About - McClendon Center

Who We Are

About McClendon Center

For over 40 years, McClendon Center has provided critical programs and services to those most vulnerable in our community — supporting and empowering them to live more independently and improve their quality of life.

We employ a whole person-centered approach and provide comprehensive, wraparound services that address primary care needs, as well as a host of social issues, including: housing and food insecurity, access to quality health care, and stigma, prejudice and lack of social interaction.

These include counseling, community support, housing assistance, art and movement therapy groups, and substance use counseling.
There are no time limits on services offered, but we aim to work with clients so they achieve their highest degree of recovery and independence.

About Our Clients

At McClendon Center, our staff members strive to build mutual partnerships with clients and encourage them to take charge of their own recovery.

In any given year, we support more than 4,500 individuals who come to us for help when they need it most, many of whom represent our most disenfranchised community members.

Nearly 91% of our clients are African American, ages range from 19 to 96 (33% are 55 or older), and 28% are homeless or staying in shelters.

All of our clients are diagnosed with mental illness — depressive disorders comprise the #1 diagnosis (39%) followed by schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders (25%), and bipolar disorders (17%).

Our Mission

To support and empower people on the journey to becoming their best selves.

Our Vision

For Our Community

We envision a DC community that is educated about mental health and compassionate towards people recovering from mental illness. We envision a DC community that advocates and shows compassion for the behavioral health and overall well-being of people who exist in societal blind spots.

For Our Clients

Our vision is for DC residents recovering from mental illness to become their best selves. Our vision is for DC residents recovering from mental illness to feel emotionally, socially and economically secure.

Our Values

At McClendon, our values are essential to who we are and how we approach our work. Every day, we seek to RAISE our game and advance our mission.

Respect
We show compassion and respect toward clients as well as employees, funders, and stakeholders. We promote client involvement and empowerment.
Accountability
We believe in accountability and responsibility to our clients, funders and the entire organization. We take responsibility for our performance, including services provided, skills, relationships, and financial results.
Innovation
We turn challenges into opportunities through innovative care models and creative operational approaches.
Safety
We are committed to providing a safe environment for clients and staff, and maintaining a welcoming sense of community.
Excellence
We strive to attain and maintain excellence in all of our work. We provide flexible and personalized care, engage in collaboration, and use innovative approaches to meet our clients’ needs.