BY PAT FARNELLI
Correspondent
Richard Himko (with shovel) plants a lilac at the Danny Crisman/Sept. 11, 2001 Memorial Park with fellow consumers of
the Step by Step Program looking on: Casey Burridge, Arthur Rosencrants, Barb
Cotter, Dawn Geiger, Fred Siracuse. PHOTO BY PAT FARNELLI
For adults who are living with mental health issues, being able to live independently is priceless. Step by Step is a supportive living program for adults over 18, which helps adults live more healthy, comfortable, and active lives independently, and in their own environments.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Step by Step consumers plated a lilac provided by J&J Landscaping in Susquehanna at the Danny Crisman Memorial in South Montrose.
“We have been doing this tree planting for about 20 years,” said staff member Louann Smith. “This year, this is the park we have decided on.”
The Step by Step drop-in center, located at 157 Spruce Street, Montrose, is near the Department of Public Assistance office, the Health Department, and the Area Agency on Aging. Anyone can stop in the drop-in center
without a referral, said staffer Tammy Robinson.
In addition, the program can provide outreach to anyone who has a referral through a mental health provider.
“We work with them in their own homes and apartments,” Robinson said.
Consumers of the Step by Step program of Montrose planted a tree at the Danny Crisman Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 18.. From left: Wendy Knapp, Leland Robbs, Casey Burridge, Chris Rose, Richard Himko, Joe Mead, Arthur Rosencrants, Henry Persons, Liz Turcotte, Barb Cotter, Dawn Geiger, Fred Siracuse, and Brian Fasse. PHOTO BY PAT FARNELLI
The mission statement of Step by Step cites the aim of providing individualized help to maintain personal stability as well as independence in the community.
“We provide a team of professional staff who support the individual in maintaining a safe and healthy living arrangement as well as becoming a productive member of their community,” Robinson said.
The private non-profit corporation is devoted to providing services for those with developmental disabilities, mental illness, autism spectrum disorders, and physical disabilities. Anyone with a mental health diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or bi-polar disorder could benefit from the program.
“The individual can live in his or her own home, or with a family.” Robinson added, “We always strive for people to have personal choice and independence.”
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