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About Us
History
Peoples Oakland is a private non-profit agency established by local residents as a community, planning and organizing agency. Originally, the mission was to enhance the integrity of the community through communications and negotiation among residents, merchants and institutional representatives. Peoples Oakland was very successful in its early organizing efforts, leading to the development of several community wide planning structures which still operate today.
The Peoples Oakland Mental Health Program was founded in response to the crisis faced by thousands of state mental hospital patients who, through de institutionalization programs, were released into the community with few supporters or social connections. Peoples Oakland began to organize former patients, providing education to support them in advocating for the rights.
Recovery
Peoples Oakland continues as a leader in providing Recovery based comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation services for Allegheny County adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occuring substance abuse disorders. Guiding all Peoples Oakland services and activities is a philosophy of Recovery based real life experiences nurtured by peer support, hope, self-help and collaborative relationships with professionals.
To carry out the holistic approach to mental health Recovery, Peoples Oakland has constructed a facility with a multipurpose social center; a commercial kitchen; a fitness center equipped with fitness machines and space for yoga, dance and exercise classes; meeting rooms and private offices; a large outside deck and a resource and information center staffed by peers and equipped with computers up-to-date software and access to the internet.
Community Involvement
Continue to build productive partnerships and networks with other service providers, community partners, institutions, foundation and Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the City of Pittsburgh and the Federal Government.
Continue to work as part of the neighborhood Partnership program with five community based partners, institutions and public bodies to improve Oakland as a place to live, work, learn and have access to medical care and regional cultural amenities.
Services
Wellness Services
Wellness and Fitness Activities assist members in understanding and applying a holistic approach to creating and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A wide range of activities are available. Members work with staff to develop and follow their individualized wellness plans.
In the fitness center members use aerobic and weight training equipment and participate in classes such as yoga, walking groups, weight management and smoking cessation. Nutritional education is incorporated in the regularly scheduled cooking class, diabetes education class, weight management class, party planning, etc.
Social and Recreational Services
Social and Recreational activities provide opportunities to meet and make friends and to participate in fun events at Peoples Oakland and in the community. Activities are continually evolving to meet the interests of the membership.
Events range from parties, cook-outs and playing pool to day outings and overnight vacations. There is an all season sports program with competition against other agencies in basketball, softball and volleyball.
Employment Services and Educational Supports
Peoples Oakland offers a wide range of employment services and education supports. Supports and opportunities are tailored too each member's strength and interests. Member's interest range from entering the work force to pursuing their education by attending local training centers and universities. Services offered include: individual career counseling; on the job training opportunities in reception, clerical support, housekeeping and peer support; job skills classes; job research assistance; competitive in-house and community placements; job coaching and support; educational supports and individual computer accounts with internet access.
Peer Support
Peoples Oakland has always been a leader in self help and peer support models. Opportunities are available for members to develop, lead and participate in activities and groups; work as a peer counselor; participate in community consumer activities such as CSP and PSAN; attend conferences and workshop. In addition, informal social relationships with peers allow unlimited opportunities to both provide and receive support.
Unique Opportunities Available:
- Every member of Peoples Oakland is assigned to rehabilitation counselor to assist them in developing and working on their own Recovery plan.
- Members have opportunities to improve their physical health, social life and employment opportunities through participating in Peoples Oakland groups and activities.
- Members actively participate in the management of Peoples Oakland by developing and leading groups, serving on the Peoples Oakland Board, etc.
- Members actively participate in the day to day operations of Peoples Oakland by assisting in peer support, housekeeping, clerical and reception activities as either a volunteer or a paid position.
- Members actively participate in advocacy and public policy activities.
- Members participate in community service activities such as volunteering and community walks.
3433 Bates Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Phone (412) 683-7140 • Fax (412) 683-7138