The Model
The Gainesville Opportunity Center uses the Clubhouse International Work-Ordered Day model — an award-winning, evidence-based approach to supporting adults living with mental illness in their self-directed recovery. See The Model.
The Work-Ordered Day
The heart of a Clubhouse is the Work-Ordered Day. Our model is recovery through work: members come to take part in meaningful work that keeps the Clubhouse running and gives a real sense of accomplishment — and that accomplishment builds the confidence to take important steps forward in life. No work here is staff-only or member-only. Staff and members work side by side, as colleagues, on the tasks that are vital to the daily life of the Clubhouse.
We organize that work into two units:
The Culinary Unit — Members and staff plan the menu and prepare an affordable lunch together each weekday. This unit also keeps the house clean, sanitary, and welcoming, and tends the GOC garden — planting, watering, and pruning — with everyone pitching in to keep our space healthy and inviting.
The Office Unit — Members and staff keep the Clubhouse’s business and communications running. Together they handle reception, record-keeping, and data entry; marketing, development, and media; and writing and producing our newsletter, the GOC Gazette. When a member hasn’t been in for a while, we reach out — a call or a note — to make sure they’re safe and to remind them they are always welcome and needed here.
Our services include:
- Work readiness
- Resume building
- Help with job applications
- Help with educational resources
- Access to community resources
- Affordable meals
- Wellness
- Skill development
- Social events
Beyond the Work-Ordered Day, the GOC offers an Employment Support program to help members reach their employment goals — see our Employment page — and a wellness program focused on members’ whole health. Once a month on a Saturday, we hold social events and community outings, giving members who work during the week ongoing ways to stay connected.
Here are the work units at the GOC:
