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History of Liberty Centre Services, Inc.
Liberty Centre began in 1978 as the Life Improvement Program, a traditional day treatment program for adults with mental health. After six years of trying to make a difference in peoples' lives, staff believed there was much more potential within the participants. Their was the realization that the day treatment methods were not affording participants the opportunities to tap their potential. After learning of Fountain House in New York City and attending the three-week colleague-training program in1984, Liberty Centre adopted the " Clubhouse Model" of psychosocial rehabilitation. Within the first year, program attendance tripled; members were going to work at real jobs in the community, living in their apartments and taking charge of their own destiny.
Our Clubhouse opened in February 1984 at the Monroe Mental Health in Norfolk. The Liberty Centre Clubhouse continued to grow and by 1987 those initial quarters and subsequent facilities were exchanged for a brand new building located at 112 South Birch Street in Norfolk. On January 1, 1993, Liberty Centre became a freestanding agency divesting from Region Four Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service District. At that time, the Board Of Directors was developed and the decision made to purchased the building from the Region and assumed financial risk and all other responsibilities associated with being autonomous. Clubhouse membership continued to grow each subsequent year. In March 2001, Liberty Centre purchased and moved to 900 East Norfolk Avenue. This building contained almost twice as many square feet as the South Birch building.
Community Support Services In August 1998, LCS, Inc. added the Crisis Prevention Program to our organization. This program was developed in 1995 through a joint venture agreement between the Region IV Mental health and Substance Abuse Service District, the Norfolk Regional Centre, Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc. sand Liberty Centre Services, Inc. The Crisis Prevention Program provides community support to individuals with a mental illness. This service is available to persons with a mental illness, living in the Norfolk area .
Housing and Residential Support On January 1, 1996, a historical event was celebrated by the LCS, Inc. organization. We began our first housing venture as members made Willow Park I Apartments their new home. Construction of the sixteen unit apartments was financed by a Section 811 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The organization continued to expand housing services, opening Willow Park II Apartments, in August 2000. This apartment ten unit complex was also funded by a Section 811 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2005 Chestnut Park Apartments opened. Chestnut Park includes ten apartments. Willow Park I & II and Chestnut Park each have their own separate cooperation and Board of Directors.
For members who choose to live independently in the Norfolk community, support and assistance from Liberty Centre is still available. Liberty Centre staff works with landlords to ensure that members' needs as well as landlords' expectations are met.
Liberty Centre Services, Inc. recognized the need for a level of housing for individuals that were ready for discharge from the hospital , but not ready for to live independently. In November 1998, Park Place was opened. Park Place was a transitional residential group home. Eight individuals who were discharged from the Norfolk Regional Center made Park Place their home. Park Place provides twenty-four hour staffing and assistance with medication. Residents have opportunities to learn a variety of skills that will help them transition into the community and live more independent lives.
Work-Ordered Day Work is central to the mission of the Liberty Centre Clubhouse. A dedicated team of skilled individuals, including members, staff and a board of directors, operates Liberty Centre. Member's abilities and particular areas of expertise are vital to the success of the organization and the rehabilitation of each individual member.
Employment Employment is the heart and soul of Liberty Centre and it is significant in the process of rehabilitation. Members are proud of what they do at their place of employment. Transitional employment and independent supported employment have served the membership well in their journey to a more full and independent life.
Member Advocacy Each member of the Liberty Centre Clubhouse has the opportunity to choose an advisor with whom to partner as they plan and achieve their goals and aspirations. This allows members to receive the individualized assistance they need as they make progress toward their goals. The relationships developed between the members and staff are key to allowing the Clubhouse Model to make a positive impact on individuals and their quality of life.
Member Bank The Member Bank at the Liberty Centre Clubhouse has many regular customers. This unique service is available to members to assist them in financial planning, which may include budgeting, paying bills, investing and saving.
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