Welcome to The Rainbow Clubhouse!
Rainbow Clubhouse is a place of belonging. Members and staff form a shared community where people are valued for who they are and what they contribute.
Rainbow Clubhouse operates fully within the Clubhouse International model, where members and staff work in partnership to run the daily operations of the Clubhouse. This shared responsibility creates meaningful opportunities for growth, purpose, and contribution.
Rainbow welcomes individuals with lived experience of homelessness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Members are supported in understanding their mental health, navigating personal and systemic barriers, and developing skills that support independent living — including securing stable housing, returning to school, gaining employment, and building strong social networks.
The Clubhouse Model & Services
The Work-Ordered Day
Services and supports are delivered through a structured work-ordered day, a core component of the Clubhouse International model. During the work-ordered day, members and staff work side by side to manage all aspects of the Clubhouse.
Members participate in units such as:
Admin & Communications Unit
The Administrative & Communications Unit supports the daily operations and outward voice of Rainbow Clubhouse. Members and staff work side by side on essential administrative functions such as data entry, scheduling, documentation, and program coordination, while also contributing to internal and external communications. This unit plays a vital role in keeping the Clubhouse organized, connected, and engaged with the broader community.
Hospitalities and Facility Management
The Hospitality & Facilities Management Unit focuses on creating and maintaining a welcoming, safe, and well-functioning Clubhouse environment. Members and staff work together on meal preparation, kitchen operations, cleanliness, maintenance, and overall care of the physical space. This unit supports the daily life of the Clubhouse while fostering shared responsibility and pride in the community.
Integrated Supports and Opportunities
In alignment with the Clubhouse International model, Rainbow Clubhouse offers a wide range of supports and opportunities, including:
- Vocational exploration and employment support
- Transitional, supported, and independent employment
- Supported education
- Wellness and recovery-focused services
- Independent living skills development
- Smoking cessation support
- Social integration and community engagement
- Peer support and member leadership opportunities
- SSI and SSD benefits education and support
- Housing assistance
- Member-led podcast
- Biweekly newsletter
Members also participate in social, recreational, and community-building activities during evenings and weekends, strengthening connection, creativity, and belonging.
Impact of the Work-Ordered Day
Rainbow Clubhouse members and staff work side by side throughout the day in a structured, supportive environment known as the work-ordered day. Our units are not clinical services or job placements, they are meaningful areas of shared responsibility that help members build skills, confidence, and community while supporting the daily life of the Clubhouse.
Rainbow Clubhouse operates through two integrated units, each offering opportunities for participation, leadership, and growth.
Additional Supports
Work within the Clubhouse is complemented by essential supports, including:
- Supported education
- Evidence-based health and wellness programming
- Crisis prevention planning
- Co-occurring disorder groups
- Smoking cessation classes
Rainbow Clubhouse, members are active participants in their recovery. By working alongside staff and peers as colleagues, individuals build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue employment, strengthen independence, and move toward self-sufficiency within a supportive and affirming community.
Rainbow Clubhouse is open:
Monday – Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Contact us:
📧 [email protected]
520A West 135th Street * New York NY 10031
631-629-8472
The Rainbow Express is the OFFICIAL newsletter of The Rainbow Clubhouse located at Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center. New editions out every other week. Read here.
The Rainbow Rundown is the OFFICIAL podcast of The Rainbow Clubhouse located at Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center. This podcast is filmed by members, for members and will be published once a month. Listen here.
