History of Choices
Choices, A Community Social Center, Inc. was founded by a group of caring, concerned people consisting of mental health consumers and other mental health advocates on October 19, 1992. Due to the trials and stigma of mental illness, many consumers isolated themselves and endured numerous hospitalizations. Thus, out of the need for socialization and support, the “idea” of Choices was born, a place where consumers would have choices.
The center started in an old building located in downtown Akron, Ohio. The building was a shell that had no heat and was full of clutter. After a lot of hard work, Choices was ready to open. No one envisioned that Choices would develop into such a beautiful place for consumers to come and have a great time 5 days a week. The original intent of the project was to have a place to enable mental health consumers to work at the center and eventually learn how to operate it themselves. The Mental Health Association of Summit County, currently known as Mental Health America set forth the following three goals for the purpose of Choices:
1. To provide a facility for socializing purposes.
2. To provide a schedule of programming designed to build self-esteem and self-confidence.
3. To provide a job skill development program with opportunities for employment.
Choices created employment opportunities for mental health consumers as receptionists, kitchen staff, custodial workers etc. Choices was first run by state workers, then workers from Community Support Services (CSS). Within a year, Choices had a Board of Directors and became incorporated. Finally, after nine years, Choices became peer run in 2001. Choices is now operated by consumers for consumers and provides members with numerous and diverse opportunities to enhance self-esteem, self-worth and independence. Despite its proven positive impact on emotional well-being, the Center is not intended for mental health counseling or any treatment-oriented services. Members are not only encouraged to participate in activities, but also to plan them. An “All-Club” meeting held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Members are encouraged to attend the All-Club meetings so that they have input on activities at CHOICES. Please see the event calendar for more information.
Choices is funded by the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board (ADM). The Center receives a grant each year for operational expenses – rent, utilities, programming etc. Choices mission is “to provide a peer run organization for adults recovering from mental health challenges in the Summit County area through support, belonging and empowerment.”
The structure of Choices is based in part on the clubhouse model. Membership is open to any Summit County consumer that is at least 18 years of age and receives services for a mental illness. Everyone who comes to Choices must be a member or receive a special guest pass (see guest policy for details). To become a member, one must simply fill out a membership application and get a referral. Membership records are kept at the front desk. Upon entering the building, everyone must check in at the front desk. Due to the fact Choices is a peer run center, membership implies ownership of Choices and belongs to those who are members. Being peer run means that Choices relies upon and requires the volunteer efforts of the members utilizing the center. One of the goals of the staff is to assist and encourage members to become more independent and responsible, realizing their talents and utilizing their time to the benefit of the center.
Many changes have occurred over the years at CHOICES. In 2005, with a capital grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health, now Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services (OMHAS), matching funds from the ADM Board, and monies from Choices itself, a new building was found and acquired for the Center. Choices shuttled members from downtown every Monday for about two months. Even with that, membership dropped considerably from the Center’s downtown location. Choices began to promote the benefits of membership through an Open House, articles in the Akron Beacon Journal, word of mouth by many of our hardworking Choices members, and some wonderful supporters of Choices including our Board of Directors. These efforts soon paid off when Choices was rewarded by the Ohio Advocates for Mental Health (OAMH), as being voted the “2005 Consumer Operated Service of the Year”.
Today, Choices attendance varies people between 60 and 100 a day. Choices offers diverse opportunities for personal growth, recovery, development and support.
