Community Extended Care services are provided for persons with mental retardation, mental illness, and chemical dependency. These services help individuals live productively in the mainstream of community life. Services are designed to meet individual needs and to help develop a normal routine of work, leisure, and social activity. Service options range from intensive training in group living environments and semi-independent apartments to structured day support activities.

Community Extended Care currently operates three (3) group homes: The Wythe House and Carroll House Programs provide 24-hour supervision to individuals with mental retardation or who have a dual diagnosis of mental retardation and mental illness. These environments are highly structured with activities that range from personal care and assistance to integrated community activities. The Grayson House program is an Adult Care Residence that offers 24-hour care and supervision to individuals with mental illness, mental retardation, or recovering substance abusers. Services include training and assistance with personal care, use of community resources, and medication management.

Supervised Apartment Programs include: Pine View, Washington House, Park House, Cedar Crest, the Boatwright House, Mountain View, Heritage House and Laurel House. These programs are Medicaid Waiver funded and serve individuals with mental retardation and individuals that have a dual diagnosis of mental retardation and mental illness. Programs have four (4) or less persons living at each home, and the homes are staffed 24-hours a day. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and wishes. These Programs provide the assistance, training, support, and supervision necessary to promote optimal functioning within the community setting.

Community Extended Care provides supportive residential services to persons with mental retardation in their home. Both residential training and personal assistance are provided to allow individuals to remain at home with their families. Similar support services are also provided for individuals with chronic mental illness. The focus of these support services is to promote community integration and avoid psychiatric hospitalization.

Respite Services are provided in-home, at various group homes, and also at supervised apartment locations throughout the Mount Rogers catchment area. These services provide temporary, substitute relief for family caregivers.

Community Extended Care also offers sponsored placements with Specialized Family Homes. This service provides individuals with the opportunity to live with trained families who will provide assistance with personal care, training, and social support. This option allows the individual to become a part of a family rather than living in a group home or supervised apartment setting.

Clubhouses

There are four (4) psychosocial rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic mental illness: The Friendship House, Smyth/Washington House, Powerhouse, and Wytheville Clubhouse. Programs are designed to help persons who are interested in helping themselves and one another overcome the effects of a severe mental illness. Clubhouses help individuals achieve or regain skills and confidence needed to improve day-to-day communication skills, develop peer and group relations, and to find employment in the community. At the Clubhouses, the atmosphere is hopeful and the expectation is that all individuals have the emotional strength and coping skills to attain a level of functioning that will bring them a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Community Extended Care is committed to providing the highest quality of community support services for individuals with mental retardation, mental illness, and for individuals who are recovering substance abusers. Whether it is a child receiving in-home services, an adult living independently, or an individual leaving an institution to live in the community - the goal is to help people achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment in their lives.

Friendship House

Group Homes

· The Wythe House is a twelve bed residential program serving people with mental retardation and other secondary disabilities such as emotional/behavioral problems or physical disabilities. Wythe House is the agency's most intensive long term community residential program with staff available to provide individual and small group training, counseling, and support services. For more information contact, (276) 228-8393.

· The Carroll House is a home for twelve adults with developmental disabilities. It is located in a rural setting that provides access to social, recreational, religious, and employment opportunities. In addition to community activities, clients receive in-home supports and training in such areas as health care, personal development, and other activities of daily living. For more information contact, (276) 728-4301.

· The Grayson House is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services as a home for ten adults with mild or moderate disability. The Grayson House meets the individual needs for social, recreational, and employment opportunities in a home-like environment. Most people who live at the Grayson House develop sufficient skills to move on to more independent living arrangements. Applicants to the program must be willing to work in a day job, job training, or educational placement. For more information contact, (276) 773-2707

· The Smyth Apartments are three, two bedroom apartments set within the town limits of Marion. The people living at the apartments participate in employment activities and other community activities suitable for their individual abilities. The staff of the apartments and a case manager coordinate, assists, and train people in activities of their daily life. For more information contact, (276) 783-2453.

· The Wythe Apartments are designed for four adults with developmental disabilities and offer the residents opportunities for community participation and personal life skill development. For more information contact, (276) 223-0561.

· The Galax Apartment is a house that has been reconditioned to provide a home and community like setting for four adults with developmental disabilities. Each resident receives the personal attention and training to fully experience being a participant of the community. For more information contact, (276) 236-0872.