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301 South Geneva Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 277-PEER [277-7337]
fax: (607) 277-6387
email: space@lightlink.com

The Starlight Peer Advocacy (drop-in) Center for Empowerment was formed over a decade ago by a group of mental health consumers frustrated by the lack of choices for available social outlets. Today S.P.A.C.E. has nearly three hundred members and continues to grow in many ways.

S.P.A.C.E. is run by mental health consumers (peers), not by health care professionals or government administrators. We are a PEER RUN PROGRAM.

Mission Statement
The mission of S.P.A.C.E. is to offer people who use, or have used, mental health services a place to pull together to support themselves, to socialize and improve their lives in their own way. Run by peers, S.P.A.C.E. strives to create a relaxed environment where members can feel free from drugs, alcohol and harassment. It is by socializing with our peers, educating the public, and working together in the operation of the center that we seek to open up to new friendships, help erase the stigma surrounding those with a mental health diagnosis, and achieve our limitless human potential and reach for the stars.

Fundamentals

FUN
S.P.A.C.E. has many fun activities to participate in: games, groups and special events for you to join in or just sit back and watch. Speaking of watching, we have a TV room and a VCR and DVD player. And don't forget the enjoyment of meeting old and new friends and socializing.

FRIENDSHIP
You will meet a brand new group of friends at S.P.A.C.E., people of all ages and from all walks of life. You'll feel welcome the minute you walk through the front door. At S.P.A.C.E., we respect the right of privacy and confidentiality and encourage a harassment-free environment for everyone.

FOOD
We offer coffee, tea and other seasonal beverages every day (donations accepted to help defray the cost). We also have a wide selection of sodas and snacks available to purchase. A delicious and nutritious meal is served Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. as part of our regular program. A lunch is offered every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Come join us.

Regular activities include:

Welcome to S.P.A.C.E.

Welcome to S.P.A.C.E. It is our pleasure to extend a warm greeting to you and invite you to stay a while. Here, you will find yourself among individuals who are your peers, people who truly understand the meaning of being a mental health consumer.

It is the center's mission to provide a place where you may broaden your horizons and expand your social interaction within a safe and secure setting.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me or any of the other staff or even another member. We will do our best to address any issues you may have. We hope you find your relationship with all of us at S.P.A.C.E. to be a long and rewarding one. If at any time you do have any concerns or issues, please don't hesitate to come to me or any of the S.P.A.C.E. staff to address them.

Once again, welcome.

Gary A. Tracy
Coordinator