Passages, Gateways programs hold open house to showcase PROS

Posing for the formal ribbon cutting are, from left, Dick Kimball, representing State Senator Cathy Young; Cindy Neu, Passages Program Manager; Passages participants Brian, Crystal and Steve; Michelle Williams, Director of Mental Health Services; Paul Cesana, Executive Director; and Passages participant Brian.

There's a new method for treating and supporting individuals with mental health challenges in Chautauqua County, and The Resource Center is taking time to introduce the program to the community.

TRC's Counseling and Psychiatric Services recently held open houses at its “Passages” Program, located at 712 West Eighth Street in Jamestown, and at its “Gateways” program, located at 51 East Third Street in Dunkirk.  The events were held to showcase the Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) model.  Passages and Gateways have switched to PROS after operating for years as a Continuing Day Treatment Program.  PROS offers a more person-centered approach to treating and supporting those with severe and persistent mental illness.

Using a combination of Community Rehabilitation and Support, Intensive Rehabilitation, Ongoing Rehabilitation and Support, and Clinical Treatment, PROS seeks to help people manage their illness and restore the life skills they need to live and work successfully in the community.

"It's a big step forward to receive all of these components of rehabilitation and support," Executive Director Paul Cesana told those gathered for the open houses.  "We’re excited to introduce a new way to support people with a mental health condition."  He said the community is beginning to understand that people with mental illness need more than to just come to a building for counseling – they need support from their families and the community at large in order to complete their recovery.

“PROS helps all of us … to hopefully move in a new and exciting direction to support recovery and sustain recovery,” Cesana said.

Michelle Williams, Director of Mental Health Services, noted the transition from Continuing Day Treatment to PROS hasn't been easy, particularly with regard to changes in regulations.  She gave Passages and Gateways staff the credit for making the new program successful.

"The staff really has been tremendous," said Michelle.  "We could not have done it without the wonderful staff that we have."

Kristy Lauer, Gateways Program Manager, also credited her staff for making the transition to PROS a success.  But she heaped most of her praise on the people with mental illness who attend the program.

“We are here so that we can help you.  We have this incredible need to help,” said Ms. Lauer.  “We go home feeling better at the end of the day because of what you’ve accomplished.”

Michelle added that when TRC first began moving toward the PROS model, there were 27 PROS programs in New York State.  Today there are 64 programs supporting 7,300 people.

"I was so proud to say that Chautauqua County was a PROS county," Michelle said.  "It’s so important that we look at the person-centered model” that is at the heart of the PROS method.

Employees and service recipients of The Resource Center gather for the formal ribbon cutting at the Gateways Program.

Cindy Neu, Passages Program Manager, said the program had been interested in moving toward a PROS model for about 10 years, and that the new approach is better for the Passages participants.

"We try to have an equal voice for those we serve," Cindy said.

Each open house also included a panel discussion in which Passages and Gateways participants discussed how the program has benefited them.  They spoke of how the programs have assisted them in learning to manage their mental illness and reduce their hospitalizations.

"Coping skills work," said a participant named Brian.  "They're priceless.  I'm glad I have them."

They also spoke of how the switch to PROS has been beneficial.

"The groups have become more person-centered and more focused on our recovery as an individual," Brian said.

"Recovery for me is like a rainbow – you brighten up more and more,” one young woman said.  “Recovery lets you know that you’re the boss of everything.”

A young man stated that if he were not involved with Gateways, “I’d be out probably doing bad staff.  I’d probably be in jail.”

People also talked about how Passages and Gateways counselors have helped them cope with their challenges and how under the PROS model, they are receiving assistance in finding jobs.

The personal accounts struck a chord with representatives of our local New York State elected officials.  Elisabeth Rankin, a representative of Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, told the participants that their stories were inspirational.  Of the staff, she said, “I can tell by the people who work here that you really love what you do.”  To the participants, she said that the ability to change “takes an inner strength and commitment, something you should be proud of.”  She then read from a letter signed by Goodell.

"The Resource Center, with all the comprehensive services offered, is an integral part of the health and well-being of Chautauqua County," Goodell wrote.  "If your track record is any indication, I'm confident you'll continue to make a significant difference in the lives of many people in this area."

Richard Kimball, representing Senator Catharine Young, also praised TRC and Passages.

"We appreciate everything this program does for the community," he said.  Addressing the Passages participants, he added, "You are making progress.  You're becoming very productive members of the community."

Entertainment at both events was provided by Carol Svensen, Director of Human Resources, who played keyboard to provide background music.

Click here to learn more about PROS.