Transformational Leadership in Mental Health: Horizon House, Inc.

Horizon House, Inc. (HHINC) was creatively established by a visionary with goals. In the late 1950’s there was a woman named Marcella Schmoeger who suffered from a medical condition that kept her hospitalized during her recovery. At this time, Marcella witnessed many psychiatric patients remaining hospitalized due to the limited supports available. Due to these observations, Marcella had a vision to help people with mental illness. Years later, Marcella began taking these ideas and concerns to others in the community to address the social problems that individuals with mental illness faced, thus, in 1952 HHINC as created (Horizon House, Inc., 2016). Marcella raised awareness to the supports needed for people with mental illness, moreover, there were visions and goals that were established and shared by others. Therefore, HHINC was built on qualities of transformational leadership. Northouse (2016) describes transformational leadership as a process that creates significant change through a clear vision and shared goals. The leaders and followers of HHINC have one common goal and that is to provide a fulfilling life to those served in the community. HHINC leadership is inspiring and motivating, due to their values being based on the needs of the

There are three divisions within HHINC, (1) behavioral health services (BHS), (2) intellectual and developmental disability (IDS) services, and (3) homeless services (HS). BHS includes programs that provide supportive living, residential treatment, employment, education, and psychiatric rehabilitation. IDS includes programs within residential settings while providing additional unique specialized services. Lastly, HS provides street outreach, emergency placement, and supports for employment and education to gain housing (Horizon House, Inc.,