Human Services Center adopted the Sanctuary Model as part of our clinical services philosophy in 2008.   The overall focus of the Sanctuary Model is to address the needs of our clients and staff in a caring, respectful manner, to develop and maintain a welcoming and positive environment, to offer recovery-oriented services that empower individuals to determine their goals and outcomes, and to encourage staff by promoting the Seven Sanctuary Commitments an fostering an atmosphere of personal and professional growth. To celebrate, staff enjoyed a “traveling lunch” at HSC properties on Grant Street.  In addition to having the opportunity to review the Seven Commitments, they were able to eat good food and connect with co-workers.

On May 14, 2018, Lawrence County Peer Leadership, a program of the Human Services Center, celebrated its annual Peer Leadership Recognition Banquet. This event marked twenty-two years of the Lawrence County Peer Leadership Program and over one thousand students that have been trained. The event was held at The Villa Banquet Center. Daniel Barnes, Director of Lawrence County Peer Leadership and Director of the Human Services Center Student Assistance Program (SAP), served as the moderator for this celebration. Megan Bliss played the violin before dinner. Megan is the daughter of Terry Bliss of HSC’s Student Assistance Program. Sixty-four sophomore students from various Lawrence County schools districts were recognized for their service to
their schools and community. Each of these students participated in three days of training this past school year. The training was designed to educate the students in the qualities of leadership, empathy for others, communication, and multi-cultural awareness. Students were then challenged to “make a difference” in their homes, schools, and communities. Students also learned to identify problems and pursue solutions to the issues that challenge teenagers today. At the banquet, selected students from each of the Lawrence County schools, were asked to speak about “What it means to be a Peer Leader,” an important highlight of the evening. The Human Services Center has provided the administration and coordination of this program since 1995. A dedicated staff from Lawrence County Drug and Alcohol Commission and Cray Youth and Family Services, work with this program as well. Back at their schools, these peer leaders collaborate with others already trained, also members of a Peer Leadership Club. Each club has committed advisors who provide them guidance and help coordinate activities that benefit the Lawrence County community.

Peer Leaders 2017/2018 *Speakers
Laurel High School – Michele McClelland, Advisor
Brent Bergbauer *Olivia Kohen Joseph Paglia
Daniel Blank Grace Enscoe Mikyla Slater

Lawrence Co. Career & Technical Center – Donna Pasterik, Advisor
Josephine Beier Kasiah Gilmore *Nick Neupauer
Janice Bowers Candace Hammond Nathan Smith
Katie Dillen *Amelia Hogue Trenton Yale
Aaron Dilling

Lincoln High School – Laura Adams, Advisor
Carson Aiken Saylee Grinnen Colin Smith
Skyler Campbell *Gracie Kauffman Levi Smith
Avery Dudek Hannah Keally Angela Volpe
Morgan Falesnik

Mohawk High School – Ryan Castor, Advisor
Raegen Esenwein Taylor Harman Ronnie Shirilla
*Natalie Grim
Angelique Lindsay Leah Stroebel

New Castle High School – Rebecca Saymansky, Advisor
Braeden Bailey Liam Frost Marissa Polding
Matt Ball Jewel Kneram Taylor Tanner
Jade Bodie *Rachel Lloyd Juleeann Viggiano
Austin Browne Kerrionna Lyles TeAsia Stewart
Tyler Francis Aleah Nelson

Shenango High School – Kim Rudesill, Debbie Grego, Advisors
Harrison Miller Alexis Presjnar Jordan Smith
Gianna Orrico *Cambyl Schry Serena Sokolowski

Union High School – James Dotson, Advisor
Tyler Benedict Vinny Fuleno Nicholas Pasquarello
*Lexi Bucker
Nate Meeks Christian Pasquarello

Wilmington High School – Brandon Phillian, Advisor
Shane Cox Austin Lisowski David Patton
Jason Hess Hannah Lockhart *Marcus Tokar
Leah Hickman

Dr. Dennis Nebel, Human Services Center’s Executive Director, was elected to a second term as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, (RCPA), of Pennsylvania at the association’s Annual Meeting in Hershey, PA on Friday, May 15, 2018.  Approaching 350 members statewide, RCPA is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA advocates for those in need, works to advance effective state and federal public policies, serves as a forum for the exchange of crucial information, and provides professional support to its members.  RCPA members offer mental health, drug and alcohol, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children’s, brain injury, medical rehabilitation and physical disabilities and aging services through all settings and levels of care.  “I look forward to another year of working with this engaged Board of Directors on behalf of our members and those we serve.”, stated Dr. Nebel.  The Human Services Center, whose primary corporate office is on North Street in New Castle, is a comprehensive Community Mental Health Center serving the Lawrence Region.

Human Services Center (HSC) is excited to announce that it is in the process of acquiring the ‘Train Station”, formerly the location of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.  HSC owns numerous properties in Lawrence County that serve as sites for the administration and provision of Behavioral Health Services. These properties have followed the Keystone Principles for Growth for Pennsylvania.  The close proximity of the Shenango Street Station to HSC’s main offices on North Street will provide easy access to them.  During this transition, HSC will determine the best use for the station.  Further, HSC is exploring the possibility of having the caboose, that is located on the periphery of the property, relocated closer to the train station itself.  Local artist, Larry Macri, and approximately 15 volunteer New Castle High School students, will complete a restoration process that includes cleaning and painting of the caboose.  HSC is one of the largest community mental health centers in Western Pennsylvania.  “We also take great pride in being good community citizens”, stated Dr. Dennis Nebel, HSC’s Executive Director.  “The Train Station is a very important community asset.  We want to insure that it is well maintained and continues, in its own way, to serve our community”

http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/students-local-artist-repaint-downtown-caboose/article_3afa73fc-594e-11e8-b087-77e92b342759.html

Human Services Center Family Based Program Director, Brenda Bacich, was honored to be a guest trainer for the WPIC Family Based Training Institute.  She assisted 300 Family Based Clinicians from the western region of Pennsylvania with increasing their knowledge of working with families.  Human Services Center recognizes the need for staff to be intensively trained to provide the level of excellence that should be expected while working with the families in our community.  Brenda served as a Family Based clinician for five years in the past and returned to HSC as the Family Based Program Director in July of 2016.  Her expertise and knowledge of working with families is the reason Human Services Center is happy to have her leading the Family Based Program.

On Friday, May 11, Human Services Center participated in the 4th annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day from 3:00-6:00 pm at Cascade Park.    The event featured food, Chinese Auction, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Photo Booth, Face Painting, DJ, and More and was open and free to the public.  Human Services Center, along with other community resources, participated as vendors by providing information regarding services and supports available in our area.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and by recognizing Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, it allows the purpose of spreading awareness in ending Stigma to start young!!  This year’s theme was “Strike Out Stigma”.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Human Services Center wants to spread awareness to end the Stigma!!

For More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/432106513883350/

Flyer:  1st Annual Mental Health Awareness Online Art Show

Looking forward to seeing all the talented artist in our community!!!

Some of the art work submitted online…

The Human Services Center is Thankful for all that our dedicated nursing staff does for us!!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – This year’s slogan, #4MIND4BODY with the focus on increasing understanding of how the body’s various systems impact mental health based on recent research. From food to fitness to gut flora, the focus will be diving into the elements that make up personal wellness per Mental Health America.  Join us in the fight to end stigma and spread awareness to our community regarding Mental Health…#HSC can help!!

Human Services Center was a proud sponsor and participant at this event.  PALS was held on Saturday, April 28 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm at The Crane Room.  The seminar’s focus was The Opioid Epidemic:  Present & Future and featured a variety of guest speakers.  It takes a community…#HSC cares!!