Drop-In Centers
Where Peers Become Friends
In Tulsa and Oklahoma City we operate peer-run drop-in centers that offer a family and supportive atmosphere for adults experiencing the challenges of homelessness and mental illness.
At both our Tulsa location, Denver House, and our Oklahoma City center, Lottie House, all staff members have experienced the difficulties of living with a mental illness in their own lives, giving them the ability to truly empathize with participants.
All services are nonclinical and voluntary. We empower participants to pursue their own recovery to rebuild their lives through participant-run programs and the friendship, support, and understanding of peers.
Who can participate?
A peer-run drop-in center operates from a “no wrong door” philosophy. Anyone 18 or older who comes through the door can participate as long as they are sober and respectful of others. A drop-in center is a place where participants can socialize, relax and participate in their own growth and development. We help those we serve become more socially active and effectively progress on their road to recovery while building strong and supportive relationships within their communities.
A drop-in center is a place where participants can socialize, relax and participate in their own growth and development. We help people we serve become more socially active and effectively progress on their road to recovery while building strong and supportive relationships within their communities.
Provided Services
Drop-in centers offer a variety of services, including facilitated educational and social groups. One of the major goals is to help promote self-determination in our participants, so they can take control of their recovery.
Groups offer participants the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through focusing on topics, such as self-esteem, socialization, recovery from drugs and alcohol use, managing mental illness, accessing community resources, and living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among others. Because some participants are experiencing homelessness, many of them require assistance meeting basic needs. These individuals may not know how to access critical resources in the community and they often lack a voice to advocate for them.
Staff members provide case management for participants seeking housing, jobs, resume assistance, health and mental health screenings, and more.
The Power of Socialization
Socialization is a vital component of a drop-in center. It is common for individuals experiencing mental illness to isolate, which often worsens their emotional state. Spending time with other people in a social setting is an effective way to reduce depression and other negative mental health symptoms.
To help people connect socially, we offer cookouts, bingo, karaoke, board games, music, holiday parties, and other fun activities and events. We also serve as a respite for people who need a safe place to relax and rejuvenate.
Participants often need a place to get organized around finding work, housing, mental health screenings, and other services. To help participants fulfill their needs, we provide access to clothing, computers, television, telephones, legal aid, vocational aid, housing, and other important resources. Drop-in center participants are often referred to other programs for further aid, support, and socialization.
For Tulsans impacted by mental illness and homelessness, Mental Health Association Oklahoma provides custom-built pet crates located outside of our peer-run drop-in center, Denver House. This allows participants to place their pets in crates on the property, so they are safe and secure while the owner is inside learning how to connect with critical services in the community, including housing, treatment and job training.
Many participants have found housing and jobs. They have also found a safe, empowering place where they can learn how to take control of their lives through self-determination.
Check out the many ways you can get involved!
Our Weekly Schedule
Tuesdays
- DBSA (Depression/ Bipolar) Group: Noon
DBSA helps you understand that a mood disorder does not define you. The goal of this group is to help you connect with others who have been there and can offer support and acceptance. - Open Studio Art: 2 pm
Open Studio is a time to be creative where you are welcome to draw, paint, knit or journal. All supplies are free and provided so let your imagination run free! - Dual Diagnosis Group: 4 pm
Dual Diagnosis is a program for people experiencing both addiction and a mental health diagnosis, allowing individuals to share their similar experiences, strength and hope with each other. - Meeting of the Minds: Second Tuesday, May 8, 5 pm
Dive into the “think tank,” where participants bring topics they are interested in discussing, and the conversation ensues.
Wednesdays
- Poetry and Creative Writing: 2 pm
Focuses on expressing feelings and ideas through poetry and creative writing. - Anger Management: 3 pm
This is an 8-week/12-lesson program that focuses on learning effective ways to communicate your needs and navigate frustration. For more information contact 405.943.3700. - Trauma Support Group: 4 pm
Discuss day-to-day problems with others who have been through trauma to encourage wellness.
Thursdays
- Schizophrenia Alliance: 1 pm
Share, listen, teach and learn with others impacted by schizophrenia, and their friends and loved ones. - Karaoke: 2 pm
Come for a casual and non-judgmental atmosphere to sing your heart out and enjoy the company of others who love to sing too! - Anxiety Group: 4 pm
This is a safe place for individuals struggling with anxiety to share their experiences with peers. The group format also allows for discussion of healthy coping skills and supportive feedback from each other and the facilitator.
Fridays
- Healing Your Childhood: Noon
- Express Yourself (Journaling & More): 2 pm
A time for self-expression through journaling, poetry, creative writing, drawing, or even collage! - Bingo: 4 pm
- Movie Night: 5 pm
Kick back and enjoy a flick with us!
Saturdays
- DBSA (Depression/ Bipolar) Group: 1 pm
DBSA helps you understand that a mood disorder does not define you. The goal of this group is to help you connect with others who have been there and can offer support and acceptance. - Open Studio Art: 2 pm
Open Studio is a time to be creative where you are welcome to draw, paint, knit or journal. All supplies are free and provided so let your imagination run free! - Women’s Trauma Group: 3 pm
Discuss day-to-day problems with other women who have been through trauma to encourage wellness.
Lottie House is located at 1311 North Lottie Avenue in Oklahoma City
Operating Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 11 am-7 pm
Sunday: Closed
Phone: 405.600.307
Our Weekly Schedule
Tuesdays
- Coffee: 11:30 am
- Anger Management Group: 1-2 pm
Anger Management is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) program. It is a 12-week program that focuses on learning effective ways to communicate your needs and frustrations.
- Clothing Room Open: 2-3 pm
- Family and Children Services: 2-4 pm
- Van Ride: 3:30 pm
Get a free ride to the Denver Avenue Bus Station, the Salvation Army, the Tulsa Day Center or John 3:16.
Wednesdays
- Coffee: 11:30 am
- Community Meeting: 1-1:45 pm
- Job Search: 1:45-2:15 pm
- Legal Aid: 2-4 pm
- Van Ride: 3:30 pm
Get a free ride to the Denver Avenue Bus Station, the Salvation Army, the Tulsa Day Center or John 3:16.
Thursdays
- Coffee: 11:30 am
- Journaling: 12-1 pm
- Double Trouble in Recovery: 1-2 pm
- Housing Education and Support: 2-4 pm
Learn about how to connect with housing services in the community. - Van Ride: 3:30 pm
Get a free ride to the Denver Avenue Bus Station, the Salvation Army, the Tulsa Day Center or John 3:16.
Fridays
- Coffee: 11:30 am
- Mail Check: 12-1 pm
- Arts and Crafts: 1-2 pm
- Clothing Room Open: 2-3 pm
- Happiness Group: 3-3:30 pm
Join a group of people who discuss ways to make their lives happier, calmer, and better. Trust us, it’ll put a smile on your face! - Van Ride: 3:30 pm
Get a free ride to the Denver Avenue Bus Station, the Salvation Army, the Tulsa Day Center or John 3:16.
Saturdays
- Coffee: 11:30 am
- Movie and Popcorn: 12-2 pm
Because who doesn’t love a good movie and popcorn on the weekend!? - Bingo/Karaoke: 2-3 pm
Come for bingo – which is always a blast – and a casual, non-judgmental atmosphere to sing your heart out! - Women’s Group: 3-3:30 pm
- Van Ride: 3:30 pm
Get a free ride to the Denver Avenue Bus Station, the Salvation Army, the Tulsa Day Center or John 3:16.
There is Case Management available at Denver House Tuesday – Friday.
Denver House is located at 252 West 17th Place in Tulsa
Operating Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday 11 am-7:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
