Laurens County Council on April 13, describing membership-based, non‑clinical supports aimed at reintegration, employment and housing stability.
Edmonds summarized local needs — housing scarcity, provider shortages, transportation barriers and higher rates of depression in the county — and argued that Clubhouse’s accredited, member‑driven model delivers measurable improvements in social functioning, employment outcomes and reduced hospitalizations. Edmonds cited a local conversion-rate estimate and told the council the program could generate roughly a $17.87 return for every dollar invested in Laurens County when modeled on Clubhouse referral and conversion assumptions.
Edmonds also referenced a June 2023 Department of Justice investigation and settlement for South Carolina that highlighted institutionalization and reintegration issues, framing that context as an opportunity for local reforms and community‑based alternatives. She offered to host council members for a site visit (a 45‑minute drive) and—during Q&A—said she had identified one house and discussed the possibility of a county van donation to support operations if county leaders were willing to pursue that support.
Why it matters: presenters argued the Clubhouse model focuses on prevention, long‑term membership-based support, and partnership with clinical providers to reduce crisis care and improve outcomes; presenters said roughly 85% of Clubhouse budgets typically come from public sources and that accreditation and fidelity to standards matter for results.
What council heard: Edmonds requested county engagement, individual follow‑up meetings, and noted referral metrics and ROI estimates included in a handout distributed to council members.
Next steps: Edmonds offered to meet one‑on‑one with council members, host site visits, and follow up with contact information and materials for committee or staff consideration.
