Venture House in Fordham is a clubhouse that is run by and for adults with mental illnesses. Members volunteer to take on tasks like cooking, cleaning, planning activities, running meetings and more. People say it's a place for recovery and acceptance.

"A lot of people think people that have mental health problems can't do nothing, but we can do more than what they think we can do," said Ira Boyce, a member at Venture House.

He told News 12 he's a good cook, so he likes to share his skills with others and cook delicious food for other members.

News 12 also spoke with Maria Dortona, a member who calls herself a 'social butterfly.'

"I suffer all my life from severe depression. But when I come here, I feel so good, I feel happy. And I'm happy to to help others," said Dortona.

She told News 12 anyone who is thinking of joining the Venture House should because if it helped her heal, it could help others heal too.

The members at Venture House are running a business while building critical skills.

Staff members help them create resumes and apply to jobs with the skills they learn while volunteering.

The CEO of the company Juliet Douglas said this is the next step after medical treatment.

"People with mental illness are largely marginalized, stigmatized. They've lost relationships. Even their own families are often estranged from them. They can be isolated, lonely, and have no sense of purpose, meaning and value in their lives. And they come into the clubhouse. They're actually needed here to help us run the business. And that gives them purpose," said Douglas.

"I learned how to talk to people. I learned how to adapt. I learned how to communicate, and I learned how to help people," said Boyce. He said he doesn't feel negative emotions when surrounded by his peers at Venture House. And if he does, he has a robust support system to get him back on track.

The members go on trips, create art projects and elaborate recipes in the kitchen. Staff members support them through any challenge that may arise. They even help pair members with stable housing and other treatment options.

Venture House currently has more than 200 members. Its goal is to expand to 475 members by the end of 2026.

Click here to learn more about Venture House and how you can get involved.

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