HEDWIG HOUSE PHILOSOPHY

HEDWIG HOUSE PHILOSOPHY

Over the years, a more comprehensive Psychosocial Rehabilitation philosophy and programming has been incorporated into what had previously been only a supported residential service.

The traditional goal of Hedwig House is to provide a setting in which persons with mental illness can gain a sense of belonging to a community in which they can be participants and contributors, as well as beneficiaries. Staff participation is side-by-side with the members in every aspect of their rehabilitation, such as "work-oriented" day program and learning of social and vocational skills.

The assessment of each member's strengths and challenges is done in conjunction with the member and through a process which highlights his or her existing skills. The program is designed to strengthen each member's abilities and to teach skills necessary to meet their needs for housing, employment, socialization, and personal growth, while better understanding their illness and the process of recovery.

The Clubhouse Program

At the core of Hedwig House services is a network of five "Clubhouses". These locations and facilities have been selected and equipped to provide an environment that is inviting, informal, and homelike. Participants are encouraged to think of Hedwig House as a "membership" organization. As "members", all work together in furthering the goals and operations of the respective clubhouse and the overall organization.

The five clubhouses provide a place for members to meet, be engaged in productive daily activity, learn and practice skills, and socialize with friends. Each Clubhouse provides important socialization and recreation opportunities. Each also offers training, education, and work-oriented activities which encourage and expect members to actively participate in the daily operations of the clubhouse including food preparation, clerical activities, housekeeping, and building maintenance. The clubhouse environment provides realistic expectations of each member to contribute in accordance with their individual abilities. Members and staff work as partners. Reachable levels of individual skill and development and personal independence are identified, shared, and valued.

Return to top

Residential Services

From its inception, Hedwig House has recognized that affordable assisted housing is an important need and want of its service population. The Hedwig House Community Living Program in Norristown became the first housing program for persons with mental illness in Montgomery County. The need for housing and supportive Social Services was clear, as was the potential of many persons with chronic mental illness to do well in this type of program environment. The residential services component of our program has grown from a few apartments and residents in Norristown in 1976 to leased apartments and owned housing countywide; mobile housing support through the HOMES TEAM; housing support to Rittenhouse School Apartments; and rental assistance through TBRA. Unlike some residential programs which are transitional in nature, Hedwig House residential programs invite members to make the apartment their "home". They may reside in the apartment as long as they care to do so. Hedwig House helps with "start-up" costs and furniture and a variety of ongoing supports. Residents however, are financially responsible for their own rents and other living expenses. We believe this realistic approach encourages independence and consequently the member's sense of self-esteem and empowerment. Support and counseling from qualified staff is always available and provided in accordance with member's needs.

Return to top

Vocational/Employment Services

The Hedwig House Vocational Program provides members with the opportunity to secure full or part-time employment. For those members not ready for employment, volunteer placements or further academic training is available. Pre-employment training and assessment occurs by means of member participation in vocational group activities in the clubhouse where work habits and attitudes are encouraged and measured. The programmatic approach to vocational rehabilitation serves a population of persons with a varying levels of work skills and employment- experience. On average 40% of our total membership are pursuing Employment related goals.

Each of the clubhouses has an Employment Specialist on staff, who provides vocational training, ongoing counseling, work placement, job coaching, and encouragement. They also help members in obtaining assistance from the Office of Vocation Rehabilitation.

Through Clubhouse Programs, Housing Programs, Vocational Programs, and other socialization opportunities, Hedwig House, Inc. continues to offer support to persons whose accomplishments and quality of life have challenged by mental illness. The Hedwig House goal remains to assist our members in achieving the highest level of personal independence possible.

Return to top