Peer Programs
Read below about Oasis House and our Certified Peer Specialist program.
Oasis House
Oasis House is designed on the clubhouse model of Fountain House in Manhattan, New York.
A clubhouse is a recovery-oriented joint operation between members and staff, where people with a history of mental illness can go for support in their efforts to become more a part of their community.
The key to clubhouse is the work-ordered day. Members have opportunities to participate in the work needed to keep the clubhouse going. Every member has access to Transitional Employment (TE) positions and support in finding independent employment.
Members and staff share all responsibilities in the clubhouse. Decisions regarding policy and procedure are made during house meetings, where all interested persons can be involved. The orientation process allows new members the opportunity to experience all the clubhouse units.
The Administrative Unit coordinates daily administrative work of the clubhouse. Responsibilities include intake, clerical, billing, outreach, and attendance. This unit is involved with the hiring of new staff. A monthly newsletter keeps members informed of clubhouse activities.
The thrift shop is a member-run store selling clothes and household items. Members work to sort and price donations, work at the cash register and deal with customer service.
The clubhouse Kitchen Unit is responsible for food service within the clubhouse, including meal planning, cooking or baking, determining prices, shopping, waiting tables and clean up. Meals are available at specified times throughout the day. A snack bar is open for members to take advantage of at their convenience.
Employment & Education Unit
Independent employment is a goal of some members and the clubhouse provides a place for help and support in the process of finding and maintaining a job. Staff can go to an interview or a new job with a member to provide assistance. Members can also meet with a staff generalist or other members to discuss strengths and needs in the workplace. This unit’s main function is to assist members in reaching goals of employment. Members search want ads for jobs, receive help with resume preparation and filling out applications. This unit also plans and organizes employment dinners.
Transitional Employment Program offers members paid work. TE positions are available to all members. Members are paid directly by the employer. These positions are usually six to nine months long and between 16 and 20 hours per week. Members and staff work to educate others in basic typing and computer skills. The orientation process for new members is scheduled and run through this unit.
Oasis House is located at 751 S. Queen Street, York PA.
For more information, contact:
Christine Adkins Oasis House Program Coordinator 717-848-3566 or Tony Schweitzer Assistant Director, Mental Health Services 717-848-5767, ext 410The York/Adams HealthChoices Management Unit and the York County Commissioners provided reinvestment dollars in support of the start-up costs of this program.
Certified Peer Specialist Program
By partnering with experienced peers, individuals living with mental illness receive support to actively engage in their recovery.
Certified Peer Specialists are people who have lived with mental illness in their own lives. They serve as role models and advocates for other mental health consumers.
Peer Specialists receive training and are tested on their skills. They are people who want to help others succeed, offering encouragement and hope along the road to recovery.
A Certified Peer Specialist can . . .
- listen to an individual’s current concerns and hopes for the future
- help develop those hopes into recovery goals and create a recovery plan
- support individuals to put their recovery plan into action by ensuring they have the right tools in their recovery toolbox, including
- connections to natural supports and
- referrals to social and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Who can receive CPS services?
Anyone with a mental illness diagnosis who is willing to take steps toward recovery is encouraged to use these services. Eligibility is open to those who want to reduce frequency and duration of hospitalization, learn self-advocacy skills, strengthen their independence, and take steps to improve their quality of life.