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Patches Place brings hope to those with mental illness
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
There is a bright spot in downtown New Castle for those struggling with the dark reality of mental illness. Patches Place, 217 North Mill St., provides help for those suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious mental illnesses.
Sandra Hause, executive director of Patches Place, said approximately 35 people stop in every weekday, and about 125 are “members” of the Patches Place program. Here they find a caring staff, a daily activity schedule, social interaction and much more.
Help for the homeless is also provided, since mental illness and homelessness often go hand-in-hand.
Patches Place Behavioral Health Resource & Support Center, which opened in September 2007, contracts with Lawrence County Mental Health/Retardation to provide the services.
In its current fiscal year, which began July 1, the nonprofit, which has 12 employees, received $496,463 in state mental-health funds to help the clients develop skills to improve their lives.
That is a 3 percent reduction from last year, Hause said, noting that there are an estimated 2,500 seriously mentally-ill residents in Lawrence County.
There could be more cuts in October, she said, noting that last year, Patches Place had to close for six weeks when money got short as a result of the state budget problems.
Hause said that though the seriously mentally ill receive Social Security disability income, it is difficult for them to survive on $600 a month. She said that they do not do well in public housing because of drug problems they encounter there.
In addition, she said, the mentally ill often are bullied and taken advantage of in social settings. She said Patches Place works with Lawrence County Human Services to help clients to obtain housing.
There is also a “thrift store,” the building where clients can “shop” for furniture, clothing and household goods that range from sofas to knickknacks. Patches Place gets these by advertising to the community that they will pick up yard-sale leftovers, clothing and furniture in good condition.
There is also a small food pantry for the homeless and one for ongoing clients.
But Hause said she steers clear of simply doling out goods without expecting anything in return. She said that mentally ill people often are told they can’t do anything, and as a result, they learn to expect to simply be provided with necessities.
“When they come here, they feel entitled — like everything should be given to them,” she explained. To break that habit of dependence, Hause said the clients are required to volunteer by doing various jobs at Patches Place to earn “points” toward purchases in the thrift store or items such as laundry detergent that are not covered by food stamps.
To do that, they must become members at Patches Place by attending a two-hour orientation and four classes and following rules such as treating others with respect.
The ultimate goal is to help clients function in society and make their lives better. “We are recovery- oriented,” Hause said.
Hause said the community has been very generous to Patches Place but added that volunteers and donations are always welcome. Used washers, dryers and lawnmowers, nonperishable food items, furniture and household goods always are needed and can be dropped off at Patches Place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Volunteers are also needed to staff the front desk and sort and stock donations. To have items picked up (Lawrence County only), call 724-657-0226, ext. 109, and speak to Tyree.
To volunteer or for more information about Patches Place, call 724-657-0226, ext. 113. Or visit the website at www.PatchesPlaceCenter.com.