Welcome to Thunderbird Clubhouse

What is Thunderbird Clubhouse?

      Thunderbird Clubhouse was founded in l991 to help in the recovery process of adults living with mental illness. Participants are called members because the focus is on the person’s strengths not their illness. The Clubhouse is a place where people who have mental illness can come and rebuild their lives through pre-vocational training, paid employment, housing opportunities and great social/recreational experiences. Membership is for life so members have all the time they need to secure their new life in the community.

     Thunderbird Clubhouse is a community of men and women on a path to recovery from mental illness. We are a place of hope and caring; a place to come and be part of something larger than ourselves. We value relationships and the strength we gain from one another.

Thunderbird Clubhouse members are guaranteed...

• A place to come
• A right to meaningful work
• A right to meaningful relationships
• A right to a place to return

Our Mission Statement

To build a community that offers respect and opportunities to adults living with and recovering from mental illness, enabling them to achieve their social, financial, vocational and independent-living goals.

History of Thunderbird Clubhouse

Thunderbird Clubhouse was established in 1991 as a program of Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center in Norman, Oklahoma.  The original director, Nancy Carver was instrumental in creating the Clubhouse culture in the fledging program.  First located at the mental health center, the Clubhouse quickly outgrew the space provided and moved to a new location on 24th Ave. SW.  The Clubhouse was located there for several years then returned to COCMHC. In 2000 Thunderbird Clubhouse was given the opportunity to apply for and was successful in securing a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This contract enabled the Clubhouse to strike out on its' own and become a free-standing Clubhouse and non-profit. On December 7, 2000 Thunderbird Clubhouse opened its' doors as Oklahoma's second free-standing Clubhouse. In 2001 it recieved its first certification from the International Center for Clubhouse Development. It has maintained ICCD certification since that date.  When the Clubhouse became a free-standing agency, the next goal was to own land and a new facility. That dream became a reality when we broke ground on December 4, 2007!