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 | | SIRSS HistoryOn February 10, 1958 the Temporary Committee for the Organization of a Jackson County Mental Health Association and Mental Health Clinic had the first recorded meeting of what is now known as Southern Illinois Regional Social Services (SIRSS). The dedication of a small group of inspired citizens resulted in the opening of the Southern Illinois Mental Health Clinic (SIMHC) in October of 1959. The first full year of services by a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Social worker occurred in 1960. From that time until the present, dedicated volunteers and staff have worked to Build Better Lives for citizens of Jackson County. Much growth occurred along the way. Over the years, SIMHC changed its name to Jackson County Community Mental Health Center (JCCMHC) and then to Southern Illinois Regional Social Services. Services to youth expanded to Perry County. One thing remained the same — a belief that everyone can live a productive and satisfying life in the community. The 1962-63 annual report of the SIMHC reported that with an annual budget of $45,282, services were provided to an average clinic caseload of 58 “community patients” and 11 patients who were “conditionally discharged” from what is now Choate Mental Health Center in Anna. Today SIRSS provides mental health, substance abuse and youth and family services to over 3,000 people each year with an annual budget of over $6.3 million dollars. Amazingly, we are faced with many of the same challenges as our founders. How do we make the community aware of the need? How do we eliminate stigma related to seeking help for mental illness, substance abuse and family problems? How do we raise the funds necessary to support services to people with limited resources? We are grateful to the many dedicated community volunteers who have followed in the footsteps of our founders, without whose commitment our families, friends and neighbors would suffer needlessly. The dedication and vision of those who have contributed their talents and resources over the years is reflected in SIRSS’ commitment to Building Better Lives and in the SIRSS promise: “You are not alone. We care. We know how to help.”
HISTORICAL MILESTONES October 1959 - Southern Illinois Mental Health Clinic (SIMHC) opens with staff of three.
1960’s SIMHC provides outpatient and psychiatric services Alcohol Information Center opens Partial day treatment services begin - SIMHC becomes Jackson County Community Mental Health Center (JCCMHC)
1970’s JCCMHC begins to provide Emergency Services Youth Services program includes court diversion and status offender services 24 hour “Network” crisis line opens Alcohol & Drug Detoxification comes and goes Alcohol Rehabilitation Center opens Sustaining Care Center (Care House) opens
1980’s Substance Abuse Prevention services begin Youth Services program expands services to families and children 608 House group home opens Second Home therapeutic foster care begins Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services Demonstration Project (1982) and Grant (1984) Runaway and Homeless Youth Act services established (ended 2004)
1990’s JCCMHC becomes Southern Illinois Regional Social Services (SIRSS) Supported Residential Program opens Intensive Case Management Program begins Care House becomes Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Domestic Violence Prevention Program opens Dialectic Behavioral Therapy begins SIRSS is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (1997) Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) starts Transitional Living Program begins (ended 2002) Family First begins Local Area Network begins
2000’s “Network” celebrates 25 years of service BBBS receives All Star Team Award for growth over 20% BBBS receives Team 2000 Award for doubling matches since 1996 Domestic Violence Program ends Assertive Community Treatment program begins begins Cornerstone Place supportive housing opens Pinckneyville satellite office opens Wellness and Recovery Action Plans begin Healthy Lifestyles “Lighten Up” group begins Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Initiative begins Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) begins SIRSS becomes a Project X participant, providing education on the dangers of Club Drugs and Methamphetamine Mentoring Children of Prisoners begins SIRSS receives CARF Accreditation (2000, 2003, 2007) SIRSS receives award for Dialectic Behavioral Therapy program SIRSS celebrates 45 years of Building Better Lives SIRSS initiates Capital Campaign
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIPBoard of Directors Presidents 1958-1960 Deward K. Grissom 1961-1962 Gerald Sims 1962-1965 Edward L. Adams, Jr. 1965-1966 Carol McDermott 1966-1967 Donald Shoemaker 1968 A.R. Esposito 1969 Donald Loesch 1970-1971 Homer Hanson 1972-1973 Raymond Vincent 1974-1975 Jean Brown 1976-1977 Larry Phillips 1978-1979 Mary Miranti 1980 Pat Burley 1981 Seymour Bryson 1982-1987 Joe Karmos 1988 Patrick Patterson 1989 Jane Dycus 1990-1993 Ruby Maupin 1994 Alex Szabo 1995-1998 Gordon Plumb 1999 Virginia Edwards 2000 Webb Smith 2001-2003 Christine Labyk 2004-2006 Jerry Hickam 2006-2007 Dave Davenport 2007 Patty Shay
Executive Directors 1963-1973 Frank Wilkerson 1974-1979 Harry Cecil 1979-1981 Anthony Salemi 1981-1994 James Whisenhunt 1994-1997 Audrey Minor 1997-1999 Tracey Williams 1999- Karen Freitag
| | future Home of SIRSS
3D rendering of new SIRSS building.
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