The soon-to-be closed Green Door Clubhouse

Photo of the Werlich Mansion in DC.

The soon-to-be closed Green Door Clubhouse. Photo by Chris Shaw.

Why would the much-loved and often heralded Green Door Clubhouse, at the cozy corner of Corcoran and 16th streets, NW, be allowed to expire?  

Chris Shaw.

There probably are valid reasons, starting with the Medicaid-billable hours not being met and members (psychiatric clients) failing to show up for appointed service time. Heck, the price of hamburger rolls and salad is going through the ceiling.  

Nonetheless, what about the lost camaraderie? With a roster of consumers ranging from residents of the St. Elizabeth’s campus, to gifted musicians, writers and math whizzes, the Romanesque brownstone and brick “castle” was home to an endless cycle of sharing. Whether ideas, conflicts, behavioral and employment coaching or great nutritional meals ranging in price from 50 cents to gratis, everything was there for the asking.  

Lest we forget, the weekly house (or policy) meeting led by Green Door founder Judith Johnson and program director Brenda Randall was always a true winner. Every Tuesday, in the spacious and stately dining hall, the 34- year legacy of this uplifting organization for people with mental issues needing resolution would be held up for full scrutiny and changes.  

In this same space, musicals, testimonials and educational presentations would invariably be held, which never failed to spike the imaginations and lift the hearts of all in attendance. Probably the most exuberant and downright lovely of these events would be the “art and drama therapy workshop” concerts put on by an amazing group of largely developmentally and visually challenged adult students who gave forth the most thrilling gospel soul this writer ever experienced.  

A close second in profound effect on my emotions was the memorial program (in which I was allowed to contribute some spiritual offerings on the piano) for a charter member of the Green Door, Mr. Ernest Welch. Ernest was such a powerful example of mental health recovery. Over a 25-year period, he went from being a profoundly ill client to a mentor capable of leading scores of newcomers to proficiency in math, reading and computer fundamentals in the clubhouse educational program.  

Soon, the majestic Werlich mansion, once made available to Judith, her staff and members through a real estate easement that was nothing short of a miracle, may fall into disuse again. The longtime owner, from an established D.C. “first family,” had died in a robbery, and the rebirth of her home as a vibrant center of growth and productive, joyful activity was true “frontier justice.” So, why should the Clubhouse doors slam shut for good?  

Not long ago, a founding partner of the Carlyle Financial Group ponied-up $5 million of his fund’s money to save and expand the facilities of the Capital Food Bank. Why couldn’t the Clubhouse find a similar “sidewalk Santa” in these terribly hard times, so that people who might otherwise have nowhere to go actually have somewhere to go? 


Issues |Health, Mental


Region |Dupont Circle|Ward 2|Washington DC

information about New Signature, a Washington DC tech solutions and consulting firm

Advertisement

email updates

We believe ending homelessness begins with listening to the stories of those who have experienced it.

Subscribe

RELATED CONTENT