The Sierra Center offers groups, classes, and activities for individuals with persistent or severe mental illness.
The primary objectives of the program are to improve the participants' self-esteem and ability to thrive independently, and to increase their ability to function,
connect, and enjoy interacting in the community. Opportunities are provided for participants to develop or improve skills that are involved in daily living, social interaction,
or vocational/educational settings, all within a safe and supportive environment. Each participant in this program has at least one goal that they work on during each session.
A typical day will find participants engaged in discussions of current events, sports activities, goal-setting, or perhaps a field trip to
the lake or place of historical interest. Class subjects include mental health recovery and coping skills, dual diagnosis groups
(for those with substance abuse problems as well as mental illness), sewing, language skills, relationships and families, ecology, and art and music therapy.
All are designed to help each person live as fully, healthily, and independently as possible.
The Sierra Center philosophy of social rehabilitation and skill-building includes these principles:
- All participants deserve respect and the opportunity to participate to the fullest extent possible.
- We collaborate with a system of community resources to provide comprehensive services to each person desiring to work toward self-actualization and personal growth.
- Groups and classes are designed to provide useful skills and experience in typical living, educational, spiritual, vocational, and social environments.
- The persons we serve teach us as well as learn from us.
- We focus on a person's strengths rather than their disabilities.
- Participants are involved in all aspects of treatment planning and service provision.
- We are commited to social justice and equal opportunities for all.