Opportunity Centre Clubhouse

Learning

Vocational training assesses your interests to help you find employment in the community that matches them. Once you narrow down what you’d enjoy doing, you gain hands-on training in that field or build skills suitable to the roles you would like to fill. You also learn appropriate social and conflict-resolution skills to bring to the workplace.

Living

Living at home may always be an option, but sometimes, it’s not the best fit. You may want to embrace more independence as you gain confidence. You might need more assistance than your family can provide.

 Skills of Central PA provides safe housing with all the support you need to thrive. Options include:

• Community Homes: Live in a one- to four-bedroom home with others who are personally matched to your personality, interests, and abilities.
• In-Home Support: If you want to live at home, Skills offers in-home support, where someone comes to your home and offers guidance and support with everything from decision-making and communication to self-care and home management.
• Lifesharing: Share a home with someone in the community who provides a family environment. You’re matched to an individual or family who goes through training in order to provide a safe, loving environment that supports your needs. Once you get to know each other through visits, you move in and become part of their family – chores, outings, and all.

Mental health involves so much more than therapy sessions and, possibly, medications. If you feel isolated and lonely, it wears you down. The Clubhouse is a great place to stay social. You work as teams, go on fun outings, and form lasting friendships.

Skills also encourages you to be a vital part of the community. Through our Community Participation Support, you can volunteer with local organizations like Meals on Wheels. Showcase your gardening skills by helping out at Legion Park. You could also do something fun like spending time with the pets at the local SPCA.

Wellness

With our Peer Support program, work with a person who knows what you’re going through. Certified Peer Specialists (CPSs) work with you to establish a wellness recovery plan. They also:

• Accompany you to appointments and meetings
• Establish a wellness recovery action plan.
• Help you find support within the community.
• Listen and encourage you as you share more about your story.
• Teach you more about psychiatric advance directives and help you create one.

Get help with your mental health through Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Learn to advocate for yourself and build peer relationships. Other benefits include:
 

• Build community connections.
• Discover how to share in decision-making and make informed choices.
• Learn stress management and coping skills.
• Plan health, life, and career goals.
• Stand up for your rights and follow through with your responsibilities.

Employment services assist you in finding jobs that match your skills and assist you through resume building, applications, interviews, and help while you learn your daily work routine. Local employers empower you to apply for jobs and gain meaningful employment for a reasonable wage. 

You don’t start that job without support. Skills staff accompany you to your first few days or weeks and assist you until you’re comfortable. If you’re about to be promoted or learn new job duties, we help with the transition.