Programs & Services
CHAPS' program provides services to approximately 2,000 individuals per year.
If you are interested in referring yourself or someone you know to our services, please click here.
You can also call us at (814) 333-2924 and complete a referral by phone.
Mental Health Services
CHAPS offers a vast array of goal-oriented supportive services for youth and adults that puts their strengths first.
Housing Solutions
CHAPS Housing Solutions Program provides an array of services to homeless or near homeless individuals in Crawford County, as well as their families, regardless of disability.
Youth Programs
CHAPS provides unique supports for youth and young adults, including mental health and housing services.
Journey Center
The Journey Center Clubhouse is a place for individuals experiencing mental illness to regain the confidence and skills needed to lead productive and satisfying lives.
Drop-In Center
CHAPS' peer-run Drop-In Center provides an atmosphere of peer support, empowerment, education, advocacy, and enrichment for adults with mental illness.
Community Support Services
By partnering case management with available resources, we aim to support participants in becoming more self-sufficient with these resources (Utility Assistance, Employment Aid Program and Short-Term Transportation Assistance).
Housing Solutions
CHAPS Housing Solutions Program serves individuals and families in Crawford County who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless, regardless of disability. Using a Housing First approach, CHAPS prioritizes helping people secure permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible—without preconditions—followed by ongoing supportive services.
Once housed, participants are connected to individualized supports and community-based resources that help them maintain housing stability and prevent a return to homelessness. Services are designed to empower individuals to access and remain in safe, decent, and affordable housing of their choice. When possible, CHAPS also focuses on homelessness prevention, connecting people to the resources and supports they need to achieve stability, recovery, and long-term success.
Housing Solutions Services include:
- Homeless Outreach
- Housing Advocacy
- Case Management
- Access to housing and mainstream resources and support services
- Access to emergency housing
- Assistance accessing permanent subsidized housing
- Affordable housing programs for individuals and families with disabilities
- Transitional Housing
- Fairweather Lodge (an affordable shared housing opportunity which offers mental health and housing support)
Location: 386 Chestnut St. Meadville, PA 16335
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
(closed on major holidays)
Speak to a Housing Solutions Program Staff Member: (814) 333-2924
Housing Solutions Director, Sandy Farkas: (814) 373-5082, cfarkas@chapsinc.org
BRIDGES Program
BRIDGES is a program funded through Crawford County Human Services Mental Health Block Grant. The mission of BRIDGES is to offer temporary supportive housing to participants with mental illness, while assisting them with connecting to supports and services within the community in an effort to lead them down a road to permanent affordable housing. In collaboration with other local agencies, our services will help individuals learn the skills needed to maintain permanent housing and continue on a positive path in regard to their health and wellness. Eligibility for the BRIDGES program includes homeless or near homeless adults with mental illness, who are Crawford County residents. The target population for the program includes individuals who are unable to access shelter elsewhere and have exhausted all other appropriate housing options. Priority placement is given to individuals who are exiting a mental health facility.
Journey Center Clubhouse
The Journey Center Clubhouse is a place for individuals experiencing mental illness to regain the confidence and skills needed to lead productive and satisfying lives. We support the belief that every person has a contribution to make that will assist in achieving the operations of the clubhouse while, at the same time, building self-empowerment. Staff engages each member in “work-ordered day” tasks, driven by member interest, that focus on their strengths, talents, and abilities through a community of mutual support, positivity, and wellness.
The Journey Center units include:
Business Affairs Unit
receptionist/clerical work, data collection and entry, in- house newsletter publication, computer skills, new member orientation and outreach, accessing employment/educational goals, and developing continuing education skills.
Growing Healthy Unit
cooking, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, wellness activities; our Bistro snack shop promotes cashier duties, stocking/inventory, and customer service skills.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Service Contact
Amy Lauria
Journey Center Director
(814) 373-5067, alauria@chapsinc.org
The Journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step.
-Lao Tzu
Drop-In Center
The Drop-In Center is the foundation of CHAPS, forming in 1988 and continuing to grow for more than 35 years. It is a peer-run community hub focused on empowerment, advocacy, and support for people who live with mental illness and homelessness. The Drop-In Center is open every day of the year providing daily breakfast and warm mid-day meals on weekends. Hosting a variety of activities and events all year long, it is more than a place to be but a place to belong!
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Sunday, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Holidays, 8:00am - 6:00pm
Community Support Services
By partnering case management with available resources, we aim to support participants in becoming more self-sufficient with these resources (Utility Assistance, Employment Aid Program and Short-Term Transportation Assistance, Security Deposit Assistance, Extermination Expenses).
Utility Assistance
CSS can provide residents with financial assistance with regards to utility costs such as natural gas, electric, propane, kerosene, etc. To be eligible you must meet poverty guidelines and be in threat of or complete loss of energy / heating source. This program can typically provide a family with $200 towards utility costs every two years but is subject to change based on need and availability of funding. Required documentation includes photo ID, social security numbers and income verification for all household members, and utility shutoff notice or denial of services letter
Employment Aid Program
CSS can provide referrals to assist in securing required clothing, books, testing fees for post-secondary schooling. Referrals are also made for vehicle repairs and similar needs to help individuals secure or maintain employment and/or schooling.
(CSBG Transportation)
Temporary transportation services via CATA bus passes can be provided to individuals who lack the financial resources. Individuals must be in need of the transportation resources for employment and/or schooling.
Location
386 Chestnut St. Meadville, PA 16335
Service Contact
Dorine Lowery, CSS Coordinator
(814) 373-5069,
dlowery@chapsinc.org
Office hours are by appointment only.
Drop-In Center
CHAPS' peer-run Drop-In Center provides an atmosphere of peer support, empowerment, education, advocacy, and enrichment for adults with mental illness. It is a socialization hub where acceptance and belonging are encouraged. A person's abilities and skills are recognized with each person participating as they choose. Open 365 days a year, the consumer-run center offers a wide range of activities. Programs offered include: peer support groups, guest speakers, movies, dances, field trips, billiards, educational opportunities, computer access, and volunteer opportunities.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Sunday, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Holidays, 8:00am - 6:00pm
Journey Center
The Journey Center Clubhouse is a place for individuals experiencing mental illness to regain the confidence and skills needed to lead productive and satisfying lives. We support the belief that every person has a contribution to make that will assist in achieving the operations of the clubhouse while, at the same time, building self-empowerment. Staff engages each member in “work-ordered day” tasks, driven by member interest, that focus on their strengths, talents, and abilities through a community of mutual support, positivity, and wellness.
The Journey Center units include:
Business Affairs Unit
receptionist/clerical work, data collection and entry, in- house newsletter publication, computer skills, new member orientation and outreach, accessing employment/educational goals, and developing continuing education skills.
Growing Healthy Unit
cooking, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, wellness activities; our Bistro snack shop promotes cashier duties, stocking/inventory, and customer service skills.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Service Contact
Amy Lauria
Journey Center Director
814-373-5067, alauria@chapsinc.org
The Journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step.
-Lao Tzu
Housing Solutions Program
CHAPS Housing Solutions Program provides an array of services to homeless or near homeless individuals in Crawford County, as well as their families, regardless of disability. CHAPS utilizes a Housing First Approach, which offers permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible for persons experiencing homelessness, and then provides the supportive services and connections to the community-based supports they need to keep their housing and avoid returning to homelessness. The goal for these services is to help persons in need with accessing and remaining in decent, affordable housing of their choice. The services focus on homeless prevention, when possible. These services also connect individuals to resources and supports needed to work towards recovery.
Housing Solutions Services include:
- Homeless Outreach
- Housing Advocacy
- Case Management
- Access to housing and mainstream resources and support services
- Access to emergency housing
- Assistance accessing permanent subsidized housing
- Affordable housing programs for individuals and families with disabilities
- Transitional Housing
- Fairweather Lodge (an affordable shared housing opportunity with a program of vocational, mental health, and housing support)
BRIDGES Program
BRIDGES is a program funded through Crawford County Human Services Mental Health Block Grant. The mission of BRIDGES is to offer temporary supportive housing to consumers with mental illness, while assisting them with connecting to supports and services within the community in an effort to lead them down a road to permanent affordable housing. In collaboration with other local agencies, our services will help individuals learn the skills needed to maintain permanent housing and continue on a positive path in regard to their health and wellness. The eligibility for the BRIDGES program includes homeless or near homeless adults with mental illness, who are Crawford County residents. The target population for the program includes individuals who are unable to access shelter elsewhere and have exhausted all other appropriate housing options.
Location: 386 Chestnut St. Meadville, PA 16335
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (closed on major holidays)
Contact CHAPS and ask to speak to a Housing Solutions Program Staff Member, 814-333-2924
Supervisor: Sandy Farkas, 814-373-5082