944 Liberty Street 2nd Floor
Meadville, PA 16335
Director: Amy Lauria
Phone: (814) 724-1391
Fax: (814) 337-0008
Email: alauria [at] chapsinc.org
How would Some one go about becoming a member at your Clubhouse?
To become a member – interested individuals may come into the Journey Center and will be given a tour and a referral will be made to the appropriate office. Once the referral returns, potential members are given an orientation to the Journey Center and a member ‘Buddy’ will assist the new member in getting acquainted with all the aspects of the clubhouse.
History:
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 JourneyCenter and work hard toward certification.
The Journey Center's 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.
About Our Clubhouse:
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 builds 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.
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 JourneyCenter 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.