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Torrington's Prime Time House reopens, extends programs to families in need

The Register Citizen - 5/7/2021

May 6—TORRINGTON — The Prime Time House clubhouse is busy during lunchtime, when members are again gathering for a meal and to catch up with friends.

The clubhouse, part of Prime Time's services for with adults with mental illness, reopened in March after being closed to visitors for more than a year. Members come from in and around Torrington.

"We have about 90 people who come to Prime Time House for our services on a regular basis, people with mental health issues — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety," said Program Director Zak Ritchie. "For lunch, we average 15 or 20 people a day. They come here for the companionship and the services."

"I'm so glad to be back," said Tracy, a member of Prime Time House since 2010. "I spent a lot of time with family (during the pandemic), but I like coming here. It helps to be around people. Isolation is the worst."

Clubhouse members are responsible for keeping the building clean, greeting visitors and making sure they get the help they need. They also participate in activities — book discussion groups, an art club and a cultural club. A sign language club is in the works.

The house is a network of support for people who need guidance, acceptance and companionship.

Members also have responsibilities. Some work in the kitchen, or help with clerical, financial and other office-related tasks — things that help them build their confidence while learning skills that lead to employment. According to Executive Director Christina Emery, the program is an empowering model, one that's person-centered and that reduces hospitalizations and incarcerations.

Another member, Althea, was busy preparing for a cultural club meeting. She, too, was happy to be back with her friends and staff at the clubhouse. During the lockdown in 2020, when people were told to stay home, Prime Time House kept in touch with everyone, she said.

"Staff called me two or three times a day sometimes, to check on me," she said. "We had food deliveries from Prime Time and from the food bank. Food costs went up last year, and it was hard to buy things, so we were glad to get the help."

Arthur comes to the clubhouse daily to be with his friends. Coming back to a group setting was a change, he said, after having stayed home alone for months.

"It wasn't easy, because I got used to being alone," Arthur said. "But they called me. Now that we're back, if I don't show up, someone cares enough to reach out and ask if I'm OK."

Prime Time House receives support from a number of business and nonprofit sponsors as well as the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The career services center, overseen by Director Adam Lytton, Emery said it is an important element of Prime Time House, giving people the ability to earn their own money and live independently. Recently, the center expanded its reach with a homelessness prevention program.

"We're expecting an onslaught of people looking for help — not just clients, but others in the community," Emery said. "As the (executive orders regarding rent forgiveness and evictions) end, people are realizing they need help. Case manager Sammantha Johnson works with people to find out what types of services they need."

More than 35 people so far have applied for assistance with Johnson's help. "We started a case management program in April with referrals from CAN, the Community Access Network," she said. "After I schedule an appointment, I do an intake interview with them, and help them fill out an application for assistance, to find out what kind of help they need, job experience, life skills.

"They're not always just disabled people, but people who are in immediate risk," Lytton said. "Maybe they just got a notice to leave (their rental), or they're unemployed. They're already in a crisis mode, and haven't experienced homelessness. Once they call 2-1-1, they are put in touch with us. We can recommend resources to them."

The career center serves adults 18 and older with individual job placement and support. "It's a chance for someone to work when they're ready to get that job," Emery said. "Work, routine and earning money is an important part of a person's mental health. We meet people coming out of jail or treatment or a shelter. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital or the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network refers them to us."

Prime Time House also matches clients with employers looking for workers. "Quite a few employers (of essential businesses) have reached out to us," Lytton said.

To learn more about Prime Time House and its services, visit www.primetimehouse.org or call 860-618-2479.

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