“We give tours every week,” says Jen O’Brien with a smile. She’s talking about the Clubhouse, a one-of-a-kind Park City community where people focus on connection and life skills—not illness—while getting support with essentials like housing, food, and jobs.
Members aren’t “patients.” Jen says. They’re working side by side with staff to plan game nights, holiday dinners, job training, snowshoe hikes, and help with stable housing. “Medication can stabilize someone, but it can’t stabilize finances, housing, safety, or a sense of isolation,” she adds. Together, members support each other in achieving a more fully integrated community life.
Jen first learned about Clubhouse while working at the Park City Education Foundation, stepping into the role of Executive Director two years ago this month. “I was looking to have a local impact,” she says, recalling childhood memories of her parents’ strong community ties in Massachusetts. She’s amazed by Park City’s spirit of teamwork: “I pick up the phone and get help right away, from People’s Health to Peace House.”
After years working in international development in the Caribbean, Jen moved to Utah in 2019 when her husband John’s Army Reserve unit transferred here. “We’ve known each other since kindergarten,” she says, “and he’s the key to my sanity—he supports me in so many kind ways.”
The Park City Clubhouse is one of 370 accredited facilities worldwide, and for Jen, it’s “a family affair. John pitches in so often that people think he’s on staff.” At home, the couple are raising two boys and love hiking Park City’s extensive, visitor-supported trails. “It’s a real benefit to my family—and my dog,” Jen laughs.
Motivated by “the resilience of our members,” Jen is passionate about spreading the word. “We rely on employers, family, friends, and neighbors to connect people with Clubhouse.” And her invitation is simple: “Please come see me! Everyone knows someone who could benefit from this model.”