Community House, a South-Side Community Services rehabilitation program for adults with mental illnesses, is celebrating moving into its fourth and largest location since it came into existence 23 years ago.

At an open house Wednesday, James Bebeau, director of Behavioral Health Services at DPCS, said Harmony House provides day treatment for people who struggle in their daily lives with mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.

The building, once the cafeteria for the former Robert E. Lee Junior High School on Rison Street, took eight months to renovate and includes offices, the gym, a commercial kitchen and various socializing areas where clients can enjoy television, a game of pool and crafts.

There also is a computer lab where clients can practice skills they will need to enter the job market.

William Pritchett, chairman of the board of Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services and a Pittsylvania County supervisor, said the programs offered at Harmony House give its consumers tools for self-determination, empowerment and recovery.

Mayor Sherman Saunders became emotional as he told a story about the man who owns the property and leases it to the community services group —

Mobley said his company was formed specifically to provide low-cost, but good, facilities for DPCS. Besides Harmony House, DPCS leases apartments, an adult day care center and other properties from Bellevue.

from article by Denice Thibodeau