Grapevine Center Inc
MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Once State Mental Hospitals were closed, people with mental illnesses were released into the community without supports. Isolation is the biggest enemy of mental health, and activists like Bette Peoples, the executive director of Grapevine Center, lobbied for the money that was to be retired from the state hospitals, be redirected to establish community centers to support this often neglected community. Mental illnesses destroy lives and regrettably, people with MH comprise +/- 50% of those incarcerated, +/- 25% of the homeless (including veterans); & +/- 50% of suicides. Grapevine Center's Drop-In Center offers a safe, FREE, supportive place to interact with peers,and avoid isolation & stigma. Here, people feel accepted into a social family and have a place to go on holidays, and get access to guidance and tangible help and resources in providing for material needs and achieving their recovery goals. Grapevine keeps people off the streets & helps to keep their lives balanced.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Grapevine Drop-In Center
A community resource for those with mental illnesses, and/or co-occurring drug & alcohol issues. This includes veterans, youth, people of low-income, formerly incarcerated people, and homeless people. A place to hang-out and experience fellowship & support; FREE access to & use of ALL resources, incl.: Telephones; Computers; Transportation to & from the Drop-in Center; Transportation to shopping; Use of Showers; Coffee served throughout the day; Free meals served frequently; Cable television; Videos & movies; Education & training; Games: Cards; Bingo; Pool tournaments; Raffles; etc. Monthly activities, including parties on all major holidays, as well as other times; picnics, field trips to points of interest & events; fashion shows (with free clothing provided) etc. Help with moving. Help with and guidance to resources. We offer everything necessary to get people on their feet and keep them there, while keeping them off the streets.
Warmline
Warmline is a caring, non-judgmental service to anyone who needs a sympathetic listener in the Butler County area. Warmline specializes in responding to people who receive mental health services; those with co-occurring drug & alcohol issues; and also to their families and friends, who may be feeling depressed, overwhelmed or don't know where to turn to for help. Warmline staff are not therapists or counselors but it is like having a friend on the other side of the phone: sometimes talking to your friend is the only therapy you need. Warmline receives about 10,000 calls per year, from people who are feeling lonely, depressed, misunderstood, marginalized, overwhelmed, lost or desperate. We can even call people to check up on them when they are going through something. This lifeline is open 6pm - 9pm/365 days a year. The Warmline service is very effective in reducing suicide rates.
Forensic Peer Specialist Program
Certified Peer Specialists -- self-identified current or recovered consumers of Mental Health services, go into the prisons to help inmates with Mental Health issues and those with co-occurring Drug & Alcohol issues set up supports so that on their release, they have somewhere to go and they are set up to succeed outside jail. Upon their release, many inmates face homelessness & poverty; no Mental Health or physical care and supervision; no family support, no friends or resources. This makes recidivism inevitable. Grapevine Center's Forensic CPS service works to provide a support network that meets these needs, and guides the individual to meaningful reintegration into the community. Grapevine serves about 350 people per month.
Independent Monitoring for Quality/ Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team (IM4Q)
Our IM4Q team of monitors interview a random sample of developmentally challenged individuals from Butler & Mercer Counties (PA) to improve their quality of life.
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
Self-identified current or former consumers of behavioral health services are trained and certified as Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), who support and assist those in Mental Health recovery. They are available for Crisis Management Support. They help peers to achieve their recovery goals, whatever they may be -- even obtaining work of the individual's choice. Services help promote recovery through self-determination, understanding, developing coping skills, and resilience through relationship building. Services are designed around the individual's personal choice and their ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT in their own recovery process. Peer support is intended to inspire individuals to realize that recovery is not only possible, but probable. Recovery is a journey of healing and trans-formation enabling a person with mental health problems to live a meaningful life in the community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential.
Consumer/ Family Satisfaction Team
The Consumer/ Family Satisfaction Team - made up of self-identified consumers of Behavioral Health Services -
interviews consumers, and their family members, regarding the mental health or drug & alcohol-related services they have received, to assess their satisfaction with these services; and to access the quality of Behavioral Health Services in Butler and Mercer counties.
We liaise with providers and county representatives to suggest service improvements based on the information provided. We address any urgent issues or concerns communicated to us, immediately. C/FST ensures consumers: receive the highest quality of treatment. have the least restricted environment necessary for recovery; have a say in their treatment; are listened to, heard, and feel free to ask questions. understand the options available to them for medical treatment, housing, transportation, education and employment; are able to explore every path for recovery, receive the vocational and educational opportunities necessary and available to become active, contributing members of the community; and can live the best life possible for them.
Homeless Outreach Program
Over 25% of Homeless People have a Mental Illness. Many are unable to navigate existing, social services; some are just too ill and fall through the cracks . Grapevine has significant success helping such folk. We can usually get them immediate shelter, then work on getting independent housing and the supports to get people back on their feet. If necessary we meet with people every day, assessing & helping to meet their needs, be it apartment hunting, applying for medical insurance; disability; getting into Rehab; going to probation meetings; doctor’s appointments; getting training; searching for a job; getting a driver’s license; building a support network, etc. We also collaborate with other charities to access their services and programs. A determined person could get an income, acquire work, or go to college and rebuild their lives completely. That is our aim.
Where we work
External reviews
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Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
• Grapevine Center is primarily a Peer-run self-support organization designed to
empower people with Mental Health and/or Drug & Alcohol related issues to help
each other and offer supports and guidance in their recovery.
• Grapevine was created with the intention of treating this target-group, which is also
typically financially disadvantaged, with dignity and helping them integrate
successfully into the community.
• Grapevine aims to serve the needs of veterans, typically suffering from PTSD,
depression & anxiety disorders; as well as youths usually with Drug & Alcohol issues who are
also frequently homeless.
• Almost half of all jail inmates have mental health issues and Grapevine intends
to facilitate inmates' re-entry into the community upon their release thus preventing recidivism.
Of paramount importance is securing housing, a source of income, help with obtaining documents and
transport to probation meetings and /or court appearances, and general help in navigating the system.
• Grapevine intends to ensure that quality of Behavioral Health is kept high and individual concerns and needs are met.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
• Grapevine Center's Drop-in Center provides not only a safe, pleasant environment where people with Mental Health issues and/or Drug & Alcohol issues can gather, find friends and acceptance, stay out of trouble and find purpose;
but it also provides FREE material support including frequent FREE meals and coffee; free access to telephones, computers, transport, showers, laundry, education and entertainment; as well as support in developing and attaining recovery goals which may include things like obtaining a driver's license, obtaining a GED or higher education, help with obtaining employment, obtaining independent living; negotiating the system; and developing skills to control the triggering of a condition or a melt-down. This is facilitated through a team of 8 Certified Peer Specialists and a professional Mental Health Specialist.
• Grapevine works closely with the Veterans Health Administration to serve the needs of veterans and do such a good job that the VHA dedicated its Transitional Living building to Grapevine's Executive Director, Bette Peoples. Homeless youth usually with D & A issues are naturally attracted to the resources of the Drop-in Center and Grapevine works closely with other charities to serve this population.
• Grapevine is extending its outreach into the jails under its FORENSIC PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM in order to facilitate inmate's re-entry into the community upon their release and thus prevent recidivism. Along with our HOUSING ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM, they are supported in finding housing, a source of income, help in obtaining documents and transport to probation meetings and /or court appearances, and general help in navigating the system.
• Grapevine operates a Consumer/Satisfaction Program and the IM4Q (Independent Monitoring for Quality), which conducts interviews with consumers, their families and supports, and a randomly selected sample of mentally challenged individuals to ensures that the quality of Behavioral Health is kept high and individual concerns are met.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The Drop-in Center is well-equipped with telephones, 5 computers in a computer room, a shower, a recreation room with a pool table, air-hockey table and an events coordinator; a well-equipped kitchen where FREE meals are prepared on a very frequent basis; and coffee is provided all day; and a quiet room where people can rest or unwind.
This is an ideal refuge for homeless people during the day, especially in winter when temperatures are freezing and homeless shelters are not open.
A fleet of 8 cars and passenger vans provide transport to events, grocery shopping, and to the food bank.
A moving van enables this very mobile population with cheap moving service.
An 8 week WRAP course is offered on a recurring basis to help people get control of their illness, with coping skills and a personal plan developed with their active participation.
There is a team of 8 Certified Peer Specialists who call on people in their homes to provide support and guidance; and help them with socialization events.
They now also go into the jail to help inmates with imminent release dates, to set up a network of support and resources so they are not re-incarcerated shortly thereafter.
A Mental Health professional oversees this process, and also evaluates individuals for other support as well as the Housing Engagement Program, which helps the homeless get back on their feet.
Teams of C/FST and IM4Q monitors go out and interview consumers of Behavioral Health Services, and Intellectual Disability services, sometimes in the facility; or in their homes or institution.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Grapevine has established a Drop-In Center that successfully serves people with mental illnesses from all sectors: veterans, people on the autism spectrum; others with traumatic brain damage; people in group homes; people from all walks of life with depression, PTSD; bi-polar disorder; schizophrenia, people with co-occurring Drug & Alcohol dependencies; formerly incarcerated people; and homeless people.
There is a tremendous need for moving service in this sector and Grapevine has managed to purchase a moving truck which provides a very low-cost service, which serves families as well as single people.
Grapevine has expanded its Peer Specialists from one to a team of eight and a behavioral health specialist.
Grapevine Center provides essential facilities like access to phones, computers and showers, as well as guidance and help with housing and resources. A free meal is provided once a week and there are generally snacks available on the other days. Grapevine would like to be able to provide more free meals on a regular basis.
A long term goal is to provide an overnight facility where people could go when they are having a mental emergency: Very often, they just need reassurance, care and understanding. This would relieve the pressure on the local hospitals and emergency rooms.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Grapevine Center Inc
Board of directorsas of 11/16/2021
Mr Tim Moreino
Veterans Administration
Term: 2021 - 2024
Ms Mary Brilmyer
Veterans Administration
Term: 2018 - 2022
Tim Moreino
Veteran's Admin
Amy Stickle
Mary Brilmyer
Veteran's Admin
Stacey Wolfe
Melinda Trempus
Samantha Hartle
Chris Diamond
Veteran's Admin
Julie Stough
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
Transgender Identity
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data