The Department of Psychiatric Vocational Services offers vocational services and a work skills training program for individuals receiving treatment at The Institute of Living.
These services are by referral only and provide clients with opportunities to develop skills needed to be successful in employment. The work skills training program is embedded in the following services which are available to staff, clients and visitors of the IOL.
The IOL Shop
The IOL Shop is a retail convenience store located in the Carolina Cottage on the IOL campus. It specializes in providing coffee, beverages, snacks and lunch items as well as gifts, to staff, clients and visitors. It also serves as one of the work skills training sites, teaching clients aspects of a retail environment. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. Contact 860.545.7297 for information.
“On the Horizon” Clothing Store
“On the Horizon”, located in the Carolina Cottage, provides free adult-sized clothing to individuals attending IOL programs for work-related purposes or general clothing needs. It also serves as a work skills training site where clients can learn skills that can be used in a clothing store setting. Donations of new or gently used clothing are accepted. Contact Tammy Petrik at Tammy.Petrik@hhchealth.org for information.
Dining & Catering Services
The IOL Cafeteria is located in the Commons Building on the IOL campus. The cafeteria serves hot entrees, al a carte grill items, soups, custom made sandwiches, a full salad bar, desserts and beverages. The cafeteria also serves as a vocational learning environment to train individuals in the food service industry. It is open Monday – Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. IOL Dining and Catering also provides professional catering for events at the IOL. Contact Laura Mathews at Laura.Mathews@hhchealth.org or 860.545.7019 for information.
Horticulture Services
The IOL greenhouse and gardens provide an opportunity for groups and individuals to receive education and training in the maintenance, propagation and marketing of plants. Clients can increase work readiness, enhance wellness, expand leisure outlets and promote recovery through participation in horticulture groups and work skills training.
