The BG News

Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Local

Media Credit: Ben Lohman ONE STEP AT A TIME: The Connection Center on South Main Street. is a place where people who are struggling with personal problems can go for help. They offer guidance and helpful programs.

Bowling Green community members recovering from a mental illness have a place to go for support and a helping hand.

The Connection Center, located at 194 S. Main St. in downtown Bowling Green, is part of a mental health center in the community aimed toward psychosocial rehabilitation.

Connection Center Coordinator Verna Mullins has worked hard to achieve the goals of the program.

"Our purpose is to provide a safe environment for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses," Mullins said. "Members learn socialization skills and employment skills so that they can integrate back into the community."

The members are integrated through a variety of ways, including Transitional Employment, Supported Education and Work Ordered Day.

People who go to the center are called members and not clients because there is less stigma that way, explained Mullins. The members decide themselves how much to participate in the center according to their needs.

"From day one, the staff made me feel completely welcome," said member Michael. "It's a safe place to be."

There are six different units run by the center, including the Café Unit, Membership Unit, Career Unit, Business Unit, Creative Unit and Environmental Unit. Each member can choose which unit they want to be a part of.

"We offer all sorts of groups," Mullins said. "If [members] want it and we think it's a need, we base a group around it."

Each unit operates in a way to benefit the center. The Café, Membership, Business and Environmental Units are all aimed toward how the center is planned and operated, with regards to how clerical work is handled and the publishing of the monthly newsletter.

The Career Unit assists members with a way to reach career goals by providing access to computer lessons and GED classes.

The Creative Unit encourages members to participate in arts and crafts activities.

"We have students from the [University] art department who volunteer," Mullins said. "Anyone really who's interested can volunteer because we have something for everyone."

The Connection Center opened in 1999 and is funded by Behavioral Connections of Wood County, Inc., who is funded by the Adams Board.

Staff member Julia Kershaw enjoys her time at the center because she said the center provides positives for the community, including volunteering at nursing homes and Main Street BG.

"It's nice to see you're making a positive impact on the community," Kershaw said.

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