The 7 Pillars Of Hope: Unlocking Community Support Services Akron's Life-Changing Mission And Latest 2025 Updates
Community Support Services (CSS) Akron stands as a critical lifeline in Northeast Ohio, offering comprehensive behavioral healthcare to individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) in Summit County. As of today, December 21, 2025, the organization continues its mission to help people achieve a healthy life, bolstered by recent leadership changes and significant federal funding that is expanding its capacity to serve the most vulnerable populations. CSS is not merely a service provider; it is an accredited, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) dedicated to coordinated, whole-person care.
The organization's commitment to providing fresh, cutting-edge services is evident in its continuous program enhancements and strategic community partnerships. From integrated primary and psychiatric care to crucial housing and vocational support, CSS Akron embodies a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring that every person has the resources needed to navigate their mental health journey and achieve stability. The following sections detail the organization's profile, its core services, and the latest developments making headlines in late 2025.
Community Support Services Akron: Organizational Profile and Latest Developments
Founded in 1988, Community Support Services (CSS) Inc. has grown into a cornerstone of behavioral healthcare in the Akron area, specifically targeting adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI). Its comprehensive model of care is designed to address the complex needs of this population, moving beyond traditional therapy to encompass all aspects of daily living.
- Full Name: Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS)
- Mission: Helping you achieve a healthy life.
- Primary Focus: Behavioral healthcare for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI).
- Service Area: Summit County and Northeast Ohio.
- Main Location: 150 Cross Street, Akron, OH 44311.
- Key Certification: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), ensuring comprehensive, coordinated care for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD).
- Accreditation: Accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
- Recent Leadership Update (2025): The organization elected a new slate of officers and a new Chair of its Board of Directors at its recent Annual Meeting. Michael Gaffney was also recently hired as the Director of Marketing and Development.
- Recent Recognition (October 2025): Dr. Eileen Schwartz, Medical Director-Psychology, was honored by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board (ADM Board).
The organization’s financial health and ability to expand services were significantly boosted by a four-year, $4 million grant awarded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in late 2022. This crucial funding has been instrumental in allowing CSS to integrate and expand its care models, particularly for those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
The 7 Core Programs: A Holistic Model of Integrated Care
The core philosophy of CSS Akron is that recovery requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing both mind and body. This is achieved through a suite of integrated services, which are often cited as the gold standard in community behavioral healthcare.
1. The Margaret Clark Morgan Primary Care Clinic (Integrated Health)
The cornerstone of CSS's commitment to whole-person care is its integrated clinic, which provides combined primary care and psychiatric services under one roof. Known as The Margaret Clark Morgan Primary Care Clinic, this facility has operated since 2009 and is located at the 150 Cross Street campus in the University Park neighborhood. Functioning as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC Look-Alike), the clinic offers preventive care, disease management, and wellness support, ensuring that physical health is treated alongside mental health.
2. Residential and Housing Services
A stable home is fundamental to mental health recovery. CSS provides a broad range of housing options for adults with SPMI, including 24/7 Residential treatment and Adult Care services. These programs offer varying levels of support, from supervised living to supportive housing, helping individuals maintain independence and community tenure.
3. Case Management and Service Coordination
Effective recovery from severe mental illness requires coordinated navigation of complex systems. The Case Management/Services Coordination program at CSS ensures that clients receive tailored support, connecting them with all necessary internal and external resources, including benefits, medical appointments, and community supports. This is a critical component for long-term stability.
4. Employment and Vocational Services
Gaining meaningful employment is a key step toward self-sufficiency and improved self-esteem. CSS Akron offers specialized Vocational Services designed to help clients develop job skills, search for employment, and maintain their positions. By addressing barriers to employment specific to mental health challenges, CSS helps clients integrate successfully into the workforce.
5. Homeless Outreach Program
Recognizing the severe intersection of homelessness and mental illness, CSS operates a dedicated Homeless Outreach program. This team actively engages with unsheltered individuals in Akron and Summit County, providing immediate crisis intervention, connecting them to housing options, and facilitating access to necessary behavioral healthcare services. The team can be contacted directly at their 111 E. Voris St. location for assistance.
6. Psychiatric and Behavioral Healthcare
At the core of CSS's offerings are comprehensive Psychiatric Services, which include medication management, individual therapy, and group therapy. The focus is on evidence-based practices to manage the symptoms of severe and persistent mental illnesses, providing a foundation for all other recovery efforts.
7. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Integration
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, CSS has placed a strong emphasis on integrating care for co-occurring disorders. The SAMHSA grant has specifically fueled the expansion of services that address both mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) simultaneously, ensuring clients do not have to navigate two separate systems for treatment.
Accessing Services and Community Impact in Summit County
For residents of Summit County, accessing the life-changing services offered by Community Support Services is a straightforward process, regardless of financial background. CSS accepts major health coverages, including Medicare and Medicaid, and crucially, they offer financial aid and a sliding fee scale for individuals who are uninsured, ensuring that essential care remains accessible to everyone who needs it.
The organization's deep roots in the community are strengthened by key partnerships. One of its most invaluable partners since 1988 has been NAMI Summit County (National Alliance on Mental Illness), which provides financial support and advocacy, further amplifying the reach and effectiveness of CSS’s programs. This collaborative network is vital for creating a robust mental health ecosystem in the region.
The physical locations of CSS are strategic. While the main campus is at 150 Cross Street, services are also provided at the Wolf Ledges Building on 640 Wolf Ledges Parkway, and the Homeless Outreach team operates from 111 E. Voris St. These multiple locations ensure that residents across Akron have convenient access to the comprehensive care they need. As CSS continues to evolve, guided by its recent leadership appointments and sustained by federal funding, it remains the essential provider for those seeking recovery and stability from severe mental illnesses in Northeast Ohio.
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