Starlight Peer Advocacy Center
for Empowerment (SPACE)

A program of The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

301 South Geneva Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 277-PEER [277-7337]
fax: (607) 277-6387
email: space@lightlink.com Starlight Peer Advocacy Center for Empowerment is a drop-in center, formed almost a decade ago by a group of mental health consumers frustrated by the lack of choices for available social outlets. Offering fun, friendship, food and numerous social and learning activities for individuals with mental health issues, SPACE is run by mental health consumers, not by health care professionals or government administrators.

The mission of SPACE is to offer people who use, or have used, mental health services a place to pull together to support themselves, to socialize and to improve our lives if we so choose. We strive 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 cooperating in the decision-making of an organization that we seek to open up to new friendships and to our limitless human potential.

Participation in SPACE is available to mental health consumers in Tompkins and surrounding counties. Today we have over two hundred members, and we continue to grow in many different ways.

FUN!
SPACE hosts many special events including dances, parties, van trips, talks, tournaments and open days where you decide what kind of fun you wish to have. In addition, there is a wide selection of board and computer games for use every day ... or, you can watch a movie from our video collection.

FRIENDSHIP!
You will meet a brand new group of friends at SPACE, people from all walks of life. You'll feel welcome the minute you walk through the door. We respect the right of privacy, and encourage a harassment-free environment.

FOOD!
We offer coffee and other seasonal beverages every day. (Snacks, too, in the afternoon, to help tide you over.) Cold soda and candy bars are also available for purchase every day. A meal is served every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Tompkins County Mental Health Building, 201 East Green Street (donations are appreciated). We also offer lunch every Saturday at 3:00 at the Center.

Regular Activities include:

A Message from the SPACE Coordinator

Welcome to SPACE! It is my pleasure to extend a warm greeting to you and invite you to stay a while. Here at SPACE you will find yourself among a group of individuals who are your peers, people who understand the meaning of being a mental health consumer.

It is the Center's mission to provide a place for you to 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. We will do our best to facilitate any issues you may have. I hope your relationship with SPACE will be a long and rewarding one. If at any time you have any concerns or issues, come in. My door is always open.