Former educators create crisis center for adults in need of mental health services

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Former Richmond Public School teachers recently created a 24/7 crisis center in Henrico for those in need of mental health services.

Safe Space Residential, founded by former Richmond Public Schools teacher Roger Graves, provides care and a place to stay for up to seven people at a time.

“Our goals are to help people get back out into the community and get back to their life,” said Chief Operating Officer Patrick Clements.

According to officials, the organization offers guidance in emotional regulation, coping strategies and independent living skills. This care happens through psychoeducation groups, therapeutic activities and crisis intervention.

For students to succeed inside school, leaders said rehabilitating the community around students is important.

“We realized if we're going to make an even bigger impact, we're going to have to get outside of the classroom,” Graves said. “Children are the same everywhere. It's the adults who make the area what it is,”

Clients are pre-screened by safe space leaders who work with local agencies like VCU Hospital, Henrico Police Department and Chippenham hospital to connect them with patients.

Graves said the center has helped more than 100 adults adjust back into society.

They hope the work they do will have a trickle-down effect on adults and kids in the community.

“I've connected with clients on how our moms were or how our families were, how friends were, the environments we were in,” Graves said. “We felt like if we could reach their community, the adults around them, that makes everything better in the neighborhoods.”

While Safe Space Residential is based in Henrico County, it offers services across Central Virginia. Organizers travel to areas like Richmond, Chesterfield County, the Tri-Cities and Charlottesville to aid people seeking help.

Before entering the facility, clients are pre-screened and must have insurance with one of these companies: Sentara, Molina and United Healthcare. Once admitted, they are provided with beds, towels, medication and access to group therapy.

For more information on Safe Space Residential, visit their website.