Star Power: Independence Center

A new look is an exciting way to make yourself known to the world, and Independence Center is using a recent marketing makeover to let St. Louis know exactly what it has to offer. Founded in 1981, the nonprofit strives to offer a  safe space where adults dealing with mental illness can connect with others facing similar challenges. It provides a spectrum of services to help members develop the necessary skills to succeed in society and lead productive lives.

Independence Center’s flagship service is its Clubhouse, which follows a model of psychosocial rehabilitation that focuses on strengthening an individual’s abilities rather than treating him or her as a patient with an illness. It’s structured to mirror the expectations of a workplace, and members are responsible for helping operate it and perform a variety of tasks. Business development manager Abby Berger says that while the organization started with just a handful of people in a small space, it has become much more. “We added service lines as we grew, but our branding still put the Clubhouse at the forefront,” she notes. “We want people to know we offer a comprehensive approach to mental illness. Even if people don’t want to work in the Clubhouse, they still can come and get help.”

The organization’s services include employment programs; community support to help members manage obstacles they may encounter; psychiatric care and counseling in partnership with Washington University; housing, including 24-hour monitored care; and health care that focuses on all dimensions of wellness. “Mental illness varies in severity, and everyone has his or her own unique needs,” Berger says. “Some people need a community to help bolster them, and others require one-on-one support. There is not just one solution; it takes all of our services working together to provide care for our members.”

Independence Center’s new look extends to its signature fundraising gala, Dancing with the St. Louis Stars. Now in its 11th year, the event is a local favorite and raises thousands of dollars each year to make the nonprofit’s many services possible. Still, Berger says a large portion of the community doesn’t realize what it benefits. “We love Dancing with the St. Louis Stars and how excited people get about it, but we want them to know what their money is going toward,” she explains. “We created a new logo that better reflects the Independence Center. Now, everyone will know they’re supporting a wide range of programs and services for people with mental illness.”

The event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Jan. 26. “We have a great lineup of participants who are ready to get on the dance floor,” Berger says. “We’re thrilled by their enthusiasm to help us raise money for such a great cause.” Alongside community leaders and professional dancers, Lisa Rodgers is participating as a representative of the members of Independence Center. Rodgers became a member in 2016 after being diagnosed with bipolar depression and anxiety. Through support and the right medication, she has made great strides toward independence and managing her mental health. “I am excited to have the opportunity to participate in Dancing with the St. Louis Stars,” Rodgers says. “This is an important event that will help the Independence Center benefit more members like me.”

Independence Center is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. It hosts its annual Dancing with the St. Louis Stars fundraising event Jan. 26, 2019, at The Ritz-Carlton. Pictured on the cover: Participating dancers Ally Nichols (front), Fred Kostecki, Krisin Johnson, Matt Bukhshtaber, Elizabeth Mannen, Lisa Nichols. For ticks and information, call 314.880.5404 or visit dancingwiththestlouisstars.org. 

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Independence Center

Pictured above: Winners of the 2018 Judges’ Favorite Award Deandra Smith and dance partner Emily Wehrman.