Frequently Ask Questions

How do I become a member?

To become a member, a person needs to have a completed referral form.  

This document must be sent to the Clubhouse for review. If all qualifications are met, you will then be scheduled for a tour and orientation.

Does it cost anything to become a member?

Membership is free regardless of insurance coverage.

Who is eligible for membership?

To qualify for our program, a person must be an adult (age 18+) with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Schizophrenia. Other diagnoses may qualify however a letter of exception is required.

Can I get a tour of the Clubhouse?

A provider or individual who is interested in touring the Clubhouse may contact Chrissy Whiting-Madison at cwhiting@thebranchpgh.org. 

How much time do people spend at the Clubhouse?

Attendance at the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse is voluntary. Members are encouraged to attend as much as possible when they are not employed. Some members start by coming once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. Other people stay an entire day and come in almost daily.

What does the Clubhouse offer? Are there groups and social activities?

The Clubhouse does not hold formal therapy groups. We have meetings throughout the day to plan the work of each area. We have a weekly yoga class and occasional wellness presentations.  We plan monthly social activities that occur after the work-ordered day and on the weekends. On Friday evenings we enjoy eating dinner together at the Clubhouse.

What is expected of me at the Clubhouse?

Members may participate at their own pace. All work is voluntary, but members are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the Clubhouse to ensure its proper functioning. The work of the Clubhouse is primarily done by members with the assistance and guidance of the staff. Members are also expected to sign in and out, to fill out a daily note, and to follow common courtesies to maintain a positive atmosphere for the community.

What do people do every day? What is a work-ordered day?

The Clubhouse is a place where members are needed, wanted, and expected. The functioning of the Clubhouse is dependent on the work of the members, and the work-ordered day is a vital aspect of any Clubhouse program. By doing important work, members gain self-worth and confidence.  Members can also build meaningful relationships as they work alongside their colleagues.

The work of the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse is coordinated through three different work areas:

Food & Horticulture

This area is responsible for meal planning and preparation, running our snack bar, and maintaining our vegetable garden.

Member Services

This area’s responsibilities include maintaining attendance records, orienting new members, maintaining the thrift store, planning social events, and reaching out to members.

This is the communication hub. The responsibilities of this area include computer tasks, preparing calendars, announcements, the newsletter, flyers, and updating the website. It also manages the bookkeeping for the snack bar, lunch and dinner sales, thrift store and petty cash accounts.

What are Clubhouse Standards?

The Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse is one of about 300 Clubhouses around the world and is part of “Clubhouse International”.

All Clubhouse programs follow the same “Clubhouse Standards” which are the guidelines or principles that govern the way that Clubhouses function.

These are the 37 standards.

Can the Clubhouse assist me in getting a job?

There are various resources and assistance available. The Clubhouse can assist with resume writing, interview skills, and job searching. The Clubhouse has connections with OVR and SSI/SSDI benefits counselors in the community. The Clubhouse also offers Transitional Employment opportunities for part-time, 6-9 month jobs in the local community.

What if I’m not Jewish?

Members of the Sally and Howard Clubhouse come from all religious and cultural backgrounds. The majority of members are not Jewish.

Our Clubhouse is supported by Jewish Residential Services, and our Clubhouse respects and celebrates Jewish culture.  We maintain a kosher kitchen, enjoy a weekly Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings, and celebrate Jewish holidays.

What does it mean to be “kosher”?

In order to respect Jewish tradition, our food is separated into dairy, meat, or parve.  We have two sets of dishes and plan our meals in a way that respects this tradition.

How do I get there?

The Clubhouse is located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh which is serviced by several Pittsburgh Port Authority bus lines. Some members also drive.

Our address is: 2621 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Port Authority Trip Planner

Is there a place to park?

There is metered parking on both sides of the street near the Clubhouse. Free street parking can also be found within a few blocks of the Clubhouse.

If your question isn’t listed, please contact 412-422-1850 or email cwhiting@thebranchpgh.org.