Social Services - Adults

Adults who are mentally ill often have difficulty navigating the many avenues of help that are available to them in the community.

The Helen Ross McNabb Center offers numerous social service programs and also helps clients connect with other community resources. Our programs include: 

Martha A. Withers Friendship House Peer Support Center

Social and recreational rehabilitation services are located at the consumer-run Friendship House Peer Support Center. To be eligible for membership an individual must be at least 18 years old and a current or former mental health services consumer. The program encourages Friendship House members to act independently and be an active part of their communities through client-driven social, recreational, cultural, educational and support activities. Members may receive basic job skills training by serving as a volunteer greeter, kitchen assistant, fitness center receptionist or barter room clerk at Friendship House. They also volunteer in the community at homeless shelters, help with beautification projects or help prepare gifts and food baskets during holidays.

Housing/Supportive Living Services

Safe, affordable housing that meets the needs of individuals with mental illness is in great demand. In response to this need, the Center has developed and maintains a variety of housing options. Independent living is available in several locations in Knoxville.

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Outreach

The HIV Prevention and Outreach program provides HIV prevention information to about 50,000 persons in the community annually, targeting HIV/AIDS high risk groups, intravenous drug users and those in treatment for chemical dependency. "Street teams" of prevention counselors canvas a number of specified local sites several times a week distributing HIV prevention literature and materials. HIV prevention education counselors also present information to community groups through educational sessions at churches, schools, alcohol and drug treatment centers and halfway houses. Free HIV Oraquick testing is offered to persons identified as at risk for exposure to the virus. In addition, comprehensive risk counseling services are offered to individuals who are HIV+, their partners and those at extremely high risk for HIV/AIDS.  Also offered is the Return to Care program which offers HIV+ individuals help with barriers to care in order for them to return to treatment.