Summit Center clubhouse came into being on April 30,1991. It was housed at 21st and Kipling in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Prior to Summit Center doors opening, Jefferson Alliance for the Mentally-Ill (JAMI) and Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH) sent a small group its members to observe the life-changing clubhouse model at Fountain House in New York City. Through this partnership the vision began to bring the clubhouse philosophy home to Jefferson County. With enormous investment of energy the clubhouse began with the hiring of Miriam Dunnan, a staff member at Fountain House.

Miriam, LuAnn Reader and Barbee Lux opened the doors of opportunity to members in a small house generously lended by a local church.

From the start members were needed to run their clubhouse and members responded. Inexpensive nutritional lunches were served. Records were kept. Phones were answered. Duties in the clubhouse transpired into jobs. Transitional Employment positions (TE's) at Coors Brewery, Jefferson County Library, and the administrative office of Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH). For six months members could perform a part-time TE job in a supportive real working environment. Supported employment and Independent employment services also became part of the clubhouse.

In five years the clubhouse grew into the former Wheat Ridge post office where it now operates. Just as before, Summit members continue to take pride and comfort in their clubhouse. About 40 people attend on an average day. Social programs bring together a community of up to 200 people including members, their family members, employers, staff and people from surrounding communities.

At Summit Center the work-ordered day offers departure from a clinical focus into the shared world of productive involvement.

CONTACT US

Summit Center is a program for persons with a severe and persistent mental illness. To find out if you are eligible for membership to Summit Center, please contact Mark Stone at (303) 432-5800.