1985 Durham NAMI members secure startup grant to create Threshold clubhouse program.  Shirley Strobel, Frances Few, Mary DBT Semans, Tony Mulvihill, and Becky Heron are among those who lend their support to help establish the clubhouse program in our first home on Guess Road. Krista Magaw hired as first Executive Director. Twenty five members join program. 

1986 Threshold begins first transitional employment placements with Quality Janitorial Company, Durham Arts Council, Arby’s, and Piccadilly Cafeteria. 

1988 Carrie Holt hired as Executive Director.

1989 Threshold’s average daily attendance outgrows the Guess Road clubhouse’s capacity; the Dickens Memorial Fund is established for purchasing a new clubhouse.

1990 Threshold initiates supported housing program.  Threshold moves to current location on Gary Street. Jonathan Beard hired as Threshold’s third Executive Director. Dickens Fund campaign completed; mortgage on Gary St. paid in full.

1991 Group transitional employment at Ninth St. Bakery begins. Thrift store remodeled. Threshold members and staff attend 6th International Seminar on the Clubhouse Model.

1992 Threshold is named a vendor for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.  Ralph Taylor, longtime staff member, dies. His mom and her church create revolving loan fund in his name to help members with short term cash flow problems. 

1993 Average daily attendance up to 44 per day. Kitchen is enlarged and equipped with commercial applicances to handle the demand of an average of 24 meals served daily.

1994 Clubhouse building is dedicated as the Dickens house, in honor of the late Robert L. Dickens, former President of the Board of Directors

1995 Threshold establishes relationship with Durham Tech to help members obtain their GED. Threshold becomes the first NC clubhouse certified by International Center for Clubhouse Development, receiving the highest level three-year certification.

1996 Snack Bar renovation. Threshold expands clubhouse hours to seven days a week.

1997 Susan Deter hired as Threshold’s 4th Executive Director.

1998 Employment Director Phil Wintermute rescues beached shark during NC Clubhouse Coalition meeting.

2000 Threshold celebrates 15th anniversary.  Average daily attendance up to 50 per day.

2001 Local foundation support enables purchase of six new computers, greatly improving Threshold’s administrative efficiency and providing tremendous learning opportunity for members.

2002 Threshold completes $125,000 renovation, replacing all bathrooms and floors, and reconfiguring clerical unit to create additional office space. Presbyterian Hunger Program grants start-up funding for Meals Access program, allowing Threshold to lower Kitchen and Snack Bar lunch price to $1.00, a price all members can afford.  Lunch participation doubles in just six months.

2003 Threshold purchases handicapped-access van, enabling more Threshold members to participate in employment and social-recreation opportunities.

2004 Advent of Supported Employment program. Threshold takes on contract to provide housing supports for Raynor St. apartments.
   
2005 Shirley Strobel apartments open with 12 new supported housing units, providing much-needed supported independent housing for Threshold members and others. Stewards Fund grant part of $140,000 facilities upgrade to replace roof, windows, and HVAC system. Threshold also installs handicapped-access button for front entrance. Average attendance up to 57 persons per day.

2006  Two TE placements as stacks assistants at Duke's Perkins Library begin in January.  With the help of Duke staff one member learns effective techniques for coping with his learning disability. Area artists support Threshold at the 4th annual MOMart spring art sale.

2007 Threshold member spearheads the creation of our first Advocacy Edition. Longtime Transitional Employer Frank Ferrell of the Ninth St. Bakery wins national award.