On Our Own of Charlottesville

OUR HISTORY.
On Our Own began in 1990 when some mental health consumers met to discuss unmet needs in our area and to advocate for needed changes. Based on our own experiences, we had found that treatment often meant coercion, lack of choices, and frightening experiences within hospital settings.
After much discussion, we submitted a grant proposal to establish a drop-In center. We are part of a consumer movement that began to flourish in the 1940’s when many self-help and civil rights organizations formed.
We offered peer support, a telephone, a free cup of coffee, and a comfortable couch in a small downtown storefront. There was no money for paid staff. In the first few months, about 10 people came daily, increasing to about 30 people within the first year.
Since 1990, On Our Own has moved four times, each time to a larger place where we could provide additional services.

NOW.
Several years ago, our philosophy changed from a peer-run drop-in center to a peer-run recovery center. Now, we have a full-time executive director, a hospital liaison, …. We serve 50 people daily and are open seven hours a day, Sunday through Saturday.
To aid in a person’s recovery, we now require a commitment to a program enrollment after three casual drop-in visits.