Our History

l           United Services, Inc., often referred to as the Center, was founded in 1964.  Our beginnings stem from a commitment to provide comprehensive behavioral health and family support services to residents in Northeastern Connecticut.

l           In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, United Services implemented a range of community-based support services for mental health clients as de-institutionalization was introduced into Connecticut.

l           United Services joined with another local agency, Quinebaug Valley Youth and Family Services, in July of 1999.  Because the two agencies provided complementary services, the merger strengthened both organizations and allowed the new United Services to provide expanded prevention services and community-based programs for youth, adolescents and their families in a cost-effective manner.

Today

l           United Services is the most comprehensive private, non-profit center in Connecticut providing psychosocial, mental health, chemical abuse, education and prevention services to the community, and employee assistance program services for business and industry.

l           Our primary service area is the 21 towns in Northeast Connecticut.  Client services are available in 12 locations, including four main offices located in Columbia, Dayville, Wauregan and Windham.

l           United Services employs a staff of over 250 professionals and paraprofessionals.  Our staff includes psychiatrists, clinicians, social workers, psychologists, prevention specialists, case managers, advocates, and administrative and support personnel.

l           The Center operates over 30 separate programs under one administration. This allows us to maximize resources and minimize overhead costs.

l           United Services works closely with many area towns and agencies, including municipal agencies, schools, local social service programs, and other agencies to coordinate services, reduce duplication between agencies, and to provide cost effective services to our community.

l           United Services is the only mental health provider in our area which serves the Latino community.

l           United Services runs the only domestic violence shelter for women and their children in the region.

l           We are a member agency of Advanced Behavioral Health, or ABH, a statewide mental health and substance abuse provider network.

l           United Services serves as the designated Youth Service Bureau for the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson and Woodstock.

Finances

l           United Services has an annual operating budget of just under 13 million. Our income comes from a variety of sources: state grants and contracts 77%, fees 8%, federal grants 5%, contributions 1%, and other income 9%.  Eighty-two percent of the budget goes to direct services for clients.

l           Salaries are consistent with those paid to professionals in their respective fields, and are monitored and approved by the Center’s governing board, as well as by several the State of Connecticut departments.

l           A yearly audit is prepared by Haggett Longobardi & Company LLC.

Accountability

l           United Services is guided and its programs closely monitored by a Board of Directors, made up of community residents with a wide range of expertise.  Some board members are consumers.

l           United Services is evaluated by a regional advisory mental health board, made up of area consumers appointed by town selectpersons.

l           We are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or JCAHO.

l           United Services is approved by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health to provide Adult Outpatient Services and Addiction Recovery Services.  The Center is also licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as a Psychiatric Clinic for Children, and as a Child Placing Agency for Adoption and Foster Care.

l           The Domestic Violence Program meets the guidelines established by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and those set by the Connecticut Department of Social Services for domestic violence programs.

l           Customer satisfaction is tracked by satisfaction surveys and outcome studies.

l           The Center utilizes staff performance monitoring systems and unit cost analysis for ensuring staff and program service accountability.

Management

l           Diane L. Manning, President/CEO, has extensive administrative experience in program development, finance, strategic planning, facility development, contract negotiation and compliance, and licensing and accreditation, and is well versed in the delivery of cost-effective behavioral health services in a managed care environment.

l           United Services is constantly developing and expanding, to both continue the Center’s mission, as well as to continue to meet the expectations of the many entities that purchase services from the Center, as well as to meet the needs of our community.  Special focus is on manage care product lines that are self-supporting.