Olmsted County’s International Clubhouse plans advance
Olmsted County is moving forward with plans to bring an International Clubhouse to the community. The clubhouse model is an evidence‑based mental health model that provides adults living with mental health conditions a place to find connection, purpose, and daily support. The county is working toward a 2027 opening date, with exact timing to be determined.
As the county advances planning, we will be contracting with Vail Communities as the operational partner. Their next steps will include identifying a location and preparing to hire a local Clubhouse Director. They are also actively working on standing up an Olmsted County Clubhouse Advisory Council to guide the development of the clubhouse. The council includes individuals with lived experience, veterans, members of the Olmsted County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council, and representatives from NAMI Southeast Minnesota.
Why a clubhouse is needed
Olmsted County residents identified mental health as one of the community’s top three health concerns, based on findings in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Earlier this year, 585 residents also participated in listening sessions to share insights and ask questions about the International Clubhouse model.
While Olmsted County offers a wide range of mental health resources, residents consistently expressed the need for a dedicated, welcoming gathering place where individuals experiencing mental health challenges can come together daily, engage in meaningful work, and foster community. Advancing a clubhouse in our community illustrates how the county is taking action to expand mental health resources and support to help serve residents’ needs.
“Residents told us they want more than services, they want connection,” said Program Coordinator for the Southeast MN Adult Mental Health Initiative Laura Sutherland. “The clubhouse model fills a gap by providing a community where people can gather every day, build relationships, and support one another in meaningful ways.”
Further details about the clubhouse model
The International Clubhouse model is a nonclinical, member‑driven approach in which adults living with mental health conditions work side‑by‑side with staff in a structured, supportive environment. Accredited clubhouses help members pursue employment, education, housing, and wellness goals, and research has shown the model reduces isolation and reliance on higher‑cost crisis services.
Vail Communities
Throughout 2026, Vail Communities, a long‑established Minnesota provider with decades of experience operating accredited clubhouse programs, has supported the county’s exploration of the model by providing expertise and helping connect residents to existing clubhouse communities in the Twin Cities. While the contracting process is not yet finalized, the planned clubhouse is expected to serve approximately 50 to 100 adults and will be funded entirely through the county’s Adult Mental Health Initiative (AMHI) allocation from the State of Minnesota.
“A clubhouse offers hope, belonging, and the opportunity to thrive,” noted NAMI Southeast Minnesota Executive Director Carmen Garcia. “We are proud to partner with Olmsted County as it brings this life‑changing model to our region.’”
2026 Advocate of the Year recognition
Olmsted County was recently recognized as Vail Communities’ 2026 Advocate of the Year. The award, presented at Vail’s gala on October 8, 2026, acknowledges the county’s leadership and commitment to advancing person‑centered, community‑based mental health initiatives.
Additional updates will be shared as clubhouse planning progresses.