Phoenix House NY Celebrates Harlem Clubhouse's 1st Anniversary + Kicks Off National Recovery Month

As National Recovery Month begins, members of Phoenix House's Harlem Clubhouse marked its one-year anniversary and developed a wellness kit with coping strategies for New Yorkers navigating serious mental health challenges

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NEW YORK, NY (09/01/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, Phoenix House of New York & Long Island celebrated the Harlem Clubhouse's one-year anniversary with an event supporting New Yorkers navigating mental health challenges. In honor of National Recovery Month, members from the Harlem Clubhouse also presented a wellness kit with personalized coping strategies.

See attached photos of event.

Driven by a membership model, and supported by the New York City Health Department, the Harlem Clubhouse provides free, peer-led mental health support to adults ages 18 and living with a serious mental illness (SMI). Since its opening, the Clubhouse has grown to welcome 170 members who help shape daily and weekly programming. As part of the Clubhouse's holistic approach, members enjoy access to a variety of events, including museum trips, wellness days, and creative open mic sessions. The Clubhouse is working to develop an employment and jobs initiative to help members re-enter the workforce through local employment partnerships.

According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, about 4% of adult New Yorkers live with a serious mental illness, and 39% of adult New Yorkers with SMI are not engaged in treatment. In Central Harlem, demand for accessible mental healthcare continues to rise, especially near Harlem Hospital and along the nearby 125th Street corridor.

"As members and staff, we respect one another and have grown to see each other as family. Before joining the Clubhouse, I was looking for more structure in my daily life. Now, I'm at the front desk, I'm cooking in the kitchen, and doing my part for the community we've built here. Most importantly, after spending the last eight months gaining hands-on experience, I'm planning to go back to school for culinary arts to build on my skills. My time at Phoenix House has motivated me to keep working toward my personal goals," said Sheldon Woodard, Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse member.

"National Recovery Month is a chance to celebrate the strength and resilience of people living with serious mental illness. The Harlem Clubhouse's first anniversary is proof of what's possible when community-based, peer-led support is available. At a moment when access to behavioral health care is under severe threat, free mental health programs like this one are more essential than ever. Our members have shown us that peer support, meaningful connection, and accessible coping strategies can change lives. We're proud to celebrate this milestone with the people of Central Harlem," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House NY & Long Island.

"As we mark our first year at the Harlem Clubhouse, we're reminded that recovery isn't a straight line, but rather a path built by and walked with community. We witness this truth with our Clubhouse members who work hand in hand to steward this space and support each other. But far too many New Yorkers navigating serious mental health challenges still lack access to the support they deserve. With this knowledge in mind, our members have developed a wellness toolkit with strategies anyone can use to support their mental health and stay grounded. This National Recovery Month, we are thrilled to share this resource with our community, and looking forward to what the next year will bring," said Savannah Lampley, Director of the Phoenix House Harlem Clubhouse.

About Phoenix House: For nearly 60 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

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