Correspondence, 1984-1985

The records of Progress Place consist of the working files of Community Support Systems, Inc., the non-profit corporation which introduced and implemented the clubhouse method of rehabilitation for mentally disabled adults in the Dayton area. These papers detail one organization’s attempt to meet the needs of mentally disabled adults in the Dayton area. The philosophy and programs of Progress Place are described in detail, as well as the difficulties and obstacles encountered in establishing a program of this kind.

Series 1, Organization, contains the statement of purpose of Progress Place, its philosophy and policy on members’ rights. This series also contains the Articles of Incorporation of Community Support Systems, Inc., Board of Trustees member lists, newspaper clippings on Progress Place and mental health, brochures, affirmative action information, and miscellaneous correspondence.

Series 2, Fountain House, contains progress reports, newsletters, articles, and videotape detailing the Fountain House movement in New York City, of which Progress Place was fashioned after.

Series 3, Board of Trustees, contains meeting minutes dating from January 1981 through April 1988.

Series 4, Program Evaluation, contains Program Committee minutes and reports, a description of the programs offered by Progress Place, and an evaluation of Progress Place by members.

Series 5, Personnel, contains descriptions of the various staff positions at Progress Place, policy and procedures, as well as a code of ethics. It also contains guidelines for evaluation of staff and information on volunteers.

Series 6, Transitional Employment, details the various jobs held by members and the businesses that Progress Place had agreements with.

Series 7, Financial, contains annual reports and end of year balance sheets for Community Support Systems, Inc. It also contains information on Grandma’s Attic, a thrift shop run by Progress Place.

Series 8, Fundraising, contains correspondence, plans, and committee reports detailing fund-raising efforts.

Series 9, United Way, contains the original proposal by Community Support Systems, Inc. to United Way to fund Progress Place. Minutes from yearly program conferences, correspondence, United Way agreements, site visits, and evaluations are also included.

Series 10, Grants and Awards, contains correspondence, copies of grant proposals, letters of confirmation of awards and amounts allocated to Progress Place.

Series 11, Mental Health Board, contains the original proposal by Community Support Systems, Inc. to the Mental Health Board to obtain approval and funding to establish Progress Place. It also contains annual plans and contracts, site visit reports, quarterly reports, fundraising reports, membership reports, budget reviews, and Mental Health Board meeting minutes relted to Progress Place.

Series 12, Newsletters, contains miscellaneous issues of the Progress Place Clubhouse newsletter, Progress Place Dispatch. This newsletter was written and produced by members of the Progress Place Clubhouse.