Alliance Alert: The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is thrilled to see New York State investing in the expansion of Clubhouse programs, ensuring that more communities will have access to these life-changing, recovery-oriented supports. Clubhouses have long demonstrated that when people are offered welcoming, voluntary spaces built on community, belonging, and mutual support, they can pursue recovery while building meaningful relationships, finding employment, continuing their education, and achieving the lives they want for themselves.
This investment is also the result of years of dedicated advocacy. The Alliance was proud to stand alongside Clubhouse members and staff from across New York, as well as many other advocates, to secure funding for Clubhouse expansion in the 2025 State Budget. Together, we made the case that every New Yorker should have access to these evidence-based, person-centered programs that foster independence, purpose, and hope.
While we celebrate today’s announcement, our work is far from over. We will continue advocating for the expansion of Clubhouses across the state until every community has access to one. Every person living with mental health challenges deserves the opportunity to benefit from the social connection, support, educational opportunities, employment services, and sense of belonging that Clubhouses provide. Expanding these voluntary, recovery-focused programs is an investment not only in individual recovery but in stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for all.
The Alliance also remains committed to advancing a broad range of recovery support programs and initiatives that help people build meaningful lives in their communities. From peer support and self-directed care to employment, housing, crisis alternatives, and other innovative services, we will continue working with partners across New York to expand access to the supports that make recovery possible.
If you’d like to learn more about the progress we’ve made together over the past several years, join us at the Alliance Annual Conference, where we’ll highlight many of New York’s most innovative recovery-oriented programs and offer a presentation on the significant state policy and program advancements that are helping transform our behavioral health system. We look forward to celebrating these achievements, and continuing to build the future of recovery together. Don’t miss the conference everyone will be talking about.Register today and take advantage of our special Buy 5, Get 1 Free group registration offer before it’s too late!
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State grants $6M to expand mental health clubhouses outside NYC
By Amanda D’Ambrosio | Crain’s Healthcare | July 14, 2026
New York allocated $6.3 million to create new mental health clubhouses across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday, expanding the social support centers outside of the five boroughs.
The funds, administered by the Office of Mental Health, will establish seven new clubhouses — community-based programs that offer employment and recreational opportunities to individuals in recovery from severe mental illnesses. The new sites will include two on Long Island and one in Westchester, the governor’s office said.
The state funds are set to create new clubhouses after a recent expansion in New York City. The clubhouse model began in the city, pioneered in the 1940s by the Hell’s Kitchen-based nonprofit Fountain House. The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in 2023 began scaling up the model with $30 million in city and state funds — an investment that established seven new clubhouses and continued funding for six facilities that were already in operation.
The new state funds will create additional programs in suburban and rural areas. The investment includes a $1.4 million grant to Access Supports for Living, a mental health organization in Westchester County. The Office of Mental Health also granted nearly $957,000 to New Horizon Counseling Center and $430,000 to Hands Across Long Island, both of which are based in Suffolk County.
Governor Hochul Announces $6.3 Million Awarded to Establish Clubhouse Programs
New York State Governor’s Office | July 13, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $6.3 million was awarded to establish seven Clubhouses, a voluntary member-driven program that provides crucial services and supports to New Yorkers living with mental health challenges. Administered by the State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the funding will expand this program to areas outside of New York City, where this successful model has provided these individuals social support, employment resources and life skills training in a safe environment.
“People who have experienced mental challenges and recovered can be an invaluable beacon to guide others on this journey,” Governor Hochul said. “Clubhouses provide a safe environment where New Yorkers grappling with mental health challenges can voluntarily get support from people who have experienced and navigated them firsthand.”
OMH provided awards to seven programs, including two on Long Island, one in Westchester County and five others located in Upstate communities, including two rural communities. The awards include:
- Access Supports for Living, $1.4 million; Westchester County
- East House, $1.4 million; Monroe County
- New Horizon Counseling Center, $956,765; Suffolk County
- RISE, $956,765; Saratoga County
- Unity House, $551,175; Cayuga County
- St. John’s Community Services, $551,175; Oswego County
- Hands Across Long Island, $429,525; Suffolk County
Clubhouses provide structure by focusing on choice and self-determination. These voluntary programs offer individuals an opportunity to collaborate with staff in all aspects of the program’s operation, fostering transparency, shared ownership and belonging.
State-funded programs will be required to operate at least five days a week, plus offer routine recreational activities during evenings and weekends out of their own physical space. The Clubhouse model is linked to improved quality of life and self-esteem, lower hospitalization rates, and increased participation in employment.
Governor Hochul embraced this initiative as part of her $196 million investment into mental health that was secured in the FY26 State Budget. Under her leadership, New York State has channeled roughly $2 billion into expanding access and strengthening the continuum of care.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Clubhouses allow individuals to pursue their own goals while building strong ties with colleagues and peers. By offering educational and vocational opportunities and connections to support networks, these programs also foster recovery and independence. Expanding community-based programs like this one reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing investments in building a strong, more inclusive mental health system to support all New Yorkers.”
State Senator Samra Brouk said, “As Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, I recognize that Clubhouses provide effective voluntary support services for individuals with serious mental illness by offering peer-led engagement, housing and employment support, and crisis intervention. I applaud Governor Hochul for investing $1.4 million in East House here in Monroe County to uplift community-based care to help residents feel safe and supported.”
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “Mental health care does not end when someone leaves a doctor’s office or hospital. Clubhouses are a proven model that promotes recovery, reduces hospitalization and connects people with employment and peer support. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for investing in and expanding evidence-based programs like Clubhouses that strengthen our mental health system and New Yorkers’ wellbeing.”
Access Supports for Living Inc. President & CEO Ron Colavito said, “New York State’s continued investment in community-based mental health services recognizes an important truth: recovery happens not only in treatment settings, but in communities where people have opportunities to build relationships, develop skills and find purpose. The Clubhouse model is a welcome addition to the service continuum by creating a place where people can pursue employment, education, and meaningful community participation while strengthening their recovery. We are honored that Access: Supports for Living has been selected to bring this evidence-based model to Westchester County, grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership, and look forward to partnering with New York State to expand opportunities for people living with mental health challenges to lead healthier, fuller and more independent lives.”