JEVS Human Services last week celebrated the opening of its new Behavioral Health Hub at 3515-17 Cottman Ave., the former home of a state liquor store and Hammerheads bar.
JEVS, which looked at 10 other locations, made the move after being at 9350 Ashton Road since 2007. The new site, just west of Frankford Avenue, is more accessible to public transportation.
Services are available to Philadelphians 18 and older who have a severe mental health diagnosis and are eligible through Community Behavioral Health, a division of the city Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. DBHIDS will make referrals to the Hub.
The Hub offers HIPAA-compliant services to more than 150 people annually in three core areas: psychiatric rehabilitation services, a mental health outpatient clinic and peer support services.
The building, open weekdays and wheelchair accessible, includes a gym; a kitchen to promote healthy eating and cooking and smart shopping; a computer lab to teach clients to type, create a resume and search for jobs; a meeting room; and a restroom with a shower.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll and Dave Wyszynski, an aide to state Rep. Pat Gallagher, attended the Feb. 2 open house, which featured cupcakes and cookies.
JEVS client Yashawan Barksdale, who is active with the Hub’s peer government group, cut the ribbon.
Waleska Maldonado, chief program officer at JEVS, said the building was repurposed to make care easy to navigate.
“This Hub brings multiple services together,” she said.
Also in attendance were JEVS board chairwoman Laurie Franz and Clara Thompson, JEVS senior vice president for community living and home supports.
The Hub has preliminary plans to partner with its next-door neighbor, Spectrum Health. ••
For more information, call 267-350-8697 or visit jevs.org
