Peer Empowerment Network
The Peer Empowerment Network Drop-In Center, often called the PEN Center provides a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for individuals (18 and older) living with and recovering from a mental health issue. The Center provides an atmosphere of acceptance where individuals feel needed and grow in self-worth, dignity, and self-respect.
Located at 514 Somerset Street in Johnstown, the Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with evening and weekend hours posted on our calendar
each month. Drop In for a visit soon!
Peer Empowerment Network
is funded by:
United Way – http://www.uwlaurel.org/
Cambria County Behavioral Health - http://www.cambriacountypa.gov/behavioral-health.aspx
Cambria County Commissioners Office - http://www.cambriacountypa.gov
What do we provide?
Socialization
Planned activities promoting social interaction and improvement of social skills,
tolerance and acceptance of others. Check out our monthly calendar of events by
clicking on calendar tab above.
Support
At the Center, individuals are able to interact with others who have shared similar experiences, such as hospitalizations, medications, doctors, therapies, etc. Understanding the challenges of living with a mental health diagnosis is shared. A powerful support system is built that helps individuals through difficult times. One of the main reasons individuals come to the Drop-In Center is this support. Individuals find that discouragement, fear, rage, pain, and anxiety are all natural human emotions, and are not unique to them because of their diagnosis. They realize that their hopes, dreams, fears, and pain are not different than those of others they begin to feel less alone, less different, and less afraid and recognize that they alone are responsible for the choices they make.
Education
The Center offers various educational workshops, including information on Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol systems, medications, role modeling, nutrition, handling difficult emotions, and managing illness. As individuals become more knowledgeable, they are able to use their newly acquired knowledge in their personal lives and in the community.