Progress Place is a community-based organization that focuses on recovery. The only organization of its kind in the city of Toronto, Progress Place offers its 700+ members community, friendship and opportunities for housing, employment and education. Progress Place is a recognized leader in psychosocial rehabilitation throughout the Canadian mental health network and the international Clubhouse community. As Canada's first Clubhouse, our best practice philosophy has made us a centre of excellence in the treatment of severe mental illness. A certified International Clubhouse Training Base since 1986, Progress Place maintains the highest level of accreditation from the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD), and has been instrumental in the establishment of Clubhouses throughout the world. Recognizing that those with severe mental health disabilities are at a disadvantage when trying to access the diverse mental health services they require to live independently, we provide members with holistic psychosocial rehabilitation through a comprehensive range of social, vocational, housing and recreational activities. We also operate as an essential liaison between Clubhouse members and other services in the larger mental health community network. Opened as a part-time drop-in centre in North York, one of Ontario's first community mental health programs developed in response to the closure of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital. Moved to a more accessible location in North York and expanded to become a full-time social recreation program. Adopted the Clubhouse Approach to psychosocial rehabilitation, one of the most successful approaches in the field of community mental health. Launched a Supported housing program, as well as a transitional employment program providing part-time supported employment to people with severe and persistent mental illness. Established as a full-fledged Clubhouse, and incorporated as a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors. Accredited as an international Training base in the Clubhouse approach to psychosocial rehabilitation through the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). Moved from North York to its current downtown location at 576 Church Street in order to be more accessible to its membership. Launched the "Warm Line", a peer support telephone line for people who are lonely and isolated in the community. Launched the "Double Recovery" program for those with both mental illness and addictions. And launched the Progress Place/St. Michael's Hospital Mental Health Service Homeless Housing and Support Initiative, a housing initiative to support 45 individuals with backgrounds of mental illness and homelessness. Received a capital grant from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to renovate Progress Place's building, improving accessibility to prospective and current members with physical challenges.

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Photos courtesy of Matthew Plexman