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Empowerment Academy
327 Elm Street, 2nd Floor | Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 884-5216
Mon., Sat. 9am-5pm
Tues., Thurs., 9am-7pm
Wed., Fri. 9am-9pm
Sunday 10am-6pm
** Voluntary membership at Restoration Society, Inc. is open to adults 18 years or older who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness, who are eligible for CSS programs, and who reside in Erie County.
Restoration Society, Inc. is a community support systems program which provides various psychiatric rehabilitation services for individuals who suffer from long term mental illness. The Clubhouse provides social-recreational, pre-vocational, and vocational rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation and social support programs within the context of a supportive environment wherein each individual can become involved in meaningful activities which enhance efforts to initiate and sustain a comprehensive independent lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on individualized training and support as well as on responsible interpersonal relationships. The Agency gives priority to those activities and opportunities which will help program participants to overcome social isolation, and which will assist program participants to attain and maintain a desired level of societal participation within the context of the individual's personal goals and aspirations. Agency programs provide each individual with an opportunity to test abilities in an atmosphere where there is acceptance, understanding, support, encouragement, and above all, a sense of belonging.
MISSION
To enable all persons with psychiatric disabilities to increase their functioning so they can be successful and satisfied in the environments of their choice with the least amount of professional assistance required.
PROGRAMS
These comprise the core of the program and members are expected to participate in at least one activity unit. Organization of the units varies from club to club. Unit activities are designed to teach or reteach participants skills which enable them to be satisfied and successful, as well as to contribute to the quality and function of the club program.
Social/Recreational Activities
- In House Activities
: Exercises, films, card games, creative writing, artistic and craft projects, silk screening, table games (ping-pong, skill games), bingo, baking and creative cooking, tournaments, outside group presentations (eg: Zoomobile, Choral groups, SPCA, etc.) dances (live band and DJ), parties sports activities, coffee hours, educational presentations, and self-help & advocacy seminars.
- Excursions and Field Trips
: Mystery trips, movies, tours, sports events, bowling, fishing, festivals and presentations, camping, picnics, and shopping.
- Outside Volunteer Activities
: Greenhouse gardening, BPC Bridge Program, Nursing Homes, Children's Hospital, service reach out to individuals and other mental health agencies.
Creative Development Activities within the club provide participants with the opportunity to develop creative skills and enhance self-esteem through creative expression. Activities include silk screening, tie-dying, creative writing and drawing. Each club maintains a listing of free and low-cost events to enhance and encourage independent member participation in community activities.
Members' Self-Government Meeting Once per week, members meet for a self-governing meeting. The Member Meeting is a vital tool to achieve independent thought and decision making within the group forum. Officers of the membership are elected every six months by secret ballot, and meetings are run according to basic Parliamentary Procedure. Future plans, suggestions for activities, and club management, as well as feedback regarding all aspects of the agency and programs comprise the agenda for this forum. Problems are brought before the membership, and the members participate in their resolution. All members are encouraged to actively participate in the Member Meeting and all evaluations of programs offered by Restoration Society, Inc. Social Clubs.
Member Involvement Members meet daily at the beginning of the day for an informal coffee hour to plan the days activities and distribute responsibilities. Members are represented on the Board of Directors of Restoration Society, Inc. and serve on various Board Committees. A member representative attends weekly staff meetings at various sites and programs. In addition, program participants are provided an opportunity to participate in the hiring of new staff and in annual performance evaluations of staff.
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