SIRSS History

On 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 2,000 people each year with an annual budget of over $5.5 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

• 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

• 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, 2010)

• SIRSS receives award for Dialectic Behavioral Therapy program

• SIRSS celebrates 45 years of Building Better Lives

• SIRSS becomes one of two agencies in Illinois to provide Transitional Living Program for young adults who are DCFS wards diagnosed with a severe mental illness.

• SIRSS initiates Capital Campaign to fund A Better Place to Build Better Lives

2010

• SIRSS celebrates 50 years of Building Better Lives

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors Presidents

Executive Directors