Reliance Health, Inc.
Ellen Gunther, RYT, serves as the Chief Mover & Shaker for Existential Life & Energy, offering balance and self-care coaching since November 2018. With a background in life coaching, Reiki practice, and a registered yoga teacher certification, Ellen also works as a Service Coordinator at Reliance Health, Inc., and has held an advocacy role for children with special needs at Life Experiences Parenting since 1994. Previous experience includes serving as a Domestic Violence Adult Advocate at United Services, Inc., and various roles in education and program coordination, such as a substitute teacher and an AmeriCorps VISTA. Ellen holds a B.A. in Sociology from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, earned between 2004 and 2009.
Reliance Health, Inc.
Reliance Health, Inc. (formerly Reliance House) has served Eastern Connecticut for over 40 years. What began as a single staffed, daytime drop-in center for mental health consumers residing in Norwich Hospital in the mid-1970’s, has developed into one of the most responsive and well respected providers of mental health and addiction services in the region. The mission of Reliance Health is to enhance health through mental wellness. This tethered with the values of respect, recovery, self-determination, growth, choice, and unity in diversity have guided the vision and allowed the organization to become a leader in the field. Reliance Health embraces concepts such as supportive housing, the Housing First model, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing to best serve the needs of its members in a person-centered, value-driven, and recovery-oriented way. Reliance Health has become a progressive agency at the forefront of person-centered services. Today, the organization serves over 1000 individuals annually and employs approximately 250 staff. An array of services are provided including, but not limited to: intake assessments, service coordination, peer support, supervised housing, supportive housing, employment services, supported education, adult education, supported living, social rehabilitation, shelter and homeless outreach, community outreach, respite, transitional living, young adult services, transportation, and individualized support programming. Services are primarily funded through the Connecticut Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Services and aim to serve individuals aged 18 and older who lack the financial means and insurance coverage to access private supports.