100 Surveys Were Completed

Peer Support and Wellness Center Evaluation

Report compiled for the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc. February 2009

Jeremy Lingle, M.S. Adam Darnell, Ph.D.

EMSTAR Research, Inc. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 2

Peer Support and Wellness Center Evaluation

Background The Peer Support and Wellness Center, a project of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN), was developed through a grant provided by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (DMHDDAD) of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. The center was designed to fill an unmet need for ongoing peer support and wellness activities along with readily available respite stays during times of crisis. The center opened its doors on January 31, 2008.

All Wellness Center services are provided at no cost to consumers. Admission to respite is contingent upon completion of the “Proactive Interview” to determine suitability for a stay and to begin developing a relationship. Respite guests stay in private rooms for up to seven nights. Use of all other Wellness Center services is available to anyone. These activities include Cooking/Nutrition, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), gender specific Trauma-Informed Peer Support, Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR), Acting Group, Aroma Therapy, Creative Writing, Spirituality, Peer Support, Pathfinder's Employment Group, Sports and Swimming, Computer Skills Training, Negotiating Peer Relationships, and Social Group Activities. In addition, there is a Warm Line for Peer Support over the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Method A surveya designed by GMHCN staff assessed Wellness Center participants’ previous experience with hospitalization, extent to which the Wellness Center helped to prevent hospitalization, their positive and negative views of the center, and suggestions for improvement. Surveys were given to all respite participants on the last day of their stay, and to all PSWC participants during the last week of each month. Participants were informed that their participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous. Data were collected from July to December 2008.

a The Peer Support and Wellness Center Feedback Survey was revised during the period in which the data analyzed in this report were collected. Due to these revisions, some items were only available in the new version of the survey. These instances are noted in text, and comparable results from the old version of the item are also reported. When this was not possible, the responses from the final version of the instrument are reported and are noted in the text . Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 3

Respondent Characteristics Demographics. A total of 158 surveys were included in this report. This number included 112 unique respondentsb. The average age of respondents was 42 years old (Youngest=18; Oldest=64). The majority of respondents (49%) listed DeKalb as their county of residence, compared to 23% from Fulton, 4% from Gwinnett, 3% from Clayton, and 2% from Henry, and 1% from each Cherokee, Jefferson, and Jenkins. Another 5% of respondents listed places of residence out of state, and 10% were unspecified. Regarding race and ethnicity, 53% of respondents were African American, 35% Caucasian, 3% multiracial, 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 1% Asian American, and 8% ‘other’(see figure below). Only one respondent indicated a Hispanic ethnicity. In terms of education, approximately one third of the respondents (n=40) indicated having had some college (35%) and one third were high school graduates (35%). A smaller percentage had earned a certification or diploma (20%) or were college graduates (18%). Regarding the gender of respondents, 67% were male and 33% were female. Please note that only 36% of respondents indicated their level of education and 24% indicated their gender, which suggests that the percentages derived from these items may not accurately describe all respondents.

Race (n=90)

Multiracial Other American n=2 n=7 African Indian/ 2% 8% American Alaskan Native n=48 n=1 53% 1%

Asian American Caucasian n=1 n=31 1% 35%

Employment. The majority of respondents who completed items related to employment indicated a desire to be employed (62%). Nearly half (46%) indicated they were actively seeking employment, and 14% were actively interviewing. A total of 17% indicated that they were currently employed.

b Some respondents completed the survey more than once. All surveys, regardless of re-sampling, were included in analyses of open-ended items to represent the full extent of feedback provided (n=158). For all other items, only unique responses were included (n=112). Responses from the final version of the instrument were favored in the cases of duplicated respondents. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 4

70% 60% 62% 50% n=43 40% 46% n=32 30% 20% 10% 17% 12% 14% n=12 n=8 n=10 0% Currently Want to be Seeking In Supported Actively Employed Employed Employment Employment Interviewing (n=70) (n=69) (n=69) (n=68) (n=69)

Hospitalizations before PSWC Participation (n=71) c. Four out of five respondents (83%) reported they had been in a psychiatric hospital at least once prior to coming to the Wellness Center. The majority of respondents (58%) have had from one to five hospitalizations. The average number of hospitalizations was 7.7 (Low = 0; High = 100; Median = 2).

1 to 5 n=41 58% None n=12 17% > 10 n=11 15% 6 to 10 n=7 10% Hospitalizations since PSWC Participation (n=75) c. Four out of 5 respondents (80%) reported they have had no hospitalizations since coming to the Wellness Center. The average number of hospitalizations was 0.8 (Low = 0; High = 20; Median = 0).

c This item was not available on all versions of the survey. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 5

None n=60 80% 1 to 5 n=13 17%

> 5 n=2 3%

Wellness Center Service Utilization Services. Four out of five (81%) respondents reported using group activities and 44% reported using respite. Among those 48 respondents who utilized respite services provided by the Center, the average number of days in respite was 5.8 (Low = 2; High = 7).

Number of Days in Respite among All Respondents (n=91, average = 3.7d)

1 to 6 days 7 days n=28 n=29 31% 32%

0 days > 7 days n=32 n=2 35% 2%

d One respondent reported 60 days of respite which was far higher than the responses of other participants and, therefore, not included in the calculation of the mean. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 6

Respondent Views of Wellness Center Has the Peer Support and Wellness Center prevented a hospitalization for you? More than half of the respondents felt that the center had prevented a hospitalization for them, and another third felt that it may have (n=108).

Possibly n=35 32% Yes n=58 54% No n=15 14%

Will you tell us more about this (how center prevented hospitalization)?

The 81 responses to this item were organized into the categories below. Verbatim responses are shown below each category in italics. The responses were categorized as follows:

 Supportive environment, staff, and peers (n=30, 37%)  Other improvement (n=14, 17%)  Socializing/preventing isolation (n=8, 10%)  I was in a stressful situation (n=6, 7%)  I needed a calm place (n=3, 4%)  Miscellaneous (n=20, 25%)

I was in a stressful situation Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 7

 I am going through a very difficulty time in my life. I have stopped taking serrequell after 7 years, being here has been a tremendous emotional support also I can spare my dignaty with my family...  I was dismissed from the recovery program where I was for 6 mos with only 1 evening notice. They were going to refer me to Grady Psyc Ward or to a shelter in the city.  I was having a lot of difficulty coping with my home situation. A friend told me about this place. It has kept me from going in the hospital.  I wasn't talking to family  They give me ways to relieve stress and prevent isolation and depression by attending  Very stress out

I needed a calm place  It's a great place to regroup.  Need a great deal of rest and quiet time.  Well, I don't about hospitalization but it takes a load off.

Supportive environment, staff, and peers  Because I know that if I need you all I can count on you all to be there.  Because of the understanding you recieve from your peers you feel like a person and not a subject.  Have not yet symtom to be hospitalized but can count on peer support.  I am not getting feedback in what I'm going through. My family and 'friends' deny my experiences.  I like the peace and quiet and help of the Peer and Wellness Center.  I really like coming here for good support and friends.  I say 'yes' and 'possibly' because I can come here and have peer support.  I sit in a Personal Care Home with a TV, need some attention sometime.  I was given the support, encouragement and understanding I needed during this difficult time.  It gives me a place to come and be around other people.  It gives me counseling and therapy.  It gives me good counseling.  It is more warm and personable.  Its a place to come to feel comfortable and I don't go out and use drugs or alcohol.  Making friends understanding my illness  Peer support coming together happening...[illegible]  PSWC helped me process the whole hospital experience so I learned from the experience.  Recovery wellness and support  Support groups, computer skills, cooking Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 8

 The atmosphere here is a very peaceful one which gives me a comfortable mood  The center offers me a place to work with my al  The friendly support of the people at the center offset any back swing in mood deceleration.  The peer counselors one on one attention and peacful atmosphere.  The support of the trauma group helped.  The Wellness Center affords the atmosphere/environment to sort out coping skills plans.  The Wellness Center provides a safe, non-antiseptic atmosphere in which to rest - Most important the interaction with staff, I find very therapeutic.  They provide support and refuge.  This center is something of a godsend for me in the situation I've been in for to long to me theres hope as long as i'm interacting with others.  Without support I don't know where I would be.  Yes, I felt like staying here was like living at home, where you feel comfortable and not like hospitals where you...[illegible]

Socialization/preventing isolation  Activity takes me away from boredom and isolation.  Because it gives me a chance to be around others.  Feeling very, very upset, disturbed and I talked to peers for help.  I withdraw. And, being active with people in structured setting make a difference.  I would be boring  Its nice to meet new people.  Less lonliness - People to talk to! No paranoid.  The friends that I have made since I have been coming here has saved my life.

Other improvement  Activities help me  Because of the center I actually have been in better moods and situations.  Help in more transition  Helped me to transition from hospital to home.  I call the warm line for help.  If not for my peers I would have been hospitalized.  It help me feel better about myself.  It is a safe haven.  It keep me come [calm]  It was help  My 1st stay I may have been hospitalized. This time was more about self heeling.  Refrain from drug use  Seasonal blues, I have implemented redirection my anxiety. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 9

 The peer center gives me something more to do with my life.

Miscellaneous  At some point I had to end up in the hospital unavoidable.  Didn't get on the right medicine.  Don't like being told what to do.  I came in after I was in Crawford Long for a week with some weird "infection".  I don't know.  I enjoy WRAP  I had some housing problems.  I have warning signs.  I just started coming  I might need to be in some treatment center don't know.  I was feeling down at the time.  I'm so grateful for this place.  It fun at the center.  It is a great resource center.  It might have been a sure thing (no hospital). If I had done a proactive interview earlier.  It was no simple matter to integrate WRAP/Wellness into VA Programs.  Knowing that if my wrap shows up slipping I know there's somewhere I can check it early.  My current situation wasn't leading me toward hospitalization.  Never been in a hospital before, but they had put in one at Atlanta medical and they...[illegible]...doing x-rays.  Yes come come all join me need help.

How would you compare respite with hospitalization?

 More Freedom/independence (n=25, 26%)  Respite is better in general (n=21, 22%)  No comparison/polar opposites (n=11, 11%)  Less institutional (n=9, 9%)  Respite is more peaceful/like home (n=6, 6%)  Better interaction with peers/staff (n=6, 6%)  Healthy focus (n=5, 5%)  Treatment is more personal in respite (n=3, 3%) Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 10

 Miscellaneous (n=10, 10%)

More freedom/independence  Being able to be free and locked up.  Better more freedom  FREEDOM  Freedom - Total freedom and fun to lie here.  Good because you're not locked up.  I am free to do things in and out of the house, instead of being restricted. I can choose how to help myself (ie. seeking coping skill info online, talking with peers, journaling, walking, etc).  I can't cook, stay up late, or facilitate a group in the hospital.  I like the house in vironnant [environment]  It's not a lock down place.  I've never been in respite; hospitalization was not very pleasant since I was being looked in on at night every once in a while.  More freedom  More freedom  More freedom  More freedom and fun.  More freedom comes with respite than hospitalization  More say in treatment.  Much better, more freedom.  No basis for comparison. Here is homely.  No independence. You can come and go as you please. More one on attention.  No lock door ever  Respite has a lot more freedom than hospitalization.  Respite is a lot more comfortable and no one is controlling.  Respite is better than hospitalization because I don't feal locked up.  The comparison of respite with hospitalization is that in a respite is that it is in a warm family setting and you are free to come and go as you please. You administer... (cont. on paper)  Total freedom

Respite is more peaceful/like home  It like your own home very friendly.  It's similar because you spend nights away from home.  Much more relaxed. I can work through things easier.  Respite is like home away from home while hospitalization, you loose your freedom.  Respite resting, and Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 11

 Very relaxing, the groups are wonderful however respite lack the doctor's care a check in at the clinic when needed.

There is no comparison/polar opposites  100% better  100% better  100% better.  100% better.  Heaven and Hell  No comparison.  There is no comparison - as different as night and day (in a positive way, of course).  There is no comparison.  There is no comparison. In the hospital setting, the treatment approach is to "fix" one with meds. Here I am given opportunities to explore choices and move toward my strengths.  They are completely opposite environments. The Peer & Wellness Center is a warm, safe and compassionate place that is more condusive to helping one to find support in any areas of life.  Way better then what they off. Love is the key.

Less institutional  Hospital they take blood - activity groups  No needles just time out.  Respite allows the consumer to be in a good recovery atmosphere vs. being hospitalized with doctors.  Respite is better for peers because no doctors or nurse are controlling our wellness.  Respite is so much more peaceful and your not being medicated every few hours.  Respite is where you can relax until you calm down. Being hospitalization is where you have to stay up at all times.  Respite relaxation hospital drawing blood  Some hospitalization change your meds. And they do a lot of lab work.  They don't take blood

Respite is better in general  Good because you're not locked up.  Good Ideal  Heavenly  Humane  I think this is a lot more healthier.  If it means staying at the Wellness Center I would like it better.  I'll come to respite but refuse hospital. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 12

 Its a lot better.  It's just better  Much better, much more relaxing.  Much better.  Much more helpful  Much peace, good staff, and classes, groups, food  Nicer  Not sure, never been in programs but have seen people a lot better off after being here for a week in your program.  On center it fun at the respite.  Preferable!!!!!  Respite is better  Respite is better than hospitalization.  Seems like it would be better  Very similar somewhat better.

Better interaction with peers and staff  A more relaxed mode and friendly staff.  For one thing the staff is very personally involved with everyone here there is a positive atmosphere here the freedom  No comparison this treats you with dignity.  The staff here interaction with guest is very positive and conducive to calmness  The staff here provides the comradery one needs to deal with mental health issues.  This respite site provides peer specialist who are not detached from, nor insensitive to the guests emotions.

Healthy Focus  Individual support. Being able to talk longer on the phone. People have experienced similar care. Positive and caring people work here.  It deals more on mental wellness.  It fore growing instead of keeping from dying.  Recovery  Self help and recovery (respite) dysfunction.

Treatment is More Personal in Respite  Although I've never been in that situation I feel I can be real and talk about things I'm thinking and feeling it feels a lot easier to just be me.  People are treated with dignity and helped to figure out a plan for when they leave.  Respite is more personal - Hospital is group. I really need me time.

Miscellaneous  It is worth the effort to put together a WRAP plan including respite.  It will help ease your mind. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 13

 Less serious, more on own power and decision-making  More person attention  Much less threatening idea.  Only a limited time to more time spent.  Positive and friendly compared to the rules and boredom of a hospital.  Respite hospitalization is great because it keep a smear of your record of being hospitalized.  They both help you be with other people.  Very important thing to have a place to come to instead of going to the hospital.

What would you have done if you had not contacted us for respite?

 Do not know (n=28, 33%)  Symptoms would have worsened (n=22, 26%)  Hospitalization (n=16, 19%)  Change residence (n=6, 7%)  Contact friends/family (n=4, 5%)  Behavior that would have lead to hospital or jail (n=2, 2%)  Unhealthy coping (n=2, 2%)  Miscellaneous (n=16, 19%)

Hospitalization  Checked myself into Peachford.  emergency  Gone in the hospital.  Gone nuts, possibly gone to hospital.  Gone to a hospital.  Hospital  I have not used it yet, but I would have to go to the hospital.  I may end up in the hospital.  I would end-up in the hospital under a lot of stress.  Probably be at Georgia Regional that's why I'm grateful for this option of respite.  Probably go to North DeKalb.  Stay longer in the hospital.  True maybe in some mental hospital.  Went back to the hospital like last time.  Went into psychiatric hospital.  Went to hospital. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 14

Symptoms would worsen  Be bored and not hurt myself  Been lonely  Been miserable at home  Cried more and isolate more.  Depression  Died of boredom and depression.  Had a break down.  Have a nervous breakdown  hurt myself, call 911 before  I be very bored.  I probably would have gone back home and stayed up all night dealing with my illness.  I would be bored and thinking too much.  I would be bored.  I would have been home alone depressed and anxious.  I would have probably had to go to "triage" a second time at GRN before my appointment with my counselor on Aug. 15th.  Killed myself.  My mind was getting very dark.  Probably had a breakdown.  Remained in home environment which is very isolated.  Stay at home and possible get paranoid.  Suffer. I had/have no way out. I need help. My life was going down hill.  Withdraw and cry. Loneliness and boredom comes.

Contact friends/family  Go to family member.  Stay with my dad.  Stayed in a hotel with dad.  Stayed with my mother (somewhat controlling).

Do not know  Don't really know.  Honestly I just don't know.  I come to the program and go back home.  I don't know/I do not know (x19)  I just don't know as of yet.  I would have had no other option.  Not certain.  Not sure.  Only God know. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 15

 Unsure

Change residence  Gone to a motel  Gone to a motel  Gone to a motel  I would have stayed at my daughter's apt or in a shelter.  Into a hotel.  Probably attempt to find a bed at a shelter, though it would've been almost impossible at the time.

Behavior to be placed in hospital or jail  I would have done something stupid to get locked up.  I would have done something stupid to get me put in jail or back in the hospital.

Unhealthy Coping  Probably stayed home and drank.  Probably would have done something detrimental re: my condition.

Miscellaneous  At this time I doesn't need respite but later own I just might need it.  Called 211  I mowed grass  I would have been bitter  If I didn't' know respite existed I don't know but once I came here for a meeting I was so grateful for the opportunity the choice was easy  Live at house.  Moot point.  Never had a chance to decide.  Not as well  slept  Tight it out

Which part of the Wellness Center did you like best?

 Planned activities/classes (n=35, 25%)  People/staff (n=27, 20%)  Groups (n=23, 17%)  Positive environment (n=16, 12%)  Everything (n=12, 9%) Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 16

 Computer access (n=10, 7%)  Freedom (n=4, 3%)  Miscellaneous (n=11, 8%)

Computer Access  Computer access, peer support  Computer class  Computer; wrap group; cooking class  Computers  Internet  The computer  The computers  The computers and classes  The computers.  Using the computer - using art supplies. People/staff  Being supported by my peers  Free use of the facility and kindness and concern of the staff.  Friendliness  Friends  Friends  Having someone to talk to.  I like the openness of the people.  Late night conversations with staff were helpful.  Peer Sport [support?]  Peer support  Peers and the group facilitators.  Social interactions.  Staff interaction with guests  The camaraderie.  The friendliness and support of the staff.  The kindness and support of these wonderful women who work here  The new CPS's Bert and Gerald.  The peer support groups, and classes.  The peers  The peers  The people  The staff (x6)

Planned activities/classes Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 17

 Also the classes like acting.  Activities (x4)  Aromatherapy and the peer discussion groups D.T.  Cooking  Cooking school. Talk with other who are like me.  Downstairs where they have the aromatherapy and the artist room.  DTR group/Interaction with peers  DTR Groups  Education and understanding.  Exposure to activities, peer contact, communications with others, and things of value.  Going out to different places.  Going places  I love y’all a whole lot. I like the activities and going out.  Jewelry class  Jewelry Class  Make thing  Music room  Pathfinders, Nutrition, Acting, WRAP Talking, Taboo, DTR  Resource Center  Respite and acting class.  Right now I just attend the activity group  Social activities  The bird and aroma therapy  The classes  The innovative and creative center  The jewelry class  The outtings.  WRAP  WRAP and cooking class on Friday.  WRAP group  WRAP Section  WRAP, writing

Groups  Afternoon groups  Group activities (x3)  Group therapy  Groups and computer  Groups and holiday celebrations.  Groups and respite. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 18

 Groups/Activities  I like the groups - especially the affirmation group.  Support education validation and encouragement.  Take group.  The beds, shopping for food. Feedback and listening.  The group activities.  The groups (x8)  When we have groups.

Positive Environment  A sense of family atmosphere; no pressure  A setting of opulance.  Feeling of being safe and couteous.  I like the positive/supportive atmosphere at the Center.  It feels like home.  My own space especially the bathroom.  My room  Personal room.  Phone  The chilling  The feeling I'm welcome a place where I don't end up by myself.  The forrest room.  The friendliness. The nice clean beds and rooms.  The peace you find and feel when you walk in the door.  The rest  The rest

Everything  (all) meaning everything  All  All  All areas  All areas, but the meditation room.  All of it (x5)  Everything (x9)  Everything especially the WRAP Group.  Everything is good  Everything is great about Peer Support and Wellness Center.  Everything!  Everything. It's all good! Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 19

Freedom  being free to do what I needed to cope with my issues  Freedom of choice  Self-direction  Sense of freedom.

Miscellaneous  A chance to rest without catching the bus.  Having something to eat and watching movies and talking. Also taking a ride in a car.  I like it better here than FEA  I like this lady named Becca.  No TV - except news, great personel.  The bed  The CPS Support System in place. They truly understand the struggles that I was enduring this "transition" phase of my life.  The freedom to come and go as you please.  The guest with me...[name].  The help with my resume has been awesome! Thank you!  The part that its always open.

Which part of the Wellness Center did you like least?

 No complaints (n=66, 62%)  Other participants (n=7, 7%)  No lunches provided (n=4, 4%)  Miscellaneous (n=29, 27%)

No complaints  Can't think of anything  Clean and neat  I dont' know  I found this resource to be exceptional and a refuge not typically accessible to the disabled. So I was appreciative of all aspects.  I'm not sure. I just started coming here.  Its pretty cool to me.  Leaving Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 20

 No comment, well I hope medicaid can pay for transportation so I can get employment and train to be a peer support specialist.  No complaints  No complaints.  None (x20)  None really  None!  Nothing (x22)  Nothing at all  Nothing at all.  Nothing. I like everything. I like all my friends here. I don't have anything against nobody here. I like socializing with them.  Right now thing comes to mind  Say nothing I like everything  Stress free  That I have to leave.  The nothing  The time you can stay is too short  There was nothing I liked the least.  This is not applicable.  Time to leave

No Lunches Provided  No lunch  No lunches  No lunches  No lunches provided

Other Participants  Attendance of others  Group dissension  Large crowds of people  Mary  Participant dishonesty.  Sharing facilities with unclean participants.  Some of the behaviors of one of the participants in respite.

Miscellaneous  "bed bugs"  Being  Distraction  Going to Dairy Queen  I guess that would have to be its so far from where I'm staying. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 21

 I had to cook.  I have a designated person for the warmline  It is hard not to like the Wellness Center, however if the activity schedule was (written) planned at least one month in advance it  Loosing my position when I was hospitalized.  Loud times and animals.  Maurice not giving me space to cool until I straighten him out.  Me the condition I'm in  More hours.  My sickness  Need better groups  No a.m. classes.  Noise  Nothing but some of the groups.  Nothing but the beds.  Occasional talk of using and (fighting inappropriately).  Outside (mosquitoes)  rest  Sitting around at center.  sort of unsure of what to do  T.V.  The internet and the phone.  The parts they didn't include.  The staff  Trying to help and hear just go.

Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 22

How effective were the activities toward reaching your personal recovery goals? The vast majority of respondents (96%, n=55e) felt the activities at the center were good or excellent in helping them reach their recovery goals.

40 35 n=35 30 64% 25 20 15 n=18 33% 10 n=2 5 4% n=0 0% 0 Excellent Good Fair Poor

How well did peer staff interact with you? Nearly all respondents (98%, n=57f) felt that staff interactions were either excellent of good.

40 35 n=34 30 58% 25

20 n=22 15 39% 10 5 n=1 n=0 2% 0% 0 Excellent Good Fair Poor

e Earlier versions of this item used a slightly different response scale. Responses were as follows (n=45): 49% Extremely Effective, 31% Very Effective, 18% Somewhat Effective, 2% indicating Not Very Effective, and 0% Not At All Effective. f Earlier versions of this item used a slightly different response scale. Responses were as follows (n=48): 60% Exceptionally Well, 31% Very Well, 6% Average, 2% Could Be Better, and 0% Not Well at All. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 23

What can we do to improve the Peer Support and Wellness Center?

 No changes (n=33, 33%)  Longer hours/more groups (n=16, 16%)  Specific new activities (n=12, 12%)  More food (n=8, 8%)  More staff (n=5, 5%)  Job assistance (n=3, 3%)  Cleanliness (n=2, 2%)  Miscellaneous (n=20, 20%)

Job Assistance  Help more people get jobs and be independent.  Looking for job and may be the people can't help me to go their or the...[illegible]  They help me get a job.

Cleanliness  Raise the standard bar for receiving services i.e. we should empty our respite rooms trash/clean up behind ourselves more.  Require participants to keep facilities clean for the health of all.

Specific new activities  AA meet double-trouble  Everyone is always learning. Communication class has been added and its a class I need.  Go out more often  Grant Writing Classes  Have grant writing classes.  Help residents quit smoking by teaching them healthy choices and skin care classes. You look good, feel good and do good!!!  Keep staff and consumers interested in obtaining diplomas or degrees.  Music classes  Provide a spiritual group meeting once a week.  Start having more wellness groups in the a.m.  Take day trips  Try ways of exposing the activities offered, newspaper, TV advertisements. Have coming out party. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 24

More food  After each group they should provide a small snack for the one that participates in group activity.  Have bottled water.  Have breakfast and lunch  Have breakfast and lunch  Have breakfast and lunches.  Have more sugar  More empanada  Provide snacks even if there have to take up a minimum service charge for a little lunch.

Longer hours/More groups  Add more groups  Add more staff members and more groups.  Better groups  Have extended stay (more than 7 days)  Have longer hours during the day.  Have more classes  Have more groups.  I'm may be going back to work at a day job and there's no evening classes -  Improve in more groups/outings.  Maybe broaden the activities to have a bit more variety.  More groups  More groups  More hour.  Open 7 days a week  Please arrive these doors stay open for us to come and educate ourselves.  Upgrade the groups and add more of them.

More Staff  Add more staff members and more groups.  Have more of them.  Have more staff  More staff for warmline  Resources to assistance of a more permanent nature could hopefully be better established.

No changes  All that can be possibly be done is being done already by the staff.  At this point; nothing  Can't think of anything. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 25

 Do Know  Don't change  Don't know  Don't know of anything at this point.  Everything is just perfect the way it is.  I cannot think of anything at this time!  I can't really think of much at this point - I'm thinking in more of terms of what I can contribute in my own way in the different peer groups and  I don't know  I don't know  I don't know.  I don't no how  I honestly can't think of one thing these ladies to do any better hard to improve when people are giving their best.  I like it the way it is.  I like the way it is.  I'm not sure. I just started coming here.  Keep it the same way.  Keep up the good work.  Keep up the wonderful work!!!  None keep it the same way.  Not much at all  Not much needs to be improved  Not sure  Not sure have not been here very long.  Not too much  Nothing (x11)  Nothing comes to mind  Stay as you are for me. For others I don't know.  They talk to me real nice and tell me good things. Everything is good.  Things are good the way they are.  You did and do everything perfectly.

Miscellaneous  Better introduction of staff to newcomers.  By making monthly plans available to the peers early enough so we can plan our schedule and not cancel plans.  Coming together  Continue to improve evidence based practices  Don't gang up in attitude changes against one another.  Everyone worker needs to become much more "smiley". Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 26

 Get Nikki back working and going to GMHCN Activities, events, etc.  Give love to me and my peer I love myself and God people.  Go over the rule changes at check in time.  Have a warm pet (cat/dog) zone for people with health or/and fear issues.  I am allergic to animal dander, and I chill easily. Curtains on windows to reduce drafts.  I know that the center is peer ran however if there was a non judgemental doctor on call that has no waiting to talk to paid my insurance PRN only.  I would have to do some planning for myself.  Let staff move 3 days here to see it for themself.  Maybe stress ethics more.  Strengthen relationships with affiliates and/or potential affiliates with adjunct resources desired by participants.  Talk to each other and stress our feelings.  The Peer Support and Wellness Center the worker can take you to get all... [illegible].  The peer support is excellent  Transportation

Do you have any additional comments, impressions, or opinions?

 Praise for the center and its staff (n=53, 78%)  Miscellaneous (n=15, 22%)

Praise for the center and its staff  All of the staff were very friendly. They listened to me and helped me with my issues.  Clean environment and spacious room helped me to relax. Thank you so very much!!!  Exposure to great activities are valuable to people with disibilities when they don't... [illegible]  Great place.  I [respondent name], I dearly love the peers and staff here.  I am grateful you have an open door.  I consider the 'center' my home, as this is where my heart is. Thank you - I'm eternally grateful.  I enjoy the Wellness Center and love all the staff members.  I enjoyed the program very much. I felt safe and they treated me like family.  I feel that we need places like this nationwide at least GA wide. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 27

 I handle difficult issues of life, and am learning to communicate concerns more effectively than in the past before the concessions of this Wellness Center.  I have learn a lot about mental illness, chronic illness.  I like it here. If I didn't like it I wouldn't be here.  I love it at the center.  I love this place. It is a blessing to those of us with issues in our lives.  I really glad this place is here its definitely something that is needed from what I've seen [?]  I was absent for a while and I missed the Peer Support and Wellness Center. I was very depressed - I'm better already.  I wish I could stay at this beautiful place just a bit longer because it has been so positive experience.  I would love to work here and help those, like me, who need the support of the center. The variety of grps. offered were wonderful and helpful to me and others.  I'm impressed to think its the best thing going in MH.  I'm truly grateful to recieve the impartial services I've received since coming here.  Its made me realize I've come along way it makes me realize I've got a whole further to go in my personal recovery.  Jayme was very nice to allow me the chance to facilitate a group here at the Wellness Center. Thank you.  Just excellent  Keep up the good work and continue helping people.  Love the people - a kinder gentler approach  Love the place (x3)  Love, love, love the place!  Love, love, love the place.  More centers like this needed.  Moren told me to come here when I called the warmline I am glad she did.  Moriene Rocks. Her trauma group is the best.  My employment and friends were good to me.  NONE except keep up the good work.  Peace and love to all like Mureen does!  Really I'm very impressed with the staff and what is doing  Same as above.  Staff is wonderful and attentive; atmosphere is light hearted and cheerful.  Thank god for this place.  Thank god we have an option to staying in the hospital.  Thank you  Thank you for everything.  Thank you.  Thanks Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 28

 The program here is good and I'm new to it and want to know more.  The staff at Peer & Wellness Center is fantastic!  The staff care about people and their feelings emotions  This is the best [place I've] seen anywhere.  This was a blessed experience for me.  Yes Keep up the good work  Yes, this center is doing an excellent job helping others such as myself.

Miscellaneous  Food for the guest that comes for group and activities.  Having a cook-out and raise money and a car wash to rise money.  I hope that they recieve adequate funding so they won't close.  I just hope they can keep this place open from now because it is something that's really needed.  I m here for my syster.  I think the Wellness Room needs a rod in the small closet to hang clothes, space heater, curtains to reduce drafts and save energy. [more comments attached to s  I want to get to know people better.  I would be helpful. I needed a doctor but it was the weekend therefore after respite I had to be admitted to hospital.  I would like to be on staff again.  I would like to get better  Message therapy  Please rehire me.  This is coming from someone who doesn't really like questionnaires.  When I was in the hospital the second time in 1993, it was out-patient during the morning and afternoon then I went home later in the day and this lasted a few  Yes, smile always, stay strong. Peer Support & Wellness Center Eval 29

Conclusions

Results from the survey of Peer Support and Wellness Center users indicated that the majority of those who utilize the services of PSWC have had prior psychiatric hospitalizations (83%). Four out of five respondents had participated in the group activities offered by the Center, and 44% reported using respite. Among those 48 respondents who had participated in respite, the average length of stay was 5.8 days. The large majority of respondents (86%) indicated that they thought the center had either prevented or possibly prevented a hospitalization. The aspects of the center that were identified as helping respondents avoid hospitalization were the supportive environment (37%), providing a calm place (3%), providing an escape from a stressful situation (7%), and preventing participants from being isolated/or from isolating themselves as their symptoms worsened (10%). When asked to identify treatment options other than the Wellness Center, one out of three respondents reported that they did not know what they would have done if respite had not been available to them, another quarter of respondents indicated that their symptoms would have worsened, and 19% believed they would have been hospitalized.

Responses to open-ended items show that respondents greatly preferred the Peer Support and Wellness Center to hospitalization. Participants cited such benefits of respite over hospitalization as the independence and freedom that they are allowed in respite (26%), the absence of the medical/institutional environment (9%), and the positive interaction with staff and peers (6%). Many respondents simply noted that respite was generally better (22%) or incomparably better (11%). The aspects of the center that were most often identified as “the best” were the activities and classes (25%), followed closely by the interaction with staff and peers (20%), and the groups (17%). The vast majority of respondents (96%) indicated that the activity participation was either good or excellent in helping them reach their recovery goals.

When examining the areas available for improving the Center, few themes could be isolated from the provided responses. When asked what they liked least, the vast majority of respondents indicated that they had no complaints (62%), and a few identified problems with peers (7%), or a desire that food would be provided more often (4%). Similarly, when asked of areas that could be improved, 33% indicated that they would change nothing. Those that provided suggestions requested an expansion of services, either through providing more groups or offering longer hours (16%) or by offering specific activities (12%). Other improvement that could be made to the centers may be informed by reviewing the many unique responses categorized as Miscellaneous among those provided for these two items (see p. 20 and pp. 24-25).

Overall, the results from this survey indicate that the services provided by the Peer Support and Wellness Center are valued by its participants. Respondents see the services as beneficial for preventing psychiatric hospitalization and in helping reach recovery goals.