New Beginnings Clubhouse allows Regional Care Group to meet social, educational, and vocational needs of patients

Founded as the “Leading Edge Clubhouse” in 2006, New Beginnings Clubhouse supports residents of Northwest Indiana as a behavioral health recovery center for adults that offers vocational and social skill-building. New Beginnings Clubhouse is a part of Regional Care Group, a network of human service organizations offering whole-person care.

Dayna Davis, New Beginnings Clubhouse program director, describes the Clubhouse as a non-clinical environment that can provide support for individuals who are living with serious mental illness and focusing on psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery.

“Through the Clubhouse model, members build skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships while actively participating in daily operations,” Davis said. “The program helps reduce stigma, combat isolation, and supports individuals in reintegrating into the community with a renewed sense of purpose and independence.”

The expansion of New Beginnings Clubhouse has elevated the opportunities available to members through skill-building activities. The expansion also allowed the Clubhouse to help out more individuals without maintaining a waitlist, which ensures greater access to care and support for those who need it the most.

“Members now have greater access to daily living skills development, employment preparation, and educational opportunities such as GED support and peer tutoring,” Davis said.

According to Davis, New Beginnings Clubhouse has been a collaborative effort supported by Regional Health Systems (RHS) and a network of community partners. Therapy, case management, psychiatry, and inpatient services are all provided by RHS. The Clubhouse builds on that care through ongoing recovery and community reintegration.

“Partnerships create a strong network of support that promotes stability, skill development, and long-term success,” Davis said. “We receive referrals from across the healthcare system, including RHS clinical programs, Lake Park Residential Care, and local hospital partners such as Franciscan Health in Dyer, St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago, and Methodist Hospitals. These referral pathways ensure that individuals have continued support as they transition from higher levels of care into the community.”

Partnerships with organizations such as CoAction and Geminus have allowed for expanded employment opportunities for members.

New Beginnings Club House received a grant from Legacy Foundation, Lake County’s community foundation, to support an Education and Workforce Employment Center. This gives members access to technology, training, and a dedicated space for learning and job readiness.

“This investment has strengthened our ability to offer GED preparation, digital literacy, and employment support, creating meaningful pathways to independence,” Davis said. “Legacy Foundation’s commitment has been instrumental in transforming this vision into a tangible resource for the community.”

New Beginnings Clubhouse aligns with RHS’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and their families through the highest quality of community-based care possible. With a focus on recovery, independence, and community inclusion, the Clubhouse extends care beyond clinical services to support whole-person care. Social, educational, and vocational needs – all of these are addressed as a way to help people manage behavioral health and thrive in their communities.

Moving forward, the community can expect the New Beginnings Clubhouse to experience continued growth and innovation.

“With the addition of the Education and Workforce Empowerment Center, members now have access to updated technology, including computers, a printer, and a dedicated learning space designed for education and job readiness,” Davis said. “We will continue to expand educational programming, strengthen employer partnerships, and enhance opportunities that support independence, employment, and long-term recovery for our members.”

For more information on Regional Care Group, you can visit regionalgroup.care.