About Bell
Bell Socialization Services, Inc. began in 1966 as “The Bell Club,” a social gathering for people being discharged from local psychiatric hospitals into the greater York, PA community.
Here’s a glimpse into our early history:
02.08.66 – The Board of Directors of Mental Health America appoint Mrs. Nancy Underwood chairman (representing MHA) and Dr. Thomas Garrett co-chairman (representing the Junior Chamber of Commerce [Jaycees]) of The Bell Club Committee.
03.23.66 – The committee met to discuss incorporation of the social club. It was agreed to register the organization as “The Bell Club.”
08.09.66 – Mr. Morris Nemser is hired as the first Director, receiving $75 per month (part-time hours).
10.24.66 – First social club meeting is held at Pine Street Center; the program is a travelogue. Mr. Nemser recommends that employment counseling become a part of the program of the Club. Mrs. Underwood indicated that psychiatrists of York only want it to be a social and recreational activity program.
10.30.67 – First Anniversary Celebration sponsored by Jaycees and MHA, held at Visiting Nurse Association.
02.13.68 – The Catholic Woman’s Club, the Alexandra B. Goode #205 (Post), the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary, Jaycee Wives and Beta Sigma Phi of York Junior College are secured as regular volunteers to help out with Bell Club programs (10 to 12 members).
09.04.68 – Jewish War Veterans begin ceramic classes. There are now 12 to 14 regular club members; 33 referrals received to date.
09.71 – Harrisburg State Hospital begins bringing persons to Monday Night Program.
Sunday Supper, December 1973
03.14.72 – Sunday Supper program initiated. Mrs. Haggin Bothom’s church sponsors first dinner.
01.09.73 – Mrs. Adrienne Coulson (director) informs MHA she would like to establish a Board of Directors for Bell Club.
More historical notes will be added to our web site over time. Check back to learn more.
Bell TODAY
All of Bell’s services follow the psychosocial rehabilitation model, which focuses on assessing individual strengths and needs, setting personal goals, and providing an environment that encourages growth and development. Bell’s ultimate goal is to help its consumers live as independently as possible in the community.
Bell Socialization Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization funded in part by federal, state, and local governments, as well as grants and tax-deductible donations.
THE STORY OF THE BELL
"Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness." - inscription on Mental Health Bell
During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.
In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1956, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland, Mental Health America melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell.
Now the symbol of Mental Health America, the 300-pound Bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people who are living with mental illness.
Over the years, national mential health leaders and other prominent individuals have rung the bell to mark continued progress in the fight for victory over mental illnesses.