How We Inspire Hope

How We Inspire Hope

About the Thomas M. Wernert Center

TMWC offers a safe and welcoming environment for members, much like that of a club or community center, with opportunities to socialize, receive support, obtain mental health education, engage in meaningful activities, and have fun. Isolation can be detrimental to a person’s recovery efforts and peer staff and other members are often the only people members can rely on to foster hope and empower recovery. The many support programs and activities offered at TMWC are important and assist in recovery from mental illness.

Established in 1993, TMWC offers hope and encouragement through the power of peer support to those who have lived experience with mental illness. Those who work at TMWC have a deep understanding of what members are going through and are here to provide emotional support, comfort, and education. Peer support relationships are different from clinical relationships. They are based on mutual sharing of lived experience with mental illness among peers. This best practice in mental health recovery is based on one peer sharing with another peer how they have been successful on their journey of recovery.”

The Mission Of The Thomas M. Wernet Center is:

" To improve the quality of life for persons living with mental illness through peer-driven and focused programs that address recovery through education, peer support and advocacy. "

History

The Thomas M. Wernert Center is proudly named for a man who valued and advocated for the power of peer support in an individual’s journey of mental health recovery. For more than 30 years, Tom served as Executive Director of the Lucas County Mental Health Board, during which time he oversaw the creation of mental health centers and drug and alcohol recovery services for Lucas County residents. Tom also instrumental in establishing Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Rescue Mental Health Services and the Consumers Union of Lucas County, renamed the Thomas M. Wernert Center for Mental Health Recovery and Support in July 2004. Tom was married to Rose Anne Wernert and together they had three children. He died in 1999.

Board of Trustees

Thomas M. Wernert Center relies on the experience, vision, and leadership of its volunteer board of trustees. Comprised of TMWC members and professionals from within the community. Trustees are knowledgeable about and supportive of TMWC programs and services, and they are dedicated to helping increase the agency's visibility in the community.

Deborah Riley-Jackson - President
Fair Housing Center
Jesse Baum - Vice President
Glass City Academy
George Monger, CPA - Treasurer
Evamae LaVoy - Secretary
Community Volunteer
Raina Dawson
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.
Troy Deters
Community Volunteer
Lucy Dias
Community Volunteer
Henry Hartford
Community Volunteer
Crystal Heft
Lucas Co. Family and Children First Council
Gwen Hoskins
Community Volunteer
Georgia Humbarger
Community Volunteer
Patricia J. Robb
Executive Director
Are you interested in serving on the TMWC Board of Trustees?

Are you a community member or business leader who is looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? If so, then this may be the volunteer opportunity for you.

The Thomas M. Wernert Center (TMWC) in Lucas County is looking for individuals interested in serving on its board of trustees. Our current group of trustees, made up of community members and TMWC members, are dedicated to the mission of helping individuals on their journey toward mental health recovery and wellness through peer-to-peer programs and services.

TMWC is part of the broader community mental health and recovery services system in Lucas County. Funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, private contributions, fundraising, and grants, TMWC is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services as a Consumer/Peer Operated Service. This certification means that as peers, staff know first-hand the challenges of living with mental health recovery and wellness. We are looking for trustees who will champion the importance of peer-support mental health recovery and the programs and services provided by TMWC. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of a board member, TMWC seeks trustees who will be fully engaged in identifying and securing the resources and partnerships necessary for TMWC to advance its mission.

Contact Executive Director Patricia Robb (419-242-3000, ext. 112) if you want to learn more about this important community resource.