Who We Are
About IKRON
With IKRON, I Can!
IKRON (Integration of Knowledge and Resources for Occupational Needs) provides integrated quality behavioral health services to the greater Cincinnati and greater Seattle Tri-State Area. Services that are available at IKRON include employment services, support services, youth services, and peer services.
IKRON is the oldest community mental health organization in southwest Ohio, certified by The Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.
Over the years, IKRON has developed and maintained relationships with community partners and participated to the elaboration of new programs and services. IKRON has played a major role in the support of consumer operated businesses some of which are currently located on IKRON’s property.
Today, IKRON provides fiscal and administrative oversight to five other community mental health agencies which whom it maintains solid collaborative and partnership relationships.
History
In the 1960s Dr. Julian Myers and his wife Dr. Scott Myers moved from Boston, MA to Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Julian had received a position at the University of Cincinnati in the psychology department. Towards the end of the ‘60s, Dr. Julian was offered the chance to start the university’s first Rehabilitative Counseling program in the College of Community Services. In developing this program, Dr. Julian also developed the UC Rehabilitation Center.
The UC Rehabilitation Center was started in a condemned house on Scioto Street. As the 1970s passed the UC Rehab Center became a safe and supportive place for the individuals struggling with deinstitutionalization and disabilities. Patients who were facing the world again after a long stay in mental health institutions were able to receive socialization and treatment in the milieu therapy program offered at the Rehab Center.
In the early 1980s, the Rehabilitation Counseling program and the UC Rehab Center were transferred to the College of Education. Eventually, the Rehabilitation Counseling program was absorbed into the Community Counseling program within the College of Education. The Myers bought the building that housed the UC Rehabilitation Center, now located on Vine street, and pledged to keep their dream alive. Dr. Scott became the director of IKRON.
Over the past 20 years, IKRON has made a name for itself in the community. Expansion is the key characteristic that can be attributed to IKRON from the 1990s to the present. The Health Resource Center, the WARMLINE and the Mighty Vine Wellness Center all operated within the IKRON building to help the community and clients with employment and health opportunities. IKRON has expanded its services to offer Employment Services, Support Service, Youth Services, and Peer Services. IKRON has become involved in multiple schools around the community to provide a positive influence and impact on high school age youth getting ready to enter the workforce. IKRON also started a sister campus in Seattle, WA that offers the same opportunities and support to the Seattle community.
IKRON is dedicated to providing the resources and support that individuals in the community need to accomplish their goals. IKRON's integrated programming allows individuals to receive multiple services in the same building, while also addressing their social development.
If you would like to read a more comprehensive history on the past 50 years of IKRON, you can click here.
Our Mission
The mission of IKRON is to assist adults and youth who use IKRON’s services to build self-confidence, attain greater self-sufficiency, lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives and to obtain and maintain satisfying employment.
Our Philosophy
We believe that all persons have the potential for living more fulfilling lives. We place strong emphasis on respect and support for persons with challenges in relationships, education, employment or disability. Our services are fashioned to the needs and level of readiness of the individual in a caring, dignified and respectful environment.