More than twenty years ago, those with chronic mental illness had few options other than spending their lives in a ward of a state institution ? or if they could afford it, in a private hospital.
But as times have changed, so have the treatment of mental illness. One organization is working to ensure that those who suffer from severe mental disabilities are given every chance possible to lead productive lives in the community.
Mosaic Community Services, an affiliate of the nonprofit Sheppard Pratt Foundation, is the largest provider of community mental health treatment, housing and psychiatric rehabilitation programs in the state.
Since its founding more than 20 years ago, it has grown to serve more than 5,000 people with mental disabilities in the greater Baltimore area today.
“The array of services we provide are really focused on helping people remain in the community and live a satisfying, meaningful life on their terms,” said Jeff Richardson, who has been the organization?s executive director for 11 years. “We?ve been able to help many people who otherwise would have been in an institution.”
The organization offers a variety of services for both adults and children, ranging from therapeutic counseling, case management and adult medical day care, to providing meals job training and housing.
Richardson said one of the nonprofit?s most successful programs has been reintegrating the mentally ill into the work force. Currently, more than 50 percent of those participating in the vocational rehab program are employed.
“The referrals we typically get for our vocational rehab program are individuals who are coming to us who had been living on their own or with family members. These individuals really need to learn the skills to be able to live effectively on their own,” said Rachel Isenberg, Mosaic?s program coordinator of new ventures. “We try to teach them those skills by linking them with our vocational rehab program to get them ready for employment.”
For those who are not ready for the work force, the program teaches them daily living skills such as computer training, math, reading, hygiene, social skills and team building, said Isenberg.
Richardson added that other major initiatives included in Mosaic?s $18 million annual budget are providing housing and treatment at more than 60 locations in the greater Baltimore region. Last year, it also provided more than 50,000 meals for mentally ill people in the area.
More information
» Mosaic Community Services
1925 Greenspring Drive
Timonium, MD 21093
410-453-9553
mosaicinc.org
