History of Hanbleceya: An Ever-Evolving Community::

Hanbleceya, which means "Quest for Vision" in the Sioux Indian language, was founded by Moira Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. in 1979. Hanbleceya began as a residential therapeutic community for individuals with schizophrenia. Over the years the Hanbleceya model has expanded to include the treatment of Affective and Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Based Conditions and Dual Diagnoses.

In 1993, Dr. Fitzpatrick created a new program system based on what experts and families said was the primary need for the mentally ill: " A PLACE TO LIVE...AN EDUCATION OR A JOB...AND HOPE FOR RECOVERY." This was the theme of the 1992 California Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (CAMI) (now called the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, California ) conference. NAMI is the strongest advocacy group and lobbying force for policy and change for the seriously mentally ill in the United States .

At this time in 1993, the residential program of Hanbleceya was closed and the newly structured, independence-focused program was born, founded with the goal of assisting patients in living as independently as they are able. Hanbleceya continues to address the needs identified at the 1993 CAMI conference and provides the therapeutic support necessary to assist patients in being successful in volunteer work, employment or education. Hanbleceya creates hope through the security and support a community provides and embraces the belief that each individual entering the program can learn to live a balanced, quality life.

The original staff of Hanbleceya consisted of one employee and three interns (back in 1979). Today we have grown in ways that could have never been predicted. Yet we continue to pass on information learned in the "early days" of the community and by consulting with other programs and hospitals throughout the country.

Hanbleceya became nationally known having had prime time coverage on the ABC network program, CLOSEUP. Our efforts became known in Canada and Great Britain due to our reputation for quality of care. Dr. Fitzpatrick was an enthusiastic speaker who reached out to various consumer and professional groups, parent and family groups, hospital intake personnel and discharge planners, and other treatment providers to advocate for effective patient care.

In 1997, Dr. Fitzpatrick decided to move on to other challenges in the field of healthcare. The associate director, David Spinella, who had been involved with the community for 12 years by that time, took over as Hanbleceya's director. Mr. Spinella served in this capacity from 1997 until September, 2005, when he moved to Oregon to continue his efforts at strengthening community resources in the social services arena. In 2005, with a combined 22 years' experience with the Hanbleceya system of care, Dr. Karlyn Pleasants and Hank Griffin, MFT took over as the program's co-directors.

The Hanbleceya community continues to evolve using nearly three decades of learning and tradition as both a foundation for our day to day operation, and a compass for future growth. Under the clinical direction of Dr. Pleasants and Mr. Griffin, along with the dedicated and experienced staff, Hanbleceya continues to be a powerful, compassionate, and time-honored treatment option for families searching for solutions.