Very interesting article in the August 2009 issue of Psychiatric Services entitled ”The Long-Term Impact of Employment on Mental Health Service Use and Costs for Persons With Severe Mental Illness.” The conclusion notes that ”significant reductions in service use were associated with steady employment” and suggests that cost savings in mental health services would justify broader implementation of supported employment services.
See abstract at http://bit.ly/nJnRj
The ribbon is cut!
Over 150 people attended the Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for PRS Tysons on Thursday, August 6th on Old Meadow Road in McLean. PRS (formerly Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services) is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization that has been providing skills training and rehabilitation services to Northern Virginia residents in recovery from serious mental illness since 1963. PRS Tysons is the new site housing two prior Day Programs: PRS Reston and PRS Falls Church. Services offered at PRS Tysons include Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Programming, Employment Services and individualized Mental Health Support Services provided in community locations.
Fairfax County Supervisors Linda Smyth (Providence District) and John Foust (Dranesville District), VA Delegate Ken Plum (36th District) and PRS Chairman of the Board Richard Brewster helped PRS President and CEO Wendy Gradison cut the ribbon officially opening PRS Tysons. PRS staff and clients were joined by friends and supporters who wanted to see, first hand, the terrific new programs that emanate from PRS Tysons. Guests heard personal stories from two clients, one receiving services from the Day Program and the other from Employment and Mental Health Support Services. Lunch and facility tours were provided by the Day Program clients, and slide shows and videos about PRS’ services and supports were running in various rooms for guests to watch.
PRS has been awarded a grant from the VA Department of Rehabilitative Services to provide Supported Employment Services to young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Loudoun County. In his recent press release, Governor Kaine announced the distribution of $500,000 to 12 organizations (of which PRS was one) with projects designed to increase employment for Virginians with disabilities.
PRS staff will provide a highly specialized community-based work adjustment training program, followed by job development and place and train services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. PRS’ “Choose-Get-Keep” method of supported employment has been provided to PRS clients with great success in past years. Staff work with clients ready to enter the workforce, helping them choose, get and keep jobs, often providing support at the work site.
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