The Guidance Center (TGC) held its Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the agency’s newly renovated Community and Training Center on W. Washington Street in Bradford. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Shane Oschman, welcomed and wished all attendees a joyous holiday season and thanked all present for their support to TGC. To kick off the meeting, the STEPS Singers performed various Christmas songs for all to hear.
Executive Director, Dr. Denise Bean, opened the meeting by recognizing the contribution of former staff member, Mrs. Christina Hansen who passed away in August 2024. A plaque in memory of Christina and her contributions to the agency was revealed and dedication made.
The agency’s annual report was presented by senior staff members who highlighted the agency’s accomplishments over the past year. Some of these include: the utilization of the Community and Training Center, which has been an invaluable space for TGC and other corporations and groups within the community; the agency’s Great Coworkers, ; the provision of nearly 70,000 services to individuals in 8 different counties; six graduate interns completed training at the agency; 93% of staff report being satisfied working at The Guidance Center. The first-year Senior Director of Crisis Services, Mrs. Tania Geist, shared a few department goals such as the ability to assist consumers, strengthening relationships with various hospitals, and offering crisis services in schools through the agency’s new Mobile Crisis Specialist role in addition to the Focus Room. Also implemented this year is The Guidance Center’s Single-Session Consultation (SSC) which directly addresses the need to support people when they seek care, rather than wait weeks to months to begin services. In May 2024, representatives from the Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania (BHARP) came to reevaluate and designate the agency, once again, as a North Central Trauma-Informed Care Center for Excellence. The Supports Coordination program had an on-site visit from the Office of Developmental Programs and obtained a perfect score, which has never been achieved in TGC history. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program showed an increase in services. The Certified Peer Support program saw an increase in staffing and various staff achievements. The STEPS Wellness Center vision came to life this past year and offers members a safe space to learn about a healthy lifestyle for the mind and body. Psychiatric Services have seen a lot of changes in the department, all of which were shared. The agency will welcome a new psychiatrist, Dr. Farris, in January 2025.
Ms. Alcherrie Williams, was reappointed for an additional three-year term. Mr. Shane Oschman and Mr. Sal Luzzi will fulfill open executive committee member positions of the board as Chairmen of the Board and Finance Chair respectively.
The Board of Directors voted to approve the appointment of two new members whose term will begin in January 2025. These individuals include Mrs. Rhonda Race and Mr. Matthew Woodhouse.