The Center is a place for Mental Health Consumers to pursue recovery through mutual support and consumer driven programs. Mental Health Consumers determine when and how they participate in and share their own recovery experience. The mission of the Mental Health Association Consumer Recovery Center is to create a safe supportive, recovery orientated environment, dedicated to preserving: dignity, respect, advocacy, empowerment and is flexible to personal growth.
Here at the Center we offer a vast plethora of hobbies, support groups and activities such as a Café where consumers can have social interactions over beverages and snacks. The self help library is fully stocked with books on recovery from substance abuse and mental health diagnosis. The computer lab is a fully functioning place with computers set up for internet. Here the consumers may check their email or apply for schooling tuition. Also checking out a favorite site is among the favorite things to do by our consumers. We are fully equipped to handle emergency food bank pick-ups. Our kitchen holds food for our members to pick up in case of an emergency. Along with the emergency food bank, we try to utilize our kitchen space to feed consumers and have free meals planned on Fridays. There is Advocacy Support available. There are Limited Volunteer Opportunities available. Here at the MHA, long lasting friendships are formed through comradery and of sharing in and of themselves. Becoming a "regular" or visiting at your will gives you the opportunity and freedom to exhist in a community based setting where we accept you for you and not for the labels and stigmas people may have placed on you.
Some of the groups you may encounter or join are Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance and Schizophrenic Anonymous. A list of activities is readily available to you during the weeks and months of operation. Here are some listed. Ceramics, Shopping, Bowling, Pool Table, Movies, Bingo, Arts and Crafts, Ping Pong Table, Puzzles and Card Games. We also have a in- center barber and a Clothing Exchange room for donated clothes or if somebody is in need of clothes. Our Spirit of Peace Room is blessed for people to meditate or pray. We have holiday picnics and retreats and a yearly center picnic. We also travel to local and out of state conferences. Usually there is financial assistance help to defray the cost of signing up for a conference. We go out among the community proud people who have held their heads down too long. If you would like to become a member proof of mental health diagnosis and picture ID is required. Like always...We would like to welcome you to the Consumer Recovery Center.
Architecture
The Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania owns this 30,000 square foot brick building located in the heart of downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. The building was constructed 20 years ago. The first floor was renovated in 2000 and meets accessibility standards. It contains numerous office and support areas, as well as a worship room, a computer lab, a library, two activity rooms, a boardroom with audio/video equipment, and a large Center area containing billiard and ping-pong tables, board games, video games, TV lounge, etc. Additionally, the Cafe maintained by the members, is available for lite food and beverages.
Compassionate Actions Project (CAP)
Food Pantry
Compassionate Actions Project Food Pantry at the Mental Health Association opened July 22, 2014. Since we opened we have offered a healthful selection of foods to approximately 40 to 50 MHA members each month. Simple and tasty recipes and free literature are also offered at the CAP Food Pantry!
We appreciate the kind and caring people who volunteer their time to make the CAP Food Pantry at MHA possible. Thank-you to all the wonderful people that help keep the food pantry running smoothly each month!
Our food pantry's non-refrigerated foods are carefully selected each month. In keeping within our organization's mission we appreciate only plant based food donations - please see the CAP website for foods that we offer.
On the food pantry day (usually the 4th Tuesday of the month), we ask that you please consider donating fresh produce! Fresh vegetables and fruits are always appreciated if donated before 12:30 PM on the day we distribute food.