Introduction

At The Meeting Place, we want to support members in achieving the best life possible. The clubhouse offers assistance with entitlements. housing, filing for and maintaining SSI and SSDI benefits. personal finances. daily living skills, and advocacy. We maintain a small emergency pantry. Members may pick up a box of food to help them through a rough patch. There is also a limited "emergency" fund available to members. This fund is available on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the Executive Director. All monies borrowed from this fund must be paid back according to the schedule established at the time the money is received.

Supported Education

Member’s educational needs are an important component of clubhouse services. The Meeting Place assists members to accomplish their educational goals in a variety of ways. Staff and members maintain resource books, which provide members with easy access to locations of all the local community colleges, universities, and adult education facilities, important dates, class offerings, academic requirements and funding resources. Relationships have been established with local university and community college disabled services offices in order to facilitate entry into the academic community. Staff and members provide assistance with completing applications, financial aid forms, and securing financial assistance from the Department of Rehabilitation. Tutoring is also available to members in a variety of areas.

Help with Employment

The vocational component of the Meeting Place assists members in preparing for, securing and retaining employment. The first step is accomplished through participation in the clubhouse units, which increases stamina, self-confidence, problem solving skills, and the ability to interact and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, or reentering after a long absence, the clubhouse offers a variety of options designed to assist you with this important transition. Members may return to work through transitional, supported, or independent employment.

Transitional Employment (TEP)
	Members are placed in part-time entry-level jobs with local businesses for a period of six to nine months. The clubhouse staff selects, trains, and provides on-the-job-support. Additionally, if the member can’t make it to work, the clubhouse staff fills in for the member at no cost to the employer.

Supported Employment
	The Clubhouse helps the member obtain a job in the community and provides the support necessary to maintain the position. This job has no built-in time limits and members must go through the regular application and interview process.

Independent Employment

The member obtains a job in the community without assistance from the clubhouse. Support is provided to assist the member to sustain and upgrade the employment. Examples of support provided to our members: Resume preparation Interview practice Referral to Department of Rehabilitation for services Job search Obtaining and filling out applications Problem solving Transportation to the interview Possible transition to work (TE only) Completing social security paperwork