Nourishing Recovery Through Work: Iris Clubhouse and Kind Grounds Partner on Transitional Employment

At Iris Clubhouse, employment is a vital part of recovery. Meaningful work builds confidence, routine, and a sense of purpose, particularly for individuals who have faced barriers due to mental health challenges. This philosophy is at the heart of our Transitional Employment program and it is why our partnership with Kind Grounds is such a strong and values-aligned collaboration.

As highlighted by Your Wyoming Link, this partnership creates a paid, supported employment opportunity for an Iris Clubhouse member while directly serving the unhoused population in Casper.

Kind Grounds is a nonprofit organization that operates a navigation center for individuals who are unhoused. The center serves as a critical access point where people can receive meals, connect with services, and engage with organizations that might otherwise struggle to reach this population. By focusing on navigation, outreach, and basic needs, Kind Grounds plays a key role in Casper’s community support system.

Through this partnership, Kind Grounds has set aside a Transitional Employment position for a part-time cook. In this role, a Clubhouse member will assist kitchen staff in preparing and serving meals for individuals accessing the navigation center. The position offers hands-on experience in a supportive environment while contributing directly to the wellbeing of the unhoused community.

Transitional Employment positions are designed to be accessible and supportive. They are part time, paid at a competitive wage, and do not require a competitive interview process. Members are selected by Clubhouse staff and receive ongoing on-site and off-site support throughout the placement. If challenges arise, staff provide coverage and assistance to ensure continuity for both the member and the partner organization.

For many members, Transitional Employment is a bridge back into the workforce. It provides the opportunity to build job skills, regain confidence, and establish a recent work history while knowing support is always available. These placements often lead to supported or independent employment as members continue to grow and pursue their goals.

This partnership also strengthens the broader community. Clubhouse members gain meaningful experience contributing to a nonprofit whose mission centers on dignity and access, while Kind Grounds gains dedicated support in fulfilling its mission of serving the unhoused population. Together, the organizations are creating pathways that connect recovery, employment, and community care.

We are grateful to Kind Grounds for their commitment to inclusive employment and to local media for helping share the importance of Transitional Employment. When nonprofits collaborate with shared values, the impact reaches far beyond a single position.

This is what recovery-oriented, community-based employment looks like. Purposeful work. Real support. Shared impact. Thank you to our partners at Kind Grounds, Grace Filkins Executive Director at Iris Clubhouse.