Recreation

The Recreation Department provides opportunities for social and recreational interaction through scheduled activities managed by the Recreation Coordinator. He/she arranges for individuals to attend outside functions with other Drop-In Centers throughout the area, i.e. Wellsprings, Turtle Creek MH/MR, People's Oakland, Mon Yough Community Services, Residential Care Services, Bethlehem Haven, etc. These activities and events include, but are not limited to, trips to Loew's Movie Theatre, the Carnegie Museum, Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz History Science Center, Seven Springs, Phipps Conservatory, even the Pittsburgh Zoo. These activities are sometimes limited to a limit of participants, so a first-come first serve basis of process is used.

The department is also responsible for the planning and coordination of assistance to community conferences by facilitating scholarships offered through the Community Support Program [CSP], i.e. Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumer's Association [PMHCA]. One scholarship available annually is for "Camp Lutherlyn." This is an opportunity for consumers to attend a campsite for several days and socialize and rejuvenate themselves with peers at a very nominal cost.

Other activities may include bowling, games, pool tournaments, arts, crafts and others designed for consumers throughout Allegheny County. Some of them are competitive in nature and those who participate can often win awards. One such award is the "Distinguished" trophy for the winner of the pool tournament and the other is the less-desirable "Clay" trophy which is awarded to the loser. These trophies will travel to the next set of "winners" each time a tournament is played and be displayed at their Center. The winning center is then obligated to return to the next arranged tournament to relinquish the trophies so as all participating have an equal opportunity to win. There are other seasonal activities offered by PSAN through New Horizons, they may include Christmas Parties, Thanksgiving Dinner, Valentine's Day Dance, Annual Summer Picnic, and other similar types of events.

The Center has an open membership to anyone interested in participating as long as they are considered a consumer of mental health services and over the age of 18 years. New Horizons services an average of 130 members monthly. There are approximately 300 active members. Currently, there is one full time center coordinator, 2 full time staff, and 10 part-time staff. The center has 3 passenger vans to transport individuals from surrounding communities and several personal care homes to the center. Please feel free to contact the Recreation Coordinator at 412-227-0402 ext. 205 for details any events and activities.