History

For over 30 years, Progress Place has been a recognized leader in psychosocial rehabilitation throughout Canada and the international Clubhouse community.

Since 1983, Progress Place has been instrumental in leading the recovery model with its innovative and high-impact initiatives.

Our History

1976 – 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.

1981 – Moved to a more accessible location in North York and expanded to become a full-time social recreation program.

1982 – Adopted the Clubhouse Approach to psychosocial rehabilitation, one of the most successful approaches in the field of community mental health.

1983 – 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.

1984 – Established as a full-fledged Clubhouse, and incorporated as a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors.

1986 – Accredited as an international Training base in the Clubhouse approach to psychosocial rehabilitation through the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD).

1988 – Moved from North York to its current downtown location at 576 Church Street in order to be more accessible to its membership.

1995 – Launched the "Warm Line", a peer support telephone line for people who are lonely and isolated in the community.

1999 – 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 50 individuals with backgrounds of mental illness and homelessness.

2006 – 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.

2008 – Launched a diabetes education program in partnership with Regent Park Community Health Centre. A dietician and a nurse provide individual and group education as well as workshops on general health topics for members of the Clubhouse.

2008 – Progress Place is a founding member and Chair of Clubhouse Canada, a coalition of clubhouses across the country.

2011 – After a successful Board fundraising event Progress Place enhanced its Health and Wellness Program with a fitness component where members have the opportunity for involvement in group fitness as well sports activities.

2012 – Launched The St. James Town Mental Health Day Program in collaboration with Fred Victor, Hospice Toronto, Dixon Hall and Toronto Public Health to support seniors (55+)living with mental illness and addictions. Based on a recovery model with integrated services the goal of the program is to outreach and engage older adults to decrease social isolation, support healthy aging at home and improve access to health care. The program is offered 3 days a week at St. James Town Community Centre located at 200 Wellesley St. E.

2014 – Received Pioneer Recovery Award for Excellence from Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada.

2014 –Developed the Weston Mount Dennis Service Provider Network consisting of community and health service providers in the Weston and Mount Dennis Communities offering barrier free accessibility to services in the community.

2015 – Launched Weston Mount Dennis Community Place In partnership with private landlord, Weston Property Management and Regeneration Community Services.

2016 – Graffiti Wall project to engage and enhance young adult space.

2017 – Research published in international journal validated the Clubhouse Model approach to recovery.

2018 – Awarded with OBIAA Streetscape and Public Realm Improvement Award for partnership with Waterfront BIA.

2019 – Progress Place turned 35 years old and founding director, Brenda Singer received the Order of Canada.

2020 – Progress Place innovated during COVID-19 pandemic offering meal delivery program, telephone and zoom programs, services and supports.

2020 – Hosted its 1st Virtual Clubhouse Canada Conference connecting 325+ members and staff from 20+ Clubhouses worldwide.

2021 – Launched Back to Home supportive housing program providing 24 furnished units with comprehensive support for people with ALC designation.

2022 – Developed Clubhouse Indoor Vertical Farm Project to support food security, mental wellness and community engagement.

2023 – Community Place Hub launched Health Access, Peer Navigator and Drop-In programs to better serve the northwest part of the city.

2024 – Progress Place celebrates 40th anniversary.