1999 Exemplary Program Initiative
Award Recipient
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Columbiana County Counseling Center
Lisbon, OH
 The
Columbiana County Counseling Center of Lisbon, Ohio, is truly a
PATH program centered around its consumers. Begun in 1994, the Center
serves a primarily rural community through outreach done exclusively
by consumers. It was this aspect of the program, among others, that
led Nancy Nickerson of the Ohio Department of Mental Health to nominate
the Center as a PATH exemplary program for FY 1999.
"During a site visit, this program literally surprised us
with their quality and drive for excellence," Nickerson said.
"The passion and pride that the consumers had for their program
struck us deeply. The consumer volunteers have really taken ownership
of this program, as well as its vision. The quality, compassion,
and energy that are given to the recipients of their services are
effective and truly inspirational."
Mental Health and Housing Services
One of 12 PATH-funded local providers in Ohio, the Center received
$32,326 in PATH funding in FY 1999, which represented 13 percent
of its total budget for serving homeless people with serious mental
illnesses. Using this funding, the Center offered outreach, case
management, and supportive and supervisory services in residential
settings to 36 persons eligible for PATH services.
Using PATH funds, the staff works with the Center's housing coordinator
to subsidize rents and pay security deposits and other costs for
housing in boarding homes, foster homes, and semi-independent and
dependent apartments. Housing services are flexible and sometimes
a number of situations and supports are attempted to find the right
mix for a particular client.
The Center operates the "Immediate Access House" for
those who are homeless and suffering from co-occurring mental health
and substance abuse disorders. The Immediate Access House, as well
as the Bryce W. Kendall Home, offer early intervention in a safe
environment to prevent escalation of symptoms, relapse, and possibly
hospitalization. Through PATH and other sources of funding, the
Immediate Access House employs one full-time residential manager
who lives on-site. Of the 36 PATH clients in FY 1999, 30 were eventually
placed in independent housing.
PATH outreach staff, substance abuse staff and mental health professionals
meet weekly to coordinate treatment for individuals who have co-occurring
mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Consumer Involvement
Consumers play an integral role in the Center's outreach program
and other support services, with anywhere from 10-12 consumer volunteers
on staff at a time. Consumer volunteers receive a minimal stipend.
They focus on establishing trust, rapport, and acceptance with clients
through shared experiences. Many of the Center's consumer volunteers
who have dealt with substance abuse accompany PATH clients to substance
abuse support groups, assist them in selecting meetings, link them
to appropriate sponsors and, overall, convey a sense of hope through
open dialogue.
The consumer volunteers also work with local organizations to access
furniture, food vouchers and personal hygiene items for homeless
persons. Further, volunteers are asked to speak to community leaders
about the mission of the PATH program and the critical role consumers
play in helping homeless persons with mental illnesses.
 Service
Coordination
The Center's coordinator, Chris Cook, and its volunteers are in
constant contact with various referral sources in the community
to educate and inform them about the characteristics and needs of
homeless people with serious mental illnesses. The Center works
with the local community action agency, area churches, law enforcement,
and the local Veterans' Administration.
For more information about the Columbiana County Counseling
Center, contact Chris Cook at (330) 424-9573, or bdmail@ccmhrsb.org
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