|
Vail Place is named after Dr. David Vail, the former Medical Director of the MN Dept. of Public Welfare. Dr. Vail helped pioneer the movement away from dehumanizing institutional treatment methods for mental illness to dignified treatment in the community.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS –
- 1981 – opened in Hopkins
- 1983 – became a United Way agency (in '86 received United Way rating of “excellence”)
- 1988 – Minneapolis facility opened; MN Housing Service Program Contract awarded
- 1994 – hosted 1st Mid-States Clubhouse Conference
- 1998 – Community Support Program of the Year – MN Dept. of Human Services
- 1998 – 1st Hennepin County program selected as sites (both facilities) for statewide mental health initiative to assist people with high rates of hospitalization to remain in the community and out of Regional Treatment Centers
- 1999 – received highest certification from the Int'l Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD)
- 2002 – certified as an Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) Program
- 2003 – hosted 12th International Seminar on the Clubhouse Model
- 2003 – Vail in the Park apartment building completed and occupied
FROM THE BEGINNING . . . a caring, dignified and comprehensive approach
By early 1980, most Minnesota residents with mental illness had been moved out of institutions, but with virtually nowhere to turn in the community for alternative services or support. A steering committee of mental health professionals and community leaders was formed to address this critical need. The men and women of the committee made an exhaustive study of existing models of community-based services.
The "clubhouse model" of psychosocial rehabilitation stood out to them for its effectiveness and its dignified, respectful treatment of clients - referred to as "members." Fountain House in New York City originated this model in 1948 and had established a very successful track record in meeting the needs of those with mental illness. Clubhouse-based programs had demonstrated they could reduce hospitalizations and the length of hospital stays, increase employment rates and housing options, and build a broader base of social support for those with mental illness.
The steering committee determined to establish a community support program based on the clubhouse model. Vail Place received its 501(c)(3) status in March of 1981 and opened in August of that year.
In 1987, each facility received one of the seven Community Support Program (CSP) contracts awarded by Hennepin County. CSPs were developed to provide integrated, community-based mental health services to fill the gap left by the closing of state institutions. Adding CSP services to its strong clubhouse background, Vail Place offered the most comprehensive and integrated community-based rehabilitative services; it has continued to expand services over the years in order to increase its ability to meet the needs of its members. A partnership with Hennepin County was formed in 1997 that brought Case Management services to Vail Place, and in 2002 we became certified as an Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) provider.
Vail Place remains unique within Minnesota's mental health community for its efficient, cost-effective integrated care through a broad range of program services.
|
