Friendship, Community & Belonging
A safe and inclusive resource providing hope and self-worth through employment and social opportunities for those living with mental illness.
About Katie’s Place Clubhouse
Katie’s Place Clubhouse is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals living with mental illness in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Luzerne Counties. We offer a variety of programs and services designed to help our members achieve their personal and professional goals.
Katie’s Story
Kathleen “Katie” Shoener was a beautiful, vibrant, and natural leader with many friends. She graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and obtained her MBA from Ohio State Fisher School of Business. Despite her success, Katie lived with Bipolar Disorder.
Mental illness affects nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States, often invisibly. Katie managed her condition with medication and the support of her loved ones. However, Bipolar Disorder can cause severe mood swings and depressive episodes, which tragically led to Katie's death by suicide at the age of 29.
Katie's family openly addressed her mental illness and suicide in her obituary, calling for an end to the stigma and discrimination faced by those with mental health conditions. The obituary went viral, resonating with people worldwide and spreading the message that individuals are not defined by their illnesses.
Katie's father, Ed, a Catholic deacon, believes that God can turn all things to good. Katie’s suffering has inspired the creation of Katie’s Place Clubhouse, which provides hope and vocational opportunities for those living with mental illness, fostering meaningful relationships and connections.