Building Crisis Services, Building Our Community

The crime column in this morning's paper relays the story of a man caught in the act of committing a sporadic act of vandalism. The average person in the community reads the story and shakes their head, hoping that their own safety will never be in danger. There are those working behind the scenes in our communities, however, who know the rest of the story. The man apprehended has a serious drug addiction and a severe and persistent mental illness -- most likely schizophrenia.

What are we to do with those who present a danger to themselves and others? How does a community bring hope to those who face the most serious obstacles to recovery, independence, and stable living? Crisis Stabilization Units are Georgia's efficient, humane, person-centered answer to this question. Advantage's Vantage Point CSU serves Clarke County and the nine surrounding counties.

What Does Vantage Point Do?

Our program works with individuals requiring 24-hour, short term residential medical supervision. The average length of stay at the CSP is 5 days, giving Advantage time to stabilize individuals and connect them with long-term behavioral health services and supports. In most instances, individuals come to us when safety to self or others is a concern.

Advantage's clinicians provide 24-hour supervision of clients. In many cases, persons receive care after living on the streets or after being apprehended for a crime. Our dedicated staff provide constant care to those with the most intensive needs.

Our direct services are to those who present an imminent threat of harm due to mental illness and substance abuse-related breakdowns.

Now's The Time

Now is the perfect moment for us to move Vantage Point to a new home. The state of Georgia is seeking to improve the condition of civil rights enforcement in regard to those who have previously been hospitalized.

This means that while many who are capable of independent living will be released from the state mental hospitals, others will live in a constant risk of re-hospitalization. As a result, the number of those to whom we represent the last line between independent living and hospitalization will almost certainly see a dramatic increase.

The moment is right financially. Our crisis stabilization program is currently housed in an older rented building (built 1972; we have occupied since 1992) that requires thousands of dollars in annual maintenance. The facility is in need of a great deal of mandatory improvements. These improvements could cost as much as $200,000 for a property we don't even own.

Our current rent represents a substantial amount that, with your help, can be re-directed into services for those who are most in need. Vantage Point would experience a dramatic financial difference that would occur if we owned our building rather than rented. These savings will be used directly to improve our services for the hundreds of clients we serve each year.

How You Can Help

Your support for our capital campaign can take a variety of forms. These include:

A direct donation for the Vantage Point Capital Campaign.
Support for one of our upcoming events dedicated to the campaign
Express your willingness to give a naming gift or buy a brick.