BUTLER TWP — Bette Peoples knows what it's like to need help with mental health issues.

Her experience extends further than being the director of the Grapevine Center, a nonprofit facility on North Elm Street in Butler offering mental health recovery services.

Peoples, 62, of Butler was a human services client in the late 1970s. She was suffering from post-partum depression.

“I could not get out of that rut,” Peoples said.

But with help, she eventually did recover.

“We have such a supportive county,” Peoples said. “I think that's what helped.”

After being coaxed to join a support group, she became more involved. That group evolved into the Grapevine Center.

To recognize Peoples' accomplishments, Butler County is renaming its transitional care center after her.

The Bette Peoples Transitional Care Center off Route 356 in the township enables people with mental health issues to stay in the community rather than have an extended stay at Torrance State Hospital in Blairsville.

The Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center operates the transitional care center with Grapevine providing support services.

Peoples said the renaming of the facility caught her off guard.

“I didn't believe it,” she said. “People dream about this sort of thing. I never thought it would happen to me.”

County Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said the recognition is well-deserved.

“Bette is a remarkable lady,” McCarrier said. “She has done so much.”

Joyce Ainsworth, deputy director of county human services, agreed.

“She totally exemplifies the whole principle,” Ainsworth said.

She recalled how a “meek” Peoples ended up running an agency.

“I personally got to witness her growth,” Ainsworth said. “She really is remarkable.”

Peoples said running the Grapevine can be stressful, but the challenges are worth it.

“I find a sense of community and a sense of purpose,” she said. “It keeps me going.”

Ainsworth stressed the importance of the transitional care center.

“It really reduced our use of state hospitals,” she said.

Ainsworth said the county used to have up to 50 patients at Torrance as opposed to less than 20 now.

“It's better continuity of care,” she said.

Ainsworth said families are able to visit their loved ones, which was more difficult to do if they were staying at Torrance.

Peoples recalled staying at Torrance in the 1970s.

“Nobody comes to see you,” she said.

The county commissioners were set to announce the facility's renaming at this morning's meeting.

Peoples said she is honored by the acknowledgment.

“Next to having my children, this is the most exciting thing to happen to me,” she said.