ALBION — Colleen McKenna may find herself socializing with others in front of the television, playing cards or enjoying a meal during a break from her regular duties as director of the Orleans County Mental Health Association in Albion. After all, that’s the purpose of the drop-in center.
While MHA was originally aimed toward the mentally ill, it is now open to anyone who is looking for a place to socialize or get support from others. McKenna explained that many of the people who go to the center are either alone or need others to talk with.
“Some use it just as a social club,” she said.
The director said she would like county residents to know that the building is open to anyone, and that people should not be shy about dropping in.
“There’s such a stigma associated with mental illness,” McKenna said. She explained that most of the time, the atmosphere is just a group of people relaxing and passing the time. “We discuss how their week went. ... It’s pretty much a place for people to come and talk to other people,” she said.
Residents can either become a member for a cost of $6 a month, or they can stop in. Membership fees go toward food, game prizes, outings and other activities. The center is open for residents to drop in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with dinner provided each night. GED classes take place at the center Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There are also support group meetings on certain nights of the week.
Members can hear from guest speakers on certain days, use the computer and copy machine, or enjoy a free cup of coffee or tea. There is also a member of GO ART! who comes to the center once a week to do arts and crafts projects.
“Members do enjoy the art projects,” McKenna said. “And every week, we have some sort of a game night.”
The MHA also has a van and a driver that can transport people to and from the building.
With members organizing the games, running the store and helping plan meals and outings, the center is truly a peer-run operation.
MHA has been in existence since 1990, with Friends of Mental Health formed in 2004. It has been at its current location for about one year. It is state-funded, reports to the county Legislature, and has to keep its membership up in order to keep its funding.
Some people have been coming to the MHA “since the beginning,” said McKenna. Many of those people are on Social Security or can’t afford to go anywhere else, and some are in wheelchairs.
“Some people have nowhere else to go, that isn’t just a bar,” McKenna said. But at MHA, people can walk through the doors without being judged.
“I really do enjoy it ... the people are great here,” she said.
The Mental Health Association drop-in center is open to any Orleans County residents age 18 and older. It is located at 438 West Ave., Suite 2, Albion. For more information, call 589-1158.
Drop-in hours
• Noon to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (dinner served at 5 p.m.)
Weekly sessions
• Stress management support group: 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays
• Spirituality and depression group: 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays
• Depression support group: 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays
• Art classes 3:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays
• Free GED classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays (call Dana at 638-8141 for more information)
Upcoming events
• Wednesday: Trip to Batavia Chinese buffet
• 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10: Speaker Leslie Allen to discuss sleep disorders
Local News
Related Photos
-
Holly Toal/STAFF
-
Holly Toal/STAFF
-
Holly Toal/STAFF
Discussion
The power or peers
MHA drop-in center offers friendly atmosphere for county residents
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
