Gathering Hope House Strategic Plan Summary (FY2025–FY2029)
Gathering Hope House Strategic Plan Summary (FY2025–FY2029)
Vision To establish a sustainable, accredited Clubhouse model rooted in peer-driven recovery, access equity, and community empowerment.
Mission To encourage individuals managing mental illness to join together as members, inspiring and supporting one another’s personal growth and recovery while challenging the community to practice compassion and acceptance for all.
Who We Serve Gathering Hope House supports adults living with mental health challenges in Lorain County and nearby areas. Our members are individuals seeking connection, purpose, recovery, and wellness through a supportive and structured environment. What We Do We provide trauma-informed, person-centered peer support services in a welcoming space. As we transition to an accredited Clubhouse, we emphasize:
- Peer support and recovery-based programming
- Pre-Vocational Work Ordered Day
- Employment and education support
- Resource navigation
- Meals, laundry, showers, and clothing assistance
- Member-led activities and decision-making
Strategic Priorities
1. Organizational Development and Growth
- Advance staff training, wellbeing, and retention
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Build leadership capacity and governance readiness
2. Integration and Collaboration
- Expand formal partnerships and behavioral health integration
- Increase community visibility and referral coordination
- Elevate peer voice and public education
3. Innovation in Behavioral Health
- Complete CARF and Clubhouse accreditation milestones
- Launch new programming based on member and community need
- Embed outcome tracking and quality improvement into all services
4. Member Engagement and Support
- Grow daily attendance and improve access to core services
- Address barriers to housing, care, and recovery pathways
- Deliver strengths-based and member-defined programming
5. Financial Diversification and Resilience
- Expand grant development and donor engagement
- Strengthen unrestricted revenue sources
- Improve financial forecasting and planning
Strategic Goals by 2029
- Obtain Clubhouse International accreditation
- Increase average daily attendance to ≥ 25 by December 2025
- Reduce staff turnover to ≤ 20% by December 2025
- Achieve ≥ 70% member satisfaction by March 2026
- Launch new youth, vocational, and housing-related programs
- Strengthen grant readiness and grow individual donor base
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Flourishing Scale Wellbeing: ≥ 10% increase per quarter, baseline Q2 2025
- Member Satisfaction: ≥ 70% “Satisfied” or higher by March 2026
- Staff Turnover: ≤ 20% by end of 2025, baseline 27%
- Daily Attendance: ≥ 25 average by end of 2025, baseline 18/day
Why This Matters for Lorain County
Gathering Hope House fills a critical gap in the local behavioral health landscape by offering a peer-centered, recovery-oriented community that complements—but does not duplicate—clinical mental health services. Unlike traditional treatment models, our Clubhouse approach empowers members to actively participate in the operations and direction of their recovery environment.
Our work supports Lorain County in the following ways: Reduces Emergency System Strain: By providing daily structured engagement, we help prevent crises and reduce reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement. Improves Continuity of Care: We collaborate with clinical providers and case managers, offering supportive services between formal treatment episodes. Fosters Workforce Reintegration: Through transitional employment and life skills training, we prepare members for meaningful employment, contributing to local economic resilience. Builds Social Capital: Our model emphasizes relationships, accountability, and self-determination, addressing the social isolation common among individuals with mental health conditions. Enhances System Navigation: Members receive hands-on assistance in navigating housing, benefits, and behavioral health systems—bridging gaps between services. By focusing on empowerment, equity, and consistent access to structured support, Gathering Hope House strengthens both individual recovery and the broader behavioral health continuum in Lorain County. Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive mental health community. For partnership opportunities, service referrals, or to support our mission use the form on our webpage!
