SCRANTON, Pa. — Tammy Fedorchak showed Newswatch 16 around the space for Katie's Place Clubhouse inside the Scranton Counseling Center.
The clubhouse program aims to empower and help people who live with mental illness.
Clubhouse members and staff work side by side to run the clubhouse doing everyday tasks and learning new skills.
Since the program started about three years ago, membership has grown.
"We're really not changing lives. We are standing by their side as they change their own life," Fedorchak said.
"Within probably a few months of the program, John and Tammy already had a huge membership. And so people are excited to take the next step in their journey and we're excited to be partners and helping them get there," said Sarah Wodder, the CEO of the Scranton Counseling Center.
With growth comes the need for more space. Work is underway for the new Katie's Place Clubhouse along Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton.
Executive Director John Rosengrant said it was important to give members an opportunity to weigh in on the new location.
"Everything that you see, from the program aspect to the colors of the wolves, has been determined by them, which I think is really empowering and unique," Rosengrant said.
Members of Katie's Place Clubhouse are excited about this new opportunity to continue their wellness journey at a place where they build their skills and confidence.
"It is a very confident factor, knowing that people are out there fighting the same battle and growing as individual human beings," said member Zack Rundell.
"I really like the fact that I can go somewhere, and I already have something that I'm pretty OK doing and now I'm like getting recognition for it," member Jacob Vadovsky said.
The new location on Penn Avenue is expected to open this summer.