What is Summit House?
Summit House is a community based self-help rehabilitation program designed to assist individuals with their recoveries from mental illness. The program operates as a club where members are voluntary participants and contributors. They carry out the work of the house, vote on decisions affecting the program and provide mutual support to each other.
Fundamental Beliefs of Summit House:
- Every person has a positive contribution to make regardless of a disability.
- All persons require the opportunity for social contact, support and a place to be needed and wanted.
- Individuals often grow most when reaching beyond themselves to support others.
- Work, especially gainful work, is a growth producing force in human life.
Why is there a Summit House?
Since the early 1960's, the focus of mental health resources has shifted from institutions to local areas. On May 26, 1983, Summit House opened to provide a place in the community where persons who have experience a mental illness could join together in meaningful daytime activities and mutual support. Summit House exists to enable persons to lead productive lives in their home communities.
What is offered at Summit House?
- Work units: The essential tasks for the daily operations of the house are divided among three work units: kitchen, clerical and maintenance. Units are based on the principle of the work-ordered day which allows members to improve their skills and adjust to the work environment in a supportive setting. Individuals also enhance their interpersonal and team work skills as well as independent living skills.
- Department of Rehabilitative Services: A rehabilitation counselor here offers training, counseling and job placement services to members.
- Job Support: The Vocational Advocate assists members with job searches, applications, and interview skills. Support and problem solving is also offered.
- Employed Members Dinner: A dinner is prepared twice monthly to honor working members and members with significant involvements in the community. This also gives members an opportunity to socialize and offer one another support
Supportive Services:
- Social Program: In recognition of the relationship of social interaction and mental health, Summit House offers daily opportunities for social contact and skill development. Social programs occur on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
- Support: Summit House offers a member an important support system. A person who is recovering from a mental illness can best understand and help another recovering person. This can be beneficial for both.
- Education: Opportunities are available through daily groups for members to extend their knowledge in the areas of mental and physical health, medications, and social and personal development.
- Wellness: A Wellness Advocate offers daily groups to foster physical and mental wellbeing as well as some individual wellness planning. Activities are provided to increase knowledge of community resources. A fitness room is available to member.
Who can become a member of Summit House?
A prospective member must:
- Be a Community Services Board client.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have experienced the effect of a mental illness.
When is Summit House Open?
Summit House is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Social programs are from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 10:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information call (540) 434-1816 or write: