The Work-Ordered Day

   The underlying philosophy of Alliance of Abilities is that each member has a contribution to make, regardless of their level of disability; therefore, we rely on our member's talents, skills and dreams in order to function. One of the key principles of this philosophy is the importance of “meaningful work.” Putting this principle into practice, Integrity House and LOTUS House operates a variety of programs to help its members develop social, interpersonal, educational and employment skills. At our Clubhouses, the participants are called members, not patients or clients. The members use their special gifts, talents, and skills while working side-by-side with staff to help operate the Clubhouse. At our Clubhouses the focus is not on treatment, but on helping members become as productive and self-reliant as possible.

   Being that many members begin with little confidence and little or no work history, the first step toward developing job skills is participation in the units, designed to help members use and strengthen their abilities by contributing to the operations of the clubhouse. Each unit consists of members and staff working together to help keep the Clubhouse running.