If you are in need of Mental Health care this is not the place to go. Not all group attendees are treated w/ respect and dignity. I know I haven't been treated w/ respect and dignity here. The Executive Director and the 'hierarchy' (peer specialists, group leaders, etc.) coloborate as to whether they like you there as a member in need of being involved in their groups even when you have not done anything to deserve that certain kind of treatment. It's kinda of clicky, especially if you have an issue that arises... that needs to be addressed.
My observations have been the following:
It is the Executive Director and staff against the "nut" member and it definitely isn't HIPAA protected. I overheard the Executive Director speaking carelessly about other members and their health diagnosis' when they were not present in an open area. Also, I was in a group w/ the Executive Director and some of her "peeps" and they were carrying on with a joke and cackling during a PROCOVERY group session which had NOTHING to do w/ the topic.
A new visitor came in and was distracted by the laughing and asked what was the joke was and why were they disrupting the group. The Executive Director and some of the staff got upset w/ the non "peep" and said some things to undermine how that individual felt and the Executive Director angerily stated that they were free to laugh and carry on as they were even while the group was being disrupted and that they should not be questioning what they were laughing about or expect an apology. When the non "peep" said they were offended about the laughing interruption during session, the Executive Director stormed out of the room saying didn't see the need to apologize and was later found outside having a cigarette. I saw and even was aware of how that individual felt seeing them left feeling shocked and uncomfortable w/ the feeling that they were made to feel unwelcome dealt and dealt w/ unprofessionally In a group that they probably really needed to participate in.
Individuals are coming to this 'organization' to get support for whatever life issue they find themselves in and SURPRISED w/ the possibility of being DISRESPECTED. Basically, the staff of this organization are so comfortable in their positions and they think they are 'ENTITLED' to make the rules up as they go and treat people any way they wish.
They are employed there, treating people unprofessionally, and recieving government dollars and donations without any feeling that they might be usurped from their positions. PLEASE RETHINK DONATING TO THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I joined the Self Help Center several years ago and I have never regretted it. I began as a consumer but quickly found myself volunteering as well. The programs and services they offer are second to none.
I have been a member for about 14 years. My recovery has been greatly affectly affected by it. We even go on social outings.
The Self Help Center at 8301 Crest Industrial Dr. in St. Louis, MO 63123 is a wonderful not for profit organization giving support to people with brain disorders through education and group meetings. They also have a food pantry to help supplement the members to stretch their money for living.
The activities of the center are tremendous for the participants, and they help with acceptance of life on life’s terms. I feel the members are empowered in so many ways to improve their lives.
The Self Help Center does soooo much on its limited budget. Any help they could get would be greatly appreciated, and it would enable them to do so much more for members of society that get over looked much of the time.
The Self Help Center has been a wonderful resource for our family. Our adult daughter, who has a brain disorder, has a place to go during the day. She has met new friends there and found acceptance.
The educational programs and training have been extraordinary. Recently, she has taken the courses and tested to become a Certified Peer Specialist.
The staff at the Center go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. It is a tragedy that budget constraints have limited the available hours of operation each week.
I would definitely recommend the Self Help Center to others who suffer from mental illness. I am someone who has multiple mental problems and, this place is very welcoming it provides a place to come to be social, safe, and to get support no matter what you are going through. There are also a lot of beneficial educational support classes to go to. I learned that I am not alone in this and that there is a road to recovery. The Self Help Center reaches out to staff, family members, members and nurses in the community to make mental illness more aware to the public. If your in the neighborhood stop by and visit us, we would love to meet you!
I have been in the field of education for over 30 years. I have dealt with many individuals having signifigant problems in their lives and became a school Counselor to many of them. The Self Help Center offers anyone in need the same assistance. I have seen the impact on several lives and wholly endorse their programs. I often can't believe the services they offer free of charge. If any group would choose to endorse or to fund Self Help Center (SHC) they would be totally in the right!
Self Help Center is a boat that helps us go up and down the journey of life. The atmosphere is warm and loving and caring. It let's people know they are not alone.
The Self Help Center is critical to the population of the area for which it serves. Without the services the Center provides, a highly needed commodity would be absent and leave a gaping hole for the community.
Thanks to the Self-help-Center, I am able to job-hunt 5 times a week. I have gotten many interviews through this job hunting
As a Certrified Missouri Peer Specialist I can attest to the fact that Self Help Center has an incredibly positive impact on many lives. The levels of recovery I have observed at SHC are phenominal!! Members, staff, and volunteers are all dedicated to the idea(l) of client based recovery services. The programing offered is based on the wants and needs of the SHC community and provides opportunities for sharing, learning, and growth. I also hold a Masters in Library Science and Information Technology and have worked in the mental health field (as well as being a consumer) for quite a few years. I have encounter many, many types of recovery - or so called recovery - programs. SHC is by far the best and most dedicated to true consumer lead recovery.
Self Help Center is a truly consumer operated services program and is the oldest in the State of Missouri. The organization hires only individuals with lived recovery experience and encourages participants to do more for the organization, such as participate in town hall meetings and serve on various committees or the Consumer Advisory Board, which helps in improving self esteem and self-worth. The organization provides its services at its surburban facility and at area hospitals in both inpatient and outpatient settings. All staff are Certified by the State of Missouri as Peer Specialists and regularly use their lived experience in helping to move individuals forward. The organization also works in partnership with national agencies such as Abraham Low's Self-Help Systems, Procovery Institute, and the Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance. Their years of experience, soon to be 25, have saved many lives and gives a glimer of hope to those in need.
I am a 60 year-old femail with ocd (hoarder) & major depression. This facility has given me so much help without condemnation. It is great island for rest in this world of survival. It provides hope, communication, & sustainance.
SInce attending the center my life has improved. I have a safe place to go, to be around others, not isolating myself and condition. I find the center a welcomming relief to everyday life, being surrounded with people just like me, so i don't have to explain why I am the way I am. We all relate on a common cause, to restore hope to our healing minds. Buck Giovanni
The self help center has given me a place to voice my concerns and then be supported in my endeavors. I would very enthusiastically recommend the Self Help Center to anyone who shows interest.
Self Help Center is a lifesaver. I on a lonely path downward and needed help. I found out about the center and came one day to go to a group. I found it transformative. The people were so kind and supportive, it was a home away from home. I started going daily immediately. I had a relationship shortly after first coming and if it weren't for the center I would have had a difficult time managing. I stuck with it and soon was recovering quite well. I took a certification class to volunteer at the center and passed the test soon after. What joy and support I had gotten through the arduous study period. I have volunteered here for well over one year. This brought a me a whole new life. It increased my self-esteem and self worth. I now am happier than I've ever been with wonderful new friends and collegues. The cener saved my life in more ways than one. It has saved many lives and will continue to do so for many years to come.