Geauga Community Board of Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services

Catholic Charities Community Services is dedicated to helping families and individuals heal, strengthen and enrich their valued relationships for effective and healthy living. Our services are provided to anyone in need regardless of gender, race, religion or national origin.

Children's services include:

Counseling - counseling and support are provided for children, teens, and families experiencing individual, interpersonal, and drug and alcohol concerns.
Community Support Program - the Community Support Program links emotionally and/or behaviorally challenged youth and their families to existing community supports and coordinates services to families.
Parent Education (Incredible Years) - a variety of parent education programs designed to meet the needs of today's families, enhancing parenting skills and improving interaction.
School Program - support groups emphasize positive social and personal skills with consultation to school personnel. (Early childhood mental health consultation and Incredible Years)

Geauga County Safety Center Anger Management Groups

Monday and Friday - male groups from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Thursday - female groups from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Attendance is voluntary but at times is court ordered. Topics covered include:

* What is anger?
* Identification of angers styles - passive, aggressive, assertive
* Anger management using rational emotive theory which is based on the premise that feelings are caused by thoughts.
* Stress Management Techniques
* Health Relationship
* Effects of chronic anger on body and mind
* Relationship of alcohol and drug abuse to anger
* How to communicate
* "Ism's" - racism, sexism and ageism related to anger

This is an educational group. Open discussion is encouraged.

The Incredible Years
Positive Parenting Skills to Help Survive the Preschool Years and Beyond!

The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant can provide services to the school such as classroom consultation, large and small group skills building activities, and teacher training. The consultant can also provide in-home services for parent enrichment, one-on-one consultations, and behavior specific support.

In the Parent Enrichment Group, parents will work to increase their positive communication skills, limit setting abilities, problem solving, and anger management skills.

In the Dinosaur School the children learn how to communicate effectively, how to handle conflict through problem solving, and how to behave appropriately at school and at home. Dinosaur School will also promote the child's positive self-esteem and general social competence.

This program will meet once per week for 10 weeks. We will problem solve, work together, role play and help each other learn positive parenting techniques. These skills combined with what the children are learning in Dinosaur School will set the stage for positive social and emotional growth in your children.

Dinner, companionship, help, understanding and babysitting will be provided at these weekly meetings.

FREE!FREE!FREE!FREE!

Meeting Place:
Chardon Community Day Care
Wednesday 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Coming Soon

Dinner will be provided

To enroll in these services or find out about the next scheduled parent group, please call Catholic Charities Services of Geauga County at 1-440-285-3537 or 1-800-242-9755.

Be a friend. Be an advocate. Become a

VOLUNTEER GUARDIAN

Volunteers are needed to look out for the well-being and best interests of vulnerable adults in our community.

If after a thorough investigation and hearing, the Probate Court determines that a person is incapable of managing independently, it will appoint a guardian. The Volunteer Guardian Program is a resource when there aren't family or friends available to be a guardian. Volunteer guardians coordinate a variety of services such as monitoring individual needs and arranging transportation to medical appointments, needed home services, and other things necessary for the person's comfort and well-being. Manager, Hope Fear, matches volunteer guardians with incompetent, indigent persons. These volunteers are given a broad training to enable them to be concerned, caring and effective advocates. Guardianship is a legal relationship established by the Court, but the hope is that a supportive bond will also develop to enhance the quality of the lives of both guardian and ward. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, give Hope a call at (440)285-3537 or 1-800-242-9755. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in someone's life with your gift of caring friendship.

A monthly visit and a caring spirit are required.

Training and volunteer support are provided.

Geauga County Family Violence Intervention Program

Wednesdays - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Our Mission

Catholic Charities Community Services of Geauga County is committed to strengthening families by helping people eliminate violence in their family relationships.

Domestic Violence
Is any attempt to control a household member by threatening or causing physical or emotional pain. Domestic violence can include, pushing, grabbing, hitting, kicking, threats, insults, sexual assault, social isolation, or economic exploitation.

Effects of Domestic Violence

Each year in the U.S., health care costs associated with domestic violence are estimated to exceed $50 million.
Children in violent homes are six times more likely to commit suicide

Program Philosophy

Help for families experiencing violence has traditionally meant sheltering victims. We know, however, that most victims who seek shelter ultimately reunite with their abusers. Therefore, effective responses to domestic violence must include helping abusers stop their violent behavior.

Program Approach

Research has shown that the most effective intervention for problems related to domestic violence takes place in a group format. Our groups are lead by a male and female co-facilitator team. Techniques used in our groups include:

Discussion * Role Play * Group Exercises * Handouts * Videos * Communication with referring agencies * Communication with the victim

The Program Provides

Group Education and counseling for people who have problems with anger and violence toward their families.
Information about the realities of family violence.
Alternatives to abusive behavior.
Guidance in identifying and changing beliefs that lead to abusive behavior.
Skills for nonviolent, assertive ways of communicating.
Instruction in appropriate expressions of emotions.
Assistance in developing insight into the influences of personal and family history.
Support for a client's personal growth.

Participation

Participation begins with an individual assessment at Catholic Charities Services of Geauga County.
The group meets at the Catholic Charities office for 90 minutes on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Participants attend for 24 weeks.
Fees are set at the initial assessment visit.

"Learned a lot about different kinds of abuse and anger, and how to control it. There's probably a lot about anger I still need to learn. People are very friendly and the counselors are great in every way. They lead me in the right direction and guided me through some tough moments. The counselor's were involved in everyone's beliefs. Everyone's input was rewarding."