Conard House
| Founded | 1960 |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Elaine Mikels |
| Headquarters | |
| Area served | San Francisco |
| Focus(es) | Self-Management of Mental Illness |
| Method(s) | Residential Treatment, Supportive Housing, Supportive Employment, Money Management and Harm Reduction |
| Employees | 160 |
| Motto | "To develop resources that help people self-manage mental illness." |
| Website |
Conard House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the SoMa arts district of San Francisco, working to support adults living with serious mental illness.[1] The organization's stated mission is "to develop resources that help people self-manage mental illness." [2] These resources include supportive housing, supported employment, computer resources, money management and harm reduction. Together, these resources are generally referred to as community supported self-management.[3]
History
Conard House was founded by Elaine Mikels (1921-2004), who, with her mentor, Conard Rheiner, believed that people learning to live with, or recovering from, mental illness needed not only housing appropriate for their needs but additional, therapeutic and rehabilitation support and long-term stability in order to be able to reintegrate themselves into the community.
In 2010, Conard House, as a sub-recipient under San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, received federal reinvestment act money under the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP).[4][5] In accordance with the goals of BTOP, Conard House has used this money to create public computer centers, comprehensive community infrastructure, and to increase sustainable broadband adoptions among Conard House residents. The computer centers are free for all residents and clients of Conard House, and offer free classes and general computer support. The intended goal of this program is to increase self-sufficiency through computer literacy in a society that is becoming rapidly dependent on broadband technologies.
Supportive Housing
Conard House owns multiple residential properties that provide various resources and in home support. Residents, all previously homeless and mentally ill (DSM Diagnosis) live in the properties and can utilize the resources offered. Conard house owns seven residential hotels, runs one apartment complex, and provides resources to 27 apartment cooperatives. Case managers provide in-home support to the residential hotels. Residents in the co-ops live independently, and are provided with resources and auxiliary support through the Jackson Street co-op program.[6]
Case Manager
Many people with mental illness, especially those that are dual diagnosis, have trouble taking care of their basic needs. Case managers provide support such as help with budgeting, organizing support groups, and helping the residents and clients access external resources.[7]
Supportive Employment
Conard House provides vocational assessment counseling, job training, and retention services to the residents. In addition, Conard House employs its residents as desk clerks, janitorial staff, and foot couriers. This program is important for the Jackson Street Co-Op program because of its requirement that clients secure employment within three months of entering the program.[8]
Community Service Centers
Conard house owns four community service centers for Conard residents and non-resident community members. The centers offer money management and provide resources and support that the clients wouldn't otherwise have access to.
References
- ↑ Raush, Harold L.; Raush, Charlotte L. (1968). Halfway House Movement: A Search for Sanity. Ardent Media Inc. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
- ↑ , Conard House web site
- ↑ "Conard House - Community-Supported Self-Management". Conard.org. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ↑ "About | BroadbandUSA - NTIA". .ntia.doc.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ↑ http://www.sfhsa.org/2893.htm. Retrieved 2013-12-04. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ "Conard House - Programs & Services". Conard.org. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ↑ "Conard House - About Us". Conard.org. 2011-06-30. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ↑ "Conard House - Jackson Street Community". Conard.org. Retrieved 2013-12-04.