County Executive’s Office

Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18, 2014:

To:              Honorable Board of Supervisors

From:          John L. Maltbie, County Manager; Jean S. Fraser, Chief, San Mateo County Health

Subject:      California Clubhouse, Inc.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing Measure A funding and increasing Services and Supplies in the amount of $115,000 for FY 2014-15 to support California Clubhouse Inc.’s start-up phase to establish the “Clubhouse Model” for adults living with a serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND:

San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides a continuum of services and supports for adults living with a serious mental illness. Those services and supports include case management, medication management, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, social and vocational services, therapy, substance use counseling and housing supports. Approximately 18 months ago a small group of parents whose adult children are living with a serious mental illness began to research the possibility of bringing the Clubhouse Model, which has 330 sites in 33 countries around the world, to San  Mateo County. After researching the model and receiving formal training from Clubhouse International, this group of parents applied for and received their 501c3  not for profit status.

As California Clubhouse Inc. they have developed a business plan and commenced a funding effort to support starting a clubhouse in San Mateo County. As envisioned the California Clubhouse will be a place where adults living with a serious mental illness can go every day during business hours to work on overcoming the obstacles they face by offering support, training, education, health social interactions and positive reinforcement through collegial relationships and work. Membership in the Clubhouse is free for life. Members work and socialize in partnership with a small staff building on strengths rather than focusing on illness. The programming at the Clubhouse complements psychiatric treatment. It is projected that by 2017 there will be 175 members with an average daily attendance of 65.

The first Clubhouse was opened 68 years ago in New York and the model is listed by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration as an evidenced based model. Research on the model has shown that members experience higher rates of employment, reduced hospitalizations, reduced incarcerations and improved well-being.

DISCUSSION:

Measure A funds will be used to support the startup phase for a period not to exceed nine months. This request was made by the County Manager and approved by your Board at the November 4, 2014 meeting. This memo now adjusts the budget to reflect that decision.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE(S):

FISCAL IMPACT:

It is recommended that $115,000 in Measure A funds be appropriated for the FY 2014-15 budget. The ATR adds Measure A revenue and contract expenditures to the BHRS budget. There is no Net County Cost impact.

Important note: This is a copy of the official report to the Board -- item 17 on the Board's agenda.