OUR MISSION
The Castle is a gathering place of trust and friendship which supports people with mental illness and disorders to achieve their highest level of competence and independence through Peer Support and socialization
VISIONDignity, understanding, and improved quality of life for people with mental illness and disorders throughout society.
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE’RE ABOUT…The Castle is a vital part of the mental health delivery system in Montgomery County. As a social club and Peer Run Organization, we provide a place for peer support, a place to have fun while learning responsibility and accountability while gaining self-empowerment. We strive to be a compliment to other clinical services in the region and supplement mental stability efforts for our members.
From our early days, we have grown and moved towards an expansion of services into the Recovery model. This is an exciting time as we provide our members with more opportunities for wellness and recovery through our Peer Run Organization and our Peer Recovery services In any human services system, it is advantageous for many people to come in contact with the recipients of those services. When a portion of the system breaks down, other providers of service along the way can help “right the ship” so to speak; to correct the service. Our peers assist members in navigating these systems. Although we are a social club, The Castle offers more than a comfortable place for people to enjoy friendship; play cards and share their stories. The Castle also offers a unique opportunity for members to make their struggles within the service delivery system known to staff. Staff has the advantage of being able to look across services within the mental health system to provide assistance not always easily available elsewhere. This gives the staff an opportunity to make an effort with key contacts within the mental health community that may be able to affect a positive change for the member. The mental health system can be complex to navigate for individuals with illnesses. This assistance would not be possible if it were not for the members feeling safe, trusting the staff and willingness to share. I must acknowledge that there are many problems in the system, but there are many committed professionals within it that work hard every day to provide quality services to people. However, many times communications break down. The staff at The Castle tries to bridge some of those gaps. HISTORY OF THE RECOVERY MODELLately in the news there has been much discussion about mental illness and how as a society we have neglected this under-served portion of our population – 60 million people. Reform is just so slow. Despite the movement which began as an off shoot of the civil rights movement of the 60’s and landmark legislation and litigation of the 70’s, it has taken a long time for true reform. Public outcry demanded change and de-institutionalization moved slowly from “warehousing” to today where the emphasis is no longer term care, but acute care. We have moved to more local hospital care and a shift in funding to local communities. It wasn’t until the mid 90’s that the term “Recovery” was even defined. Now, the term “recovery-support” has become a critical piece of mental wellness; making it possible for more people to manage their disease, find meaning, purpose and function in the world.
“Recovery” is rising above the limitations of one’s mental illness to lead a productive full life, as one desires. Our programing person-centered, holistic and very individualized. Some of the key components of the Recovery Model:Accepting personal responsibility for one’s recovery
Hope and Courage is accomplished one step at a time according to individual abilities and goals. Making small improvements in functioning as a part of recovery. Meaningful work (paid or volunteer) Empowerment Increasing awareness and changing attitudes Peer support Family support Community Involvement |
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