Congratulations Dave MacDonald for 30 successful years as leader of Pathways Clubhouse

Dave MacDonald began working for Canadian Mental Health Association, Richmond Branch 30 years ago as a 23 year old kid right out of college.  He was hired to start up a janitorial program to help people with a mental illness gain skills and jobs.  Soon he discovered a different way to help people recovering from mental illness through the Clubhouse Model.  In the late 1980’s Dave travelled to New York to participate in a training program that would help him open up a Clubhouse in Richmond.  Pathways Clubhouse was born.

Over the past 30 years Dave has become a leader in the Clubhouse movement internationally.  He has evaluated similar programs all over the world, including, England, Korea, Sweden, Finland and throughout the United States.  In 1994 Dave left Pathways Clubhouse for one year to open a Clubhouse in Perth, Australia.  Dave is now the Canadian expert on the Clubhouse Model and programs throughout BC and western Canada consistently approach Dave for advice and guidance on how to start up Clubhouses in their own communities. 

Today Pathways Clubhouse has a membership of over 1000.   200 people walk through our doors every month, and 100 people have safe, decent and affordable housing.  Over the past 30 years, hundreds of people have returned to work and pursued education.  Members of Pathways Clubhouse have access to affordable meals everyday and a welcoming environment that is open 365 days a year.  Pathways Clubhouse has grown so much over the past 3 decades that we have had to move 3 times, and we are currently working towards owning our own space in a brand new building slated for completion in 2016. 

Many programs designed to help people recover from mental illness have begun and ended over the past 30 years.  Very few have grown and succeeded in helping so many people.  Pathways Clubhouse has not only survived but thrived during funding cuts and new trends.  All great programs have great leaders and for Pathways Clubhouse that has always been Dave MacDonald.  Thank you Dave for 30 years of tireless leadership.  Pathways Clubhouse and the community of Richmond is lucky to have you.  With love and gratitude from the Members, Staff and Board of Pathways Clubhouse.