Life Skills and Socialization
Connecting to Ourselves, Each Other, and the Community
Looking for opportunities to build academic, social, recreation/leisure and daily living skills? Bell’s New Beginnings program offers structured classes (on a semester-type schedule) on topics like money management, health and hygiene, healthy relationships, arts & crafts, mental and physical wellness. The small group approach gives everyone a chance to participate at whatever level is comfortable while receiving valuable peer connections.
New Beginnings groups meet at the main Bell office at 160 S. George Street during regular business hours. For more information, contact Karen Roland at 717-848-5767, ext. 1401.
A favorite department-wide activity for service users is Bell’s annual outing to Camp Hebron. For a few days every August, folks pack up and head about an hour north to enjoy camping, horseback riding, water sports, and other activities together. (see the post on Bell’s Facebook page with photos from the August 2022 trip)
Hang Out with Friendly Support
Sometimes the best personal medicine is simply getting out of the house and interacting with other people a little. Bell’s Rita Patz Liberty Bell Drop-In Center provides a casual, welcoming atmosphere to socialize and enjoy recreation and leisure time with friends. There is a calendar of activities from which to choose, including bowling, field trips and other outings, but there are no structured classes. Instead, you’ll find table games, billiards, ping-pong, puzzles, and movies are available. There is also a full commercial kitchen as well as a lounge area with vending machines.
The Liberty Bell Drop In Center is located at the corner of Penn and King streets in York City and is open daytime and evening hours, and weekends. For more information, contact Jere Woodyard at 717-848-5767, ext. 1420.
¿Habla Español?
Bell’s Sendero (Path) program is specifically for Latinos living with mental illness whose primary language is Spanish. Our bilingual caseworkers conduct the skill building and recreational activities in Spanish, but encourage participants to learn and utilize English in groups. Topics include money management, cooking, art, movie club and community awareness.
Sendero meets at the main Bell office,160 S. George Street. For more information, contact Karen Roland at 717-848-5767, ext. 1401.