Our History About
Potential Place Society is a nonprofit mental health agency dedicated to providing people incapacitated by chronic mental illness an opportunity to lead productive and rewarding lives in today's society. The opportunity is provided through the Potential Place Clubhouse; a facility incorporating the principles and operating practices of a successful international program of mental health rehabilitation.
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1994 |
The idea of creating a Clubhouse in Calgary evolved from a small group of Calgarians concerned about the welfare of people recovering from episodes of severe mental illness. This group recognized that the Clubhouse concept of rehabilitation has been outstandingly successful in the United States and elsewhere in the world over the past fifty years. |
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1995 |
Was incorporated as a charitable organization and called “The Clubhouse Society Of Calgary. |
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1997 |
Utilizing funds raised privately by the Board of Directors, the Society hired its first Executive Director. He worked out of an office space at Knox United church. Shortly thereafter, the first members of the Clubhouse were enrolled. The director and members regularly had social and planning meetings at a picnic in a local park. |
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1998 |
A corporate fund raising program was launched. Within a year, a commitment from the then Alberta Mental Health Board to underwrite salary and facility costs, sufficient funds were available to rent an appropriate facility and offer some Clubhouse programs. |
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1999 |
Members chose the name, “Potential Place” reflecting their belief that their participation in a Clubhouse could assist them in achieving their full potential within society. |
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2000 |
Moved to a larger facility allowing us respond to growth by expansion of the Clubhouse program. |
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2004 |
Received the first three-year accreditation through International Centre For Clubhouse Development. Also provided the Western Canadian Clubhouse conference for the first time in Calgary. During this time Potential Place bought its first apartment building to offset some of the housing issues our members were facing. |
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2005 |
Potential Place bought a second apartment building in a response to an ever-growing demand for more housing. |
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2008 |
The first Canadian Clubhouse Conference was held in Calgary. |
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2010 |
Potential Place moved into its present location with more space and an opportunity for continued growth. |
