Who We Are
Brighter House, established in 2021, follows the Clubhouse Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation first established in New York City’s Fountain House over 60 years ago. Brighter House commitment and belief that individuals with mental illness can and will actively engage in a recovery process. Clubhouses, like Brighter House, help individuals get back to work, regain their self worth, find safe and affordable housing, improve their education level, and experience mutually respectful relationships. Brighter House will be part of the Clubhouse International accredited program.
Sherri McGimsey with her son
Why We Started
Co-Founders, Sherri and Eddie McGimsey became interested in creating a facility that would help people living with a serious mental illness when their son, a USMC veteran, was diagnosed with schizoaffective brain disease shortly after completing his service to his country.
The McGimsey’s formed a volunteer Board of Directors, a 501(c)(3) corporation and began to advocate for a community that would dramatically change the lives of people living with a mental illness. They found just what they wanted in the Clubhouse model, a place that provided hope, respect and dignity; a place where participants, called members, could practice work and then become employed in the community when they were ready.
“I thought I was going to teach my son about the world. Instead I ended up teaching the world about my son.”
—Sherri McGimsey
Where We Are Now
After two years of endless hours of advocacy, meetings with service providers, and visits to several clubhouses, the McGimsey finally received their certification of the 501C3 Burke Psychosocial Services, INC. DBA “Brighter House.”
There is no time to waste! The McGimsey are putting the next few steps in places now. It ranges from getting funds for a place to hiring staff members.