Membership

Membership in Granite Pathways is a choice available to any adult aged 18 or over who has a primary diagnosis of mental illness. Choice is essential to empowerment and an important step in recovery. If you are interested, we invite you to schedule a tour of Granite Pathways, meet our members and staff, and learn more about the Clubhouse model of peer support and recovery. To continue the membership process, you will complete an application, obtain a referral from your health care provider, and participate in 2 half days of orientation. Once making the final choice to join Granite Pathways, you will select a staff mentor, a work unit in which to participate, and complete a plan that defines your personal goals and action steps. To participate in Granite Pathways' activities, members must be free of alcohol and drug use and agree to adhere to community safety policies and guidelines.

What is Different about Granite Pathways?

As the first Clubhouse in NH, Granite Pathways provides a uniquely integrated approach to recovery. It is neither a clinical treatment program nor a social drop-in center. It is a peer membership organization that provides a daily place for members to come to overcome isolation and find meaningful opportunities to help themselves and others to pursue their personal goals and aspirations. It integrates peer support with a full array of programs in employment, education, housing, and wellness. Members of Granite Pathways are active participants in carrying out the activities of the organization. The number of staff members is intentionally small relative to the number of members to emphasize peer support and ensure that members recognize that they are needed and valued for their skills and capabilities. Without member participation, the important role of Granite Pathways could not be fulfilled.

• Membership is free.
• Membership is a choice.
• There are no requirements with regard to daily attendance or participation by members. Each member chooses for themselves how and how often they want to participate.
• Members and staff work side-by-side as equals in making operating and policy decisions by consensus and conducting the work of the organization.
• All social activities are conducted on weekends, occasional weeknights, and all holidays.

Recovery is achieved through work and work-related relationships, both as volunteers within Granite Pathways and as employees within the community. Interpersonal relationships and friendships grow from working together, accepting and encouraging each other, and discovering and celebrating each other’s strengths and capabilities. The diverse options provided by Granite Pathways provide a firm foundation for growth in self-esteem, confidence, and pride.