Shore House, Neighbor

Shore House is the first and only community based, non-residential, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery program for people living with serious mental illness in New Jersey.

Shore House adheres to the rigorous standards established by Clubhouse International, where membership is voluntary and for life. Shore House provides all services free of charge. Members choose the level of participation based on their skills, time, talents and interest. Active participation among members is important at Shore House, but ultimately, our goal is to empower individuals to become productive, independent members of their community once again.

Each and every day, our members demonstrate courage by coming to Shore House, not only for themselves, but for one another – and they do this despite the stigma and constant daily struggle. They won’t give up. Neither will we.

Too often, people who live with a mental illness are abandoned in the shadows of society, with few prospects for a healthy lifestyle, positive relationships, a fulfilling job and diverse experiences. Shore House was founded on the belief that every member has the potential to sufficiently recover from the effects of mental illness, to lead a personally satisfying life as an integrated member of society.

At Shore House, we are dedicated to one another’s success – no matter how long it takes or how difficult it may be. Shore House is much more than a program or social service that addresses the needs of a vulnerable population. First and foremost, Shore House is a community of people working together toward a common goal: to provide opportunities for members to achieve optimal mental, behavioral, physical and spiritual well-being by addressing the social determinants affecting people with severe mental health conditions.

Unlike a hospital or clinic, a Clubhouse is run by “members” (not patients or clients). Members, in partnership with Shore House staff, are responsible for the administration and implementation of our employment, education, culinary, housing, building maintenance and wellness programs. Meaningful work is restorative, and this process enables members to acquire the necessary skills and confidence to successfully enter or re-enter the job market.