SpringHaven offers rural counseling experience
The facility itself, however, reflects the same comfort. Warm colors and wall décor set the tone, and the spacious waiting room allows relaxation before entering a counseling session. Furthermore, a fish tank and water fountain round out the space, leaving clients with a satisfied feeling before entering their session or returning to the chilly, snow-covered outdoors.
According to LaVina Weaver, counselor and executive director of SpringHaven, the environment was purposely planned this way, and it could certainly set the foundation for success. The community donated much of the furniture and also painted and did the flooring at just the cost of the material.
“SpringHaven’s board has intentionally stayed rural because we think that the natural environment just helps people sometimes sort of let go, and they can work a little bit better. We could have gone to one of the larger cities or villages; we just decided to stay rural,” Weaver explained.
Weaver added that the facility was previously located down the road from their new placement, but they now have more space and can therefore see more clients. SpringHaven as an organization has been in existence for three years, and has another location in Rittman.
“We have raised $500,000 in a reasonably short period time; both Amish and non-Amish. It’s been a very good support from the community,” Weaver said. “It makes me feel like this is really a community endeavor. I want to respond to the needs of the community. One of the things we say in our visions statement is we will develop services as the need in the community demonstrates itself.”
Moreover, they are currently composed of six counselors and one new psychiatrist, who aids in the prescription of medications for the clients. The addition of their psychiatrist is a result of collaboration with Aultman Hospital.
“Why this community? Because the need has presented itself. People are needing help. We wanted to provide a place that engaged itself in compassionately leading people toward wholeness, which is our mission statement,” Weaver began. “I think that while we’re professionally trained, our faith very much informs our work. We come from a faith background, a Christian faith background.”
Another feature of their new facility is the addition of Woodside Rest, which will open in February or early March. It will serve as a home for Amish who are struggling with mental health issues, and will subsequently be in close proximity to SpringHaven for counseling and medication purposes.
Weaver also mentioned some opportunities for donations. They have a fund entitled HelpsFund, to assist clients who have financial difficulties. They also have a Developmental Donation fund to assist with the development of buildings, lands and facilities. SpringHaven has a general donation fund as well as volunteer work. They offer a church partnership program and an employee assistance program, where employers and churches can work with the client to provide services.
“For people who are uncertain about counseling… we do a free half hour consultation with them. They can come in and we talk to them about what counseling is,” Weaver said, noting that this may ease anxiety and help the client determine if counseling is appropriate for them.
Lastly, reducing stigma, creating awareness, and enhancing sensitivity are goals of any counseling agency. To help promote increased understanding, SpringHaven offers free mental health topics on the second Monday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.