Media and Press

Everything you need to know about Clark's Manor

Clark’s Manor is the first therapeutic milieu-style supported independent living facility in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, filling a need and providing a level of care previously unavailable in this area.

We are pleased to offer exceptional services through our partnership with Penn Medicine.

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Program Overview - Two Minute Video

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Why Clark's Manor?

Why Clark’s Manor? Briefly:

Families in need of this type of specialized care and support receive a peace of mind of knowing their loved one is being cared for now, and possibly for a lifetime.

Clinicians receive enhanced patient stability and outcomes as Clark’s Manor staff regularly communicate with all practitioners while implementing treatment/care plans.

Insurers realize a significant reduction to high cost healthcare services such as crisis evaluations and inpatient stabilization. These costs decrease considerably by having well-educated and trained staff implement care plans and prevent regression/relapse of symptoms.

Mental health disorders are some of the most common causes of disability. For some families and individuals, these are new issues challenges, for many, these are lifelong battles. With every new year, awareness and treatment of mental illness become more prevalent, more acceptable, and more comfortable for people to discuss. It has never been more important to know what options are available, now, and in the future.

2021 will offer its own set of challenges as the pandemic continues to take a dramatic toll on people and families. While the long-term effects of the pandemic are not known fully known yet, “emerging data, historical studies and expert opinion point to a tremendous impact of COVID-19 on the development and exacerbation of psychiatric issues. The pandemic has served to amplify personal, social and economic costs of mental illness to a magnitude that’s unprecedented.” Covid19 pandemic has caused dramatic changes in approach to mental health care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mental illnesses are commonplace, with nearly one in five adults in America living with a serious mental illness. One-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14, with three-quarters by the age of 24. An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. An estimated 31.1% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.

Statistics further show at least 8.4 million people in the U.S. provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue, and caregivers of adults with mental or emotional health issues spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care.

Fast facts

Clark’s Manor is a premier, innovative home-like family setting for adults with chronic mental illness who are stable and invested in their treatment.

Clark’s Manor is the only type of personal care home of its kind between Baltimore and Boston. It is a private-pay option for adults with chronic mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder.

Clark’s Manor is coed, has 8 private bedrooms, and is staffed 24/7 by master’s-level mental health professionals. Residents must be stable and willing to be there. The age range is roughly 25-55 at time of admission.

Residents can be as engaged and active as they wish. Staff provide one-on-one support to help enrich daily lives with meaningful options. Examples are participating in community classes, personal training, nutritional support, music lessons, and cooking, either in the home or on the outside. Staff foster and encourage a variety of learning scenarios based on the individual’s personal interests.

Clark’s Manor is not suitable for clients who are using drugs or alcohol, or who are in active early substance abuse recovery. Staff will support recovery-maintenance plans for those who are stable in their abstinence.

The home features an on-site music and art studio, a skateboard area, a zen garden, and plans are underway to build an onsite gym and indoor pool.

The average cost is $150,000 a year, depending upon size of bedroom (breaks down to about $12,500 a month).

Residents receive subtle therapy within the home, along with coaching, mentoring, case management, and emotional support. Staff help residents to schedule psychiatry, psychotherapy, medical and recreational appointments in the surrounding community, and to manage their medications. This can be a welcomed help for families who have been responsible for this aspect of their loved ones care.

Clark’s father, Chuck Widger, is the leading benefactor of Villanova’s Charles Widger School of Law, and the founder of Brinker Capital, a top investment firm in Berwyn, PA.

Duration and length of stay can be a year or indefinite. For Clark, who is now 38, this will be a forever home.

The Widger Family Foundation formed Clark’s Manor, LLC in order to purchase the Media estate, demonstrating their perpetual commitment to Clark’s Manor.

 

 

 

Literature

Please click here to view or download general overview/brochure.

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Please click here view or download What to Expect at Clark's Manor: The First Three Months.
 

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Leadership

Kurt Miceli, MD, MBA
Senior Vice President of Adult Behavioral Heslth and Chief Medical Officer
Kurt Miceli, MD, MBA, Elwyn’s first-ever Chief Medical Officer, is board certified in both psychiatry and internal medicine. Dr. Miceli oversees all health care services and quality at Elwyn, in addition to managing a health care practice that provides services to those with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. Previously, Dr. Miceli was the CMO for Bancroft, and President of Marcroft Medical Associates, during which time he founded a new psychiatric and neurology medical practice, transformed all quality assurance functions, and served as the executive decision maker for all health care matters. Other significant experience and leadership positions include: Medical Director for Crisis Services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Medical Director of Carson Valley Children’s Aid, President of the Medical Staff at Fairmount Behavioral Health, and a consultant psychiatrist to Chestnut Hill Hospital. Dr. Miceli is married to Kaitlin Miceli, Esq., and is the proud father of daughter, Anneliese Margaret.
Art Fastman, M.S.W.
Director of Operations
Art Fastman’s 30-year career in the health care field has provided him with invaluable experience, industry knowledge, and strategic vision to oversee Clark’s Manor. Prior to joining Elwyn, Art served in multiple capacities in direct care, staff development, and administrative leadership. As the Director of Operations for Clark’s Manor, he is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and positive experience for its residents and their families, as well as the local community at large. Art’s leadership style focuses on the “person-first” approach to care, prioritizing the needs of each individual. Born and raised locally, he attended Widener University, where he received his BA in Psychology, BSW in Social Work, and his MSW in Clinical Social Work.

Recent press

SAVVY Mainline

Clark’s Manor in Media: Innovative, independent living for adults with mental health challenges
February 21, 2021

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Philadelphia Business Journal

BIG WIN for Philadelphia… the first and only program of its kind in the tristate area
Tuesday, 16 February 2021

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SAVVY Mainline

Berwyn’s Widger family and Elwyn open unique group home, Clark’s Manor
October 21, 2020

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SAVVY Mainline

Clark’s Manor: New safe haven for adults with mental health challenges
December 10, 2020

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SAVVY Mainline

Clark’s Manor: A new safe haven where mental health care is woven into daily life
July 1, 2021

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SAVVY Mainline

Clark’s Manor: Mind, body and soul wellness for people with chronic mental illness
August 25, 2021

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Contact Information

We love working with journalists to share our compelling story. If you’re a member of the media and would like to talk, please reach out to Jennifer Gaier for an uber-prompt response!

 

Jennifer Gaier
Director of Marketing
Jennifer_Gaier@elwyn.org
610.999.9962
610.891.7689

www.clarksmanor.org

  • The best part of my job is working with the students and families, the impact I can make on their lives.
    Jason Rein

    Jason Rein

    Educational Facilitator, PA
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