Thomas M. Wernert Center Offers Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Treating mental illness and substance abuse disorder has come a long way since “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” For evidence, one only has to look at the Thomas M. Wernert Center.
A peer support center
Located at 208 W. Woodruff Ave., at the cross section between Uptown Toledo and the Old West End, the Wernert Center operates as a day center for those living with mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
The Center is not a clinical or medical, but rather uses peer support as its main tool of support.
According to the Wernert Center handbook, “TMWC is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as a Peer Run Service. This certification means that as your peers, we know first-hand the challenges of living with mental illness or substance
abuse disorders, and we can help with your recovery and wellness.”
This hands-on, holistic approach to mental health makes the Wernert Center unique in Toledo and Lucas County. To join the Wernert Center, a person must be a Lucas County resident and have a diagnosed mental illness and be receiving mental health services.
Meet Thomas Wernert and Stacey Stubblefield
The Wernert Center is named after the late Thomas M. Wernert, who served as Executive Director of the Lucas County Mental Health Board.
During his tenure, Wernert oversaw the creation of mental health centers and drug and alcohol recovery services for Lucas County residents.
The Center is funded in part by Greater Toledo Community Foundation and Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, as well as through private contributions, fundraising, and grants.
Leading the charge on the peer support approach to mental health is the Wernert Center Executive Director Stacey Stubblefield.
A 26-year veteran employee of the Center, Stubblefield worked her way up from peer supporter to executive director. From a role in the insurance industry she came to the Center initially to supplement her income.
However, it became her full time employment when she realized how special the Wernert Center was to the City of Toledo.
Peer-led programs
facility, but rather uses peer support as its main tool.
“The mission statement (of the Wernert Center) captured my attention immediately and I connected with their goals and values,” explains Stubblefield. “My personal motivation comes from knowing that when an individual is valued, understood, and accepted as part of their community, the quality of life goes up for everyone who is a part of that community.”
The Wernert Center offers a variety of peer-led support groups, ranging from Feelings First, which focuses on developing a better understanding of emotions, including anger awareness, grief, and loss, to Dual Recovery Anonymous, which is for those dealing with both mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
Positive effects on mental health
Since its founding in 1993, the Wernert Center has helped thousands of Lucas County residents lead more complete lives.
“A common misconception is that people with mental health diagnosis do not get well and stay well,” said Stubblefield. “Looking back over the past 26 years, I recognize many of
our members maintain wellness by managing their temporary setbacks that did not completely derail their lives or independence. The state of mental health recovery does not mean the absence of the disease or diagnosis however the ability to manage not only the symptoms and side effects but to offer the essence of hope.”
For more information on the Thomas M. Wernert Center, visit wernertcenter.org.
