The accredited Escondido Clubhouse, a program of TURN Behavioral Health Services and funded by the County of San Diego, supports individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges by helping them achieve two main goals: gaining employment and building meaningful relationships with their communities.
At the heart of the program is the belief that recovery is strengthened through purpose and connection. Members are fully involved in operating the Clubhouse—preparing daily lunches, managing data entry, working reception, and conducting outreach. This hands-on daily participation, known as “unit work,” helps members build employable skills while developing a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
The Clubhouse also strengthens social bonds through after-hours activities like park outings and game nights, giving members opportunities to connect in ways similar to workplace friendships.
A key feature of the program is its Transitional Employment (TE) initiative, which provides six- to nine-month paid positions at local businesses. These roles, ranging from filing to dishwashing, are designed to ease members back into the workforce. Clubhouse staff eliminate traditional job barriers by training for the role and selecting a member to fill it, ensuring coverage if needed. One current TE placement is at the popular Escondido restaurant, Sunny Side Kitchen, where a member is gaining valuable job experience in restaurant work in a supportive setting.
To sustain and expand these life-changing programs, the Escondido Clubhouse is hosting a fundraiser on October 4, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Synergy CoWorking Centre, 140 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025. All are welcome to attend and support a community built on recovery, empowerment, and opportunity. Tickets are available at https://escondido-clubhouse.square.site/.
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