BUTLER — A new psychiatric rehabilitation program by Glade Run Lutheran Services aims to develop skills in those suffering from mental illness.

Empowering People in Communities opened recently in Butler County, targeting eligible adults a 18 and older who are challenged with chronic mental illness.

“Psychiatric rehab’s function is not treatment, but a skills development program,” said Deborah Ferguson, program director.

EPIC’s site-based programming is at 125 W. New Castle St. The site was chosen by Butler County Human Services.

“Butler County Human Services recognized the consumers of Butler County who need psychiatric rehab services were underserved,” said Sheila Talarico, executive director of the Glade Run Foundation. “As a result, they requested providers to submit proposals and Glade Run was selected out of all applicants to provide this service.”

EPIC’s activities are non-therapeutic interventions and activities intended to promote the development and utilization of consumer skills related to illness management, independent living, socialization, educational and vocational objectives.

Through the use of structured learning modules conducted in both group and individual settings, consumers with moderate to severe functional impairment can develop life skills that will enable them to meet their identified rehabilitation goals.

Ferguson said she has seen positive results within the county’s population in her 17 years of experience.

“This is beneficial because consumers can learn or relearn how to work, have healthy relationships, be involved in their communities and manage their illness,” Ferguson said. “Having these skills can reduce hospitalizations, decrease relapses with symptoms or severity of relapses and improve their quality of life.”

A mobile one-on-one service is available for people who are not able to attend groups due to their illness circumstances. However, those who desire the group sessions can be assisted with transportation.

The program will initially employ two staff members and an intern. Additional staff will be added as the program grows.

While the program has been planned for some time, delays in licensure and the state budgeting process last year delayed it.

Although Glade Run is historically based in Zelienople, it operates program sites in Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls, Cranberry and Butler.

An open house will be held at the new Butler facility on Nov. 17.

“These folks who struggle with a mental illness are no different from folks who struggle with high blood pressure, diabetes or physical disabilities,” Ferguson said. “They have hopes, dreams, goals and plans just like everyone else does.”

“This service is a place where they are treated as a person not their illness and can learn how to get their life back,” she added.