Journey Center
994 Liberty St. Second Floor
Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: (814) 724-1391
Fax: (814) 337-0008
Director: Jeff Brooks
Auspice Agency: CHAPS (Crawford Country Mental
Health Awareness Program)
E-mail: journeycenter@live.com |
History
Mission
Statement – The
Journey Center
in Meadville is a place for
individuals who have been socially and vocationally disabled by mental
illness to receive help building the confidence and skills necessary to lead
productive and satisfying lives. The
Journey
Center
is a place where the opportunities are provided for men and women with
mental illness to work and learn together. All the while they are
contributing their talents through a community of mutual support.
Through a “work- ordered day” the members have defined responsibilities
including tasks that are essential to the operation of the clubhouse.
The
Journey
Center
opened its doors in July of 2000. In April 2001, the
Journey
Center
was chosen for the Best Social Work Program of the Year, by the Northwest
Pennsylvania District of the National Association of Social Workers.
In 2006, the
Journey
Center
received its first certification for one year. Our next certification
visit in 2010 brought a three year provisional. Members are very
dedicated to the mission of the
Journey Center
and work hard toward certification.
The Journey Centers
Advisory Board was formed in 2006. Its mission is to enhance the
activities of the clubhouse by supporting and strengthening the employment
program and is active in fundraising for the
Journey
Center.
They have also been advocating in the community on behalf of the
Journey
Center.
Clubhouse Community
The
Journey
Center
currently has two units. The Business Affairs Unit and the Growing
Healthy Unit. Each unit has a very active work ordered day.
The Business Affairs Unit teaches
clerical skills in receptionist duties, faxing, filing general paper work,
producing mailers, computer skills, producing a monthly newsletter and
making outreach calls. Also the unit is busy tallying statistics and
entering data in the computers. Outreach is important component of the
Journey
Center,
contacting and informing other members of activities and also to say
“Hello”.
The Growing Healthy Unit focuses on building skills that
translate to everyday living, as well as skills that can be used to obtain
and maintain transitional, supported or independent employment. These
skills include: meal planning, budgeting, running and budgeting the snack
shop, meal preparation, janitorial and maintenance skills; planting and
maintaining gardens and houseplants. Members also learn to create and
maintain clean, healthy living environments; as well as, the importance of
“Going Green” by encouraging recycling and helping members learn to grow
their own vegetables. Members also discuss health and wellness and
participate in planned social events.
The
Journey
Center
has an outstanding Social Program that includes events for evenings, and
weekends. Members and staff discuss and plan events the 3rd
Thursday of each month. Members research events in the community
and plans are made around these events. Members and staff engage in
social environments to build friendships.
Rags 2 Riches is a creative outlet that engages members
in sewing and recycling creating beautiful items by utilizing used clothing.
This creativity has brought out the inner artist of many.
Other unique opportunities:
Members along with staff work together in the activities and work of the
Journey
Center.
Discussions are held to promote healthy living and wellness in the lives of
our membership. At the
Journey Center
we focus on the member’s strengths and talents. Other advocacy
programs that we are associated with are NAMI and CSP both on the local and
regional levels.
Our Community Connections:
Directions
The
Journey
Center
is located in beautiful
Meadville
Pennsylvania -
northwest Pennsylvania.
Take I-79 North to Meadville
Exit 147A. Take 322 East after passing the Channelock Tool Factory on
your right, veer to the right, this becomes Park Avenue.
Take 5 lights then make a right on Arch Street.
At the second intersection turn left onto Liberty
Street. One block and the
Journey
Center
is on the left.
