Your Journey To Mental Health Recovery Starts Here
Advocacy, Education, Peer Support
We support individuals on their journey to mental wellness by providing a safe and welcoming community. Members are treated with dignity and respect. Those who work at TMWC have a deep understanding of what members are going through and are here to provide emotional support, education, and advocacy.
TMWC offers opportunities to socialize, receive support, obtain mental health and wellness education, engage in meaningful activities, and have fun. Through education and advocacy, TMWC seeks to provide opportunities for members to improve their quality of life, give back to the community, and change the perceptions of mental health. TMWC exists to offer hope and encouragement through the power of peer support to those who live with mental illness.
Become a Member
Do you or someone you know want to become a member of the Thomas M. Wernert Center? We would welcome you to our campus where you can participate in the many programs, services, and activities we have to offer.
Criteria for membership include:
18 years of age or older
Must live in Lucas County, Ohio
Have a diagnosed mental illness and are receiving mental health services
Be ready to begin or expand your mental health recovery
To learn more, call 419-242-3000 and ask about membership.
What Membership Offers
The Thomas M. Wernert Center is proud to offer a warm and inviting community for adults living with mental illness and other life challenges.
As a member, you’ll receive peer-to-peer emotional support, opportunities to socialize and make friends, and a variety of education, wellness, and enrichment activities. We offer a unique perspective to our members that you won’t find in a clinical setting. Members engage in peer relationships based on mutual sharing of lived experience as well as success stories that foster hope, build confidence, and enhance their daily lives. You can choose the individualized activities and resources that work best for you and your situation
What is Peer Support?
Our staff help members on their journey toward mental health recovery and wellness through peer-to-peer programs. Who knows better what you’re feeling than those of us who have lived experience with mental illness and recovery. Our certified peer supporters provide members with hope, encouragement, and support.
Programs and Activities
Members can choose from a wide array of educational, support, and recreational options based on their interests and needs, including:
- Multi-session educational courses
- Peer to peer group support sessions
- Computer lab use and skills tutorials
- Expressive Arts classes, supplies, and materials
- Fitness room equipment and instruction
- Gardening, games, crafts
- Field trip opportunities
Peer Education Programs (PEP)
Covers diabetes self-care and coping skills for those living with diabetes. Promotes healthy eating and lifestyles
Increases awareness of emotions by exploring how outside influences can affect mood. Emphasis on how understanding emotions can help when dealing with mental health symptoms, anger, and problem solving
Teaches leadership, communications, decision making, self-advocacy, the importance of community involvement, and Robert’s Rules of Order for serving on boards. Many graduates of the LEP are elected to serve on TMWC Board of Trustees.
Provides information, skills, and motivation for a healthier life and offers first steps towards losing weight
Shares the importance of peer support in recovery, attitude, communication, healthy boundaries, and skills needed to be a supporter and advocate
Recognizes the stigma of mental illness, understanding mental health, information on specific mental illnesses, experiences of those affected, seeking help and finding support, and the importance of positive mental health
Illustrates how to develop a daily recovery plan including hope, self-responsibility, education, advocacy and support as well as a crisis plan
Support Groups
Please check the current calendar for days and times. All meetings are one hour. Attendance can be in-person or virtual, online or by telephone.
For those living with Depression and Bipolar disorders.
Diabetes Support (weekly)
All aspects of Type II Diabetes, the disease process, its effect on the body, and the emotional aspects will be explored. Promotes healthy eating and lifestyles.
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) (twice a week)
For those living with both mental illness and substance use disorders.
Emotions Matter (weekly)
Develop a better understanding of emotions, including anger awareness and those associated with grief and loss. Working toward expressing emotions in a healthy way.
Men’s Peer Club (weekly)
Conversations range from mental wellness and self- care to coping strategies to how to be more assertive, boost self-esteem, and be more positive.
Innovative approach to creating an inclusive, safe, welcoming environment for all members, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Schizophrenia Alliance (every other week)
For those living with schizophrenia and related disorders.
Stress Busters (every 2nd and 4th week)
Explore different methods for overcoming and living with stress.
Living Well (weekly)
Learn basic recovery activities, coping skills, and living skills as part of a daily routine. Learn about community resources available to promote wellness and recovery.
Women’s Peer Club (weekly)
Conversations range from mental wellness and self-care to coping strategies to how to be more assertive, boost self-esteem, and be more positive
Transporation
The Thomas M. Wernert Center offers van or mini bus transportation to its members who attend classes and activities. Members who use TMWC transportation are limited to no more than three rides each week so that others may have the opportunity to attend.
Members must contact the transportation office 24-hours in advance of each ride, both coming to TMWC and returning. (Subject to change due to special circumstancces.)
To schedule transportation, contact 419-242-3000, ext. 101.
Requests may be left on voicemail.
- Please follow the instructions of the driver at all times.
- Use a step stool to enter and exit the vehicle at all times.
- Use seat belts at all times. Seatbelt extenders are available for your comfort. Ask for assistance if needed.
- There is no smoking, eating, or drinking in the vehicle. The only exceptions are for eating and/or drinking on long trips or for members with dietary or thirst needs.
- Keep conversations friendly and appropriate; treat each other with respect and do not swear or use foul or negative language.
- Do not make any comments or gestures of a sexual nature.
- Do not discuss the use of alcohol or illegal drugs or how to obtain them.
- Do not ask anyone for cigarettes or money.
- Limit personal cell phone conversations while in the vehicle.
- Respect the vehicles as if they were your own property.
- If a TMWC vehicle is bringing you to the center, please be ready. Because it is difficult to be exact about the time you will be picked up, we ask that you please be patient while waiting for the driver to arrive.
- It is required that you provide 24-Hour notice for rides to the center.
If you do not follow these Guidelines while riding in a TMWC vehicle, your vehicle privileges may stop and TMWC Member Restriction & Suspension Policy will be implemented.
Other Forms of Transportation
- TARPS (free passes)
- TARTA Bus (tokens)
- Taxi Cab
- Friends & Family
- Case Workers
Frequently Asked Questions about TMWC
- What type of center is TMWC?
We are a type of community center that provides support and recovery services for people living with mental illness. We are certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services as a Consumer/Peer Operated Service. This certification means that as your peers, we have been where you are and know first-hand the challenges of living with mental health recovery and wellness.
- Do you have doctors, nurses, or counselors available?
The TMWC does not provide clinical services. We do not have physicians, counselors, or clinicians available at TMWC.
- What do I have to do to attend the TMWC?
- You must live in Lucas County, Ohio.
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Have a mental health diagnoses.
- Can I come here if I am not signed up with community mental health center?
You must be in the Lucas County mental health system and have a mental health diagnoses in order to attend TMWC.
- Do you provide help for substance abuse?
No. There are other agencies with the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services area that provide substance abuse help. Please ask a Peer Supporter for the names of those agencies or refer elsewhere in this handbook.
- How much does it cost to attend TMWC?
There is a nominal $5 membership fee; however, we do not turn away anyone who qualifies to be a member.
- Do you have overnight beds?
No. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Can I bring a family member to TMWC? Can they stay with me?
Yes, if it would help you to feel more at ease.
- Do you allow children?
We do not allow children. You must be 18 or older to attend.
- Are there other centers like TMWC in the area?
The Thomas M. Wernert Center is the only program and facility of its kind located in Lucas County
- Are you a community center for seniors?
Although we have many seniors who attend our programs, we are not a senior’s only community center. Our members range in age.
- Are you open on weekends?
We are not currently open on weekends. Our hours change due to many factors, including weather, holidays, or a pandemic. Please always check the calendar or call ahead before arriving at the TMWC.
- Can I get a ride to and from TMWC?
Yes. We provide transportation at no cost for those in need. Please discuss with a peer supporter the available options.
- Do you serve lunches every day?
No. We do have vending machines, but we do not serve a daily lunch. We sometimes serve lunch as part of a special program. Please check the calendar or newsletter for any type of program where we will be serving lunch
- What is the difference between mental illness and developmental disabilities?
Developmental Disabilities are chronic conditions that appear at birth or in childhood, usually before age 22.
Mental illness affects mood, thought processes or behavior and can happen to anyone at any time in their life. Mental illnesses are treatable. - Can I bring a service animal to TMWC?
No. TMWC has a ‘no pets’ policy. TMWC follows the guidelines set forth by the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to accommodate any member’s service animal. Emotional support, comfort, companionship, or in-training service animals are not considered to be “service animals.” (attach policy)
- Can I be asked to leave the TMWC?
Yes. There are a number of reasons you may be asked to leave the TMWC. Many are outlined in this handbook. Some reasons include bullying someone, smoking, using profanity, stealing, disrespecting, or harassing others. It is also not acceptable to hit, grab, or touch someone. Be sure to review this entire handbook so that you are aware of what is expected of you as a member of the TMWC.