Open Door Clubhouse

History:
Open Door Clubhouse was founded in 1986. The original location of the Clubhouse was in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, and it operated in a church basement. In 1995, the clubhouse moved to a small storefront property, located in the heart of the Kensington section of the Philadelphia.  In 2005, the Clubhouse was moved again to our current location, a beautifully renovated commercial building just 3 blocks from the storefront location.  Over our 26 years of service, the Open Door Clubhouse has received well over 600 people into membership. Our primary purpose is best expressed in our Mission Statement: The Open Door Clubhouse assists its members in their recovery from mental illness and its effects, by focusing on the members’ strengths, talents, and abilities for the enhancement of their rehabilitative goals, instilling a sense of purpose and confidence, and an opportunity to achieve their highest level of independence.

Clubhouse Community:
Our building was built in 1894 by the Thompson family, and was designed for their carpet manufacturing business. The Thompson family eventually changed their business to a carpet retail outlet, and they maintained ownership of the building until the Open Door Clubhouse received it in 2005. This historical site boasts of high ceilings, brick and wooden beam; it is the pride of Kensington. The first floor of the Clubhouse has a beautiful living and dining room area (all open space), an dis where our Food Service Unit is located. Our Food Service Unit operates like a restaurant, and features a licensed commercial kitchen. There is also an office area which was constructed by the original owner, and a newly renovated conference room; all done in a manner that maintains the architectural charm of the building. The second floor has been outfitted with state-of-the-art office systems furniture, and is the Administrative Support Services Unit, which comprises Clerical Services, Educational Services, and Employment Services. There is also a state-of-the-art print shop on the second floor. The use of computers is incorporated into all aspects of the Work Ordered Day in the Food Service Unit, as well as the Administrative Support Services Unit.

The Open Door Clubhouse is open Monday – Friday, every other Saturday, and some holidays.  On Mondays we are open 8:30am – 6:30pm, Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, and the Saturday hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm. 

Directions:
From I-95 N, take the Allegheny exit and travel west on Allegheny Avenue, make a left on Frankford Avenue, and a quick right on Wishart Street.  The Clubhouse is at the end of the block on the left; entrance is off of Wishart Street. 

From I-95 S, take the Aramingo exit and travel south on Aramingo Street, make a right on Allegheny Avenue, make a left on Frankford Avenue, and a quick right on Wishart Street.  The Clubhouse is at the end of the block on the left; entrance is off of Wishart Street. 

From all points west, go east on Allegheny Avenue, make a right on Frankford Avenue, and a quick right on Wishart Street.  The Clubhouse is at the end of the block on the left; entrance is off of Wishart Street. 

Using the Market-Frankford Elevated Train, get off the at the Allegheny Avenue stop and walk east on Allegheny Avenue, turn right on Emerald Street, and then left on Wishart Street.  The Clubhouse is at the end of the block on the left; entrance is off of Wishart Street.

How do I become a member?
All persons with a history of mental illness are eligible for membership.  All that is required is that an application be completed and submitted to the Clubhouse.