Matthew Shelak: Executive Director | Jeanes Hospital
Matthew Shelak: Executive Director | Jeanes Hospital
Episcopal’s Behavioral Health team has launched a new recreational room designed to enhance social engagement and provide a safe space for patients. The initiative, funded by the Lydia Fisher Warner Memorial Trust with a $15,000 grant, aims to support inpatient behavioral healthcare by offering a place where patients can relax and participate in various activities.
"We wanted patients to enter the room and feel safe and comfortable and excited, all at the same time," said Alexandria "Lexi" Thomas, a Behavioral Health Therapist involved in the project.
The team transformed a fourth-floor room into an inviting space equipped with gaming consoles like Xbox and Nintendo Switch, board games, iPads, and desktop computers. Briana Stinson, LCSW and Director of Therapeutic Programming at Episcopal, explained that Certified Peer Specialists consulted with patients on suitable games for the unit. "We also purchased board games, iPads, and four desktop computers," she noted.
Thomas worked alongside fellow therapist Dana Horvath to decorate the room creatively. "We got really creative, and painted a lot more than we anticipated," Thomas mentioned. A notable feature is vines connected by handprints on one wall—a collaborative effort involving patient participation.
The Rec Room also serves as an environment for building self-esteem and skills among patients. Stinson shared an instance of skill-building: "A few days ago, I saw a Certified Peer Specialist working with a patient in the Rec Room... You could see how much confidence that built in him."
Plans are underway to use the Rec Room for workshops on digital literacy, goal-setting, and resume-writing. Michael Wilson expressed enthusiasm about vocational training opportunities: "If we can reinforce those skills... that will really help them engage with and transition back into the community."
The Grand Opening party held at the end of February was well-received by attendees who provided positive feedback through raffle ticket entries. Thomas described it as "really fun" with multiple prizes offered.
The success of this Rec Room has sparked interest from other units within Episcopal's campus seeking similar facilities. LJ Rasi commented on this growing demand: "I’ve already heard that the fifth floor was saying, ‘We want a rec room.’"
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