Business Details
38 Years
experience
Mental Health & Housing Support in Crawford County
At Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program CHAPS, we have dedicated ourselves to mental health advocacy and community resilience since 1988. Our organization combines the lived experience of mental health consumers with professional expertise to deliver comprehensive support services tailored to individual needs. Through our Drop-In Center, Journey Center Clubhouse, and Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation programs, we foster personal growth, skill development, and social integration for adults with mental illness. Our Housing Solutions Program implements a Housing First Approach, connecting individuals with permanent affordable housing while providing essential case management and community support services. We operate under the foundational belief that recovery is achievable for all, guided by principles of dignity, self-direction, and cultural inclusivity.Our dedicated team of certified peer specialists and trained professionals works collaboratively to help clients achieve independence through strengths-based rehabilitation strategies. As a consumer-driven organization, we maintain active partnerships with local agencies to ensure comprehensive care delivery throughout Crawford County. Our Warmline service provides non-emergency peer support while community education initiatives promote mental health awareness countywide. We measure our success through the tangible improvements in clients' quality of life and sustained housing stability outcomes. As a trusted community resource since 1988, we continue expanding our evidence-based programs to better serve individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Services
Drop-In Center
Housing Advocacy
Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Certified Peer Support
Community Education Outreach
Warmline Services
Fairweather Lodge Housing
Case Management
Shelter Plus Care
Emergency Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We operate since 1988 with proven expertise in mental health advocacy
- Our consumer-professional collaboration ensures personalized support programs
- 365-day access to Drop-In Center peer support services
- Housing First Approach guarantees permanent affordable housing solutions
- Staff of certified peer specialists with lived experience
Services
Drop-In Center
Our Drop-In Center provides a safe, welcoming environment for mental health consumers to access peer support and community resources. Open 365 days annually from 8am-8pm, it offers socialization opportunities, skill-building activities, and computer access. Staff facilitate guest speakers, educational workshops, and recreational programs to promote recovery through social engagement and mutual support networks.
Housing Solutions
Housing Solutions Program connects homeless individuals with permanent affordable housing through our Housing First Initiative. This comprehensive service includes case management, rental assistance, and connections to community resources. Our specialized programs like Fairweather Lodge and Shelter Plus Care provide structured living environments with vocational and mental health support services for long-term housing stability.
Mobile Psych Rehab
Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation delivers individualized mental health support directly in clients' homes and communities. Trained specialists help adults develop wellness management strategies, build natural support systems, and access local resources. Available Monday through Sunday with extended weekday hours, this service empowers clients to achieve recovery goals through personalized, community-integrated care approaches.
Journey Center
The Journey Center Clubhouse follows an evidence-based model where staff and members collaborate on work-ordered day activities. Our structured units develop practical skills in business operations, healthy living, and community engagement. Participants gain confidence through meaningful tasks while receiving professional guidance for employment, education, and personal development goals in a supportive peer environment.
Certified Peer Support
Certified Peer Support Program pairs clients with trained specialists who share lived experience of mental health challenges. This non-traditional therapy model focuses on strengths-based recovery through regular one-on-one sessions. Peer specialists help clients navigate service systems, develop coping strategies, and build personal support networks to maintain mental wellness and community integration.
People
Amy Lauria
Journey Center Director
With extensive experience in mental health program management, Amy Lauria leads our Journey Center operations providing structured rehabilitation opportunities for recovery-focused clients.
Laurie Combs
Drop-In Center Coordinator
Laurie Combs oversees our peer-run Drop-In Center, fostering a supportive community environment for adults seeking mental health support and social connection.
Sandy Farkas
Housing Solutions Supervisor
As housing program supervisor, Sandy Farkas manages permanent housing initiatives and community integration services for individuals experiencing homelessness across Crawford County.
Amanda Burke
Mobile Psych Rehab Specialist
Amanda Burke delivers community-based psychiatric rehabilitation services, helping clients develop independence through personalized support plans and skill development programs.
Dorine Lowery
CSS Coordinator
Dorine Lowery coordinates community support services including utility assistance and employment aid programs that complement our core mental health and housing initiatives.
Questions
What mental health services does CHAPS offer?
CHAPS provides Drop-In Center peer support, Mobile Psych Rehab, Certified Peer Support, Journey Center Clubhouse, and 24/7 warmline services.
How do I access housing assistance?
Contact our Housing Solutions Program staff at 386 Chestnut St. Meadville, PA 16335 during business hours to discuss eligibility and available options.
Are services available for crisis situations?
We provide non-emergency peer support through our warmline. For immediate crises, contact local emergency services or visit the nearest hospital.
Can I volunteer at CHAPS?
Yes! Our Drop-In Center offers volunteer opportunities. Contact our Meadville office to discuss current volunteer programs and requirements.
Do you accept donations?
We welcome community support through monetary donations and in-kind contributions. Visit our website or contact our office for more information.
What community education initiatives exist?
We offer mental health awareness workshops, guest speaker programs, and outreach initiatives through our Drop-In Center and community partnerships.
