Crystal House Clubhouse receives accreditation

Crystal House Clubhouse, a service of Open Sky Community Services, recently received notification of accreditation by Clubhouse International, according to Clubhouse director Tamela Deveikis Crystal House, located in Gardner, is a community dedicated to the rehabilitation of adults recovering from mental illness. Through a variety of meaningful and engaging tasks, members have the chance to develop or refresh employment skills, explore educational opportunities, and participate in social activities. Members work together with clubhouse staff in all areas of the club’s operation.

The accreditation process included an extensive self-study as well as a visit from faculty of Clubhouse International. A letter from Executive Director of Clubhouse International Joel Corcoran that accompanied the accreditation report cited the warm, caring nature of the relationships at Crystal House and described the club as a community dedicated to offering the best possible opportunities to its members. The report also identified areas in which the Crystal House could improve, and the club will be working to implement these changes.

Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates noted that this is a significant milestone for the program and for Open Sky. “Accreditation of our Clubhouse is a huge achievement, and although we have more work to do, this is indicative of the outstanding quality of support the Clubhouse is providing for its members.”

Open Sky Board Member Michael Kilcoyne, who is also a member of Genesis Club in Worcester was particularly pleased by the outcome of the accreditation process. “I would like to congratulate Crystal House; I know that a lot of hard work by members and staff working side by side went into accomplishing this goal,” said Kilcoyne.

For more information about Crystal House, visit the club’s Facebook page at

facebook.com/crystalhouseclubhouse or go to openskycs.org/crystalhouse