History & Mission
Breakthrough traces its roots back over 20 years when it was a program within a local homeless drop-in center, endeavoring to provide meals and employment support to persons in the community who have a mental illness. As this program grew, its executive director realized that there was more that could be done to help persons who have mental illnesses improve the quality of their lives. This realization caused her to begin researching service models and other programs. The "clubhouse" model, started by Fountain House in New York City, caught her attention. A group of consumers and mental health workers visited Fountain House and decided to bring the concept to Wichita.
The idea behind the clubhouse is that the staff and members are equal, sharing equal responsibility for the day to day functioning of the clubhouse. This is different than most rehabilitation programs because the clients are working through their mental illness with the support of staff and others who are experiencing the same difficulties. Fountain House defines a clubhouse this way:
"A clubhouse is committed to helping people with mental illness stay out of hospitals while achieving educational, financial and vocational goals. Responsibility for operation of the Clubhouse lies with the members and staff, who are engaged in all aspects of Clubhouse operation."
It's our hope that when our members come on a daily, weekly or monthly basis that they feel personally invested in their recovery and in helping others recover.
Our Mission
Breakthrough is dedicated to providing support for individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. We will help people become independent, productive citizens of the community through educational assistance, job training, employment support, housing, transportation and wellness.
