We aspire to enhance resiliency in those we serve amid our behavioral health and intellectual disabilities services. Our beginning can be traced back to the early 1960s when a presidential panel presented a national plan that established a plan away from over-utilization of large institutions and toward community care. A subsequent Act of Congress provided funds to build community facilities, and
a network of community-based programs was established in the Commonwealth by the Pennsylvania Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act of 1966. Initially, these programs were offered through institution-based grantees that were given responsibility for designated areas called "Catchments." In 1979, the program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital was transferred to a community-based non-profit organization, Citizens Acting Together Can Help, Inc. The organization's mission is to care for the vulnerable, honor the life and dignity of all, and engage the community in compassionate service and advocacy. The notion of recovery from mental health illness refers to a process by which persons create a meaningful, productive life despite the challenges the illness poses (Anthony, Cohen, Farkas, & Gagne, 2002; Deegan, 1988.) Self-determination refers to the right of individuals to have full power over their own lives, encompassing concepts that are central to existence in a democratic society, including freedom of choice, civil rights, independence, and self-destruction (Cook & Jonikas, 2000.) Our consumers range from those making the transition from restricted institutional environments, to young children making the sometimes difficult adjustment to school, and to the elderly with their unique set of needs. Our programs are woven into the fabric of the community and work in conjunction with community businesses, social organizations, community centers, and schools. It is our belief that the services and supports we provide to people with mental illness will lead to a full, productive life with meaning and purpose. While the need for CATCH services grows, the means by which we provide services is constantly changing. National Headlines speak of a "crisis in healthcare" and we have been on the leading edge of adapting to this changing environment. Through careful management, CATCH, Inc. has been able to administer our funding and payer resources to maximize the quality of care. In many cases, our efforts have resulted in reduced and contained costs. Our administration continues to develop and refine its systems to be accountable and competitive in the cost-conscious healthcare delivery environment of the 21st Century.
