The Horizon Clubhouse was founded on July 1st, 1986.  The purpose was and is Vocational Rehabilitation and Socialization for adults ages 18 and older who are living with long-term and persistent mental illness. The Club is certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD), with a three year certification, the highest rating offered by the ICCD. Members and staff work together to maintain the Clubhouse.

 A brief history -

We began as a social club back in the early 80's and evolved into the clubhouse model in 1987,  accepting previous members of the CAP club as the first members. Center for Health and Development became our auspice agency in 1991 with the intention of helping Horizon House to move more fully toward the Fountain House Clubhouse Model. In 1995 , under the leadership of David Gray, all staff and members adopted the clubhouse standards and Horizon House was awarded its first 3 year ICCD Certification.

In 1997 Horizon House moved to its present address at 78 Water St. About a year and a half ago CHD hired Robert Norton our current director, who was soon after joined by Samantha Richards and Bob Saulnier.

Horizon House is currently at an all time high for employment as we work with a few key companies in the area such as Big Brother/Big Sister, Market Basket, Target, and Starbucks. We now have 28 members working TE jobs, 12 at SE's and 14 IE's of which Horizon House provides much of the transportation.

Our kitchen is better than ever with the help of our members and our new Hospitality Unit Coordinator, Jean Page. Another new addition is Megan O'Boyle to our membership unit, who began as an intern back in February and who now works full time.

Who We Are

Brian Spencer (BAU Member)

Brian has been a member of Horizon House for five years . He comes in every morning from 8:15 to 10:15 and is in charge of answering the phone and taking messages for the clubhouse. Brian is working each day to be more independent and active in the community. In his 5 years as an active Horizon House member, he has worked in every unit but found that he liked the Business Unit the best!

Robert W. Norton (Director) 

Bob has been director at Horizon House for the past year and a half. He was a highly motivated paint salesman for 30 years and because of his own mental illness, decided to pursue a career in Human Services. Prior to working at Horizon House, he was employment coordinator at Renaissance Club in Lowell, where his love of clubhouse began.

Samantha Richards (Site Supervisor / Employment)

Samantha has been working at Horizon House for a year and a half, first as Membership Unit coordinator, then Hospitality Unit coordinator, and  now as the Site Supervisor.  She has 20 years experience in clubhouse as her family has always been involved with this community. Many school vacation days and throughout the summer, she would spend  time in one club or another, which eased her transition to working at Horizon House. She is currently going back to school for human services and computer science, to increase her knowledge base in both areas.

Mike Passanisi (Hospitality Unit)

Mike has been a member of Horizon House for 2 years. He runs the snack bar and is in charge of inventory. Mike currently volunteers at the Arlington Library 3 days a week in the morning and at Horizon House 5 days a week in the afternoon. Mike taught at Pope John High for 28 years and is active in their Alumni Association. Mike hopes to one day work  full time at a library.

Bob Saulnier (Business Unit coordinator)

Bob has been BAU coordinator for a year and a half now and he thoroughly enjoys it! He didn't know much about clubhouse when he began but has discovered a new passion. His plans for the future are clubhouse!.  He says "This is the best job I've ever had. I love the relationships I've formed with members and staff. Its great working with others who really care about people" - 

Megan O'Boyle (Membership Services coordinator)

Megan has her Bachelors degree in Sociology with a Psychology minor. She has been at Horizon House since February,  starting as an intern and progressing to Membership Services coordinator. She decided to pursue a career in clubhouse because of the amazing relationships she was able to form when she began her internship. She plans to go back to school for her Masters in Special Needs Education and one day hopes to work with children with special needs.

Henry Welch (Membership Unit)

Henry has just joined the Membership Unit and is the club's expert on donations. Over the past 10 years, Henry has worked in every unit and has just finished a TE at Big Brother / Big Sister in Woburn, although he still works about one shift a week. Henry comes to the club five days a week and his favorite food is Cheese and Tomato sandwiches.

Jean Page (Hospitality Unit coordinator)

Jean is working on her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and Addictions. Although Jean is a  new addition to Horizon House,  she has already made great improvements to the kitchen unit. With her help the kitchen is completely self sustaining and funds our ever growing social program.

Terry Carano (Transportation coordinator)

Terry is in charge of all the transportation of the clubhouse. He singlehandedly drives over 20 members to between  6 and 12 work sites on a daily basis. Terry makes everyone's life at the clubhouse much easier!