Serving Northwest Ohio for the past 50 years, Zepf Center was recently certified by The ANDRUS Sanctuary Institute® of Yonkers, NY in the Sanctuary Model. The Sanctuary Model is an evidence-supported, trauma-informed approach to creating safe and healing environments for clients and staff who may have experienced chronic stress and adversity.
Zepf Center began its certification process in 2019 and completed a comprehensive, multi-year certification process that was reviewed and audited by the Institute in 2023. As the only certified agency in the area, Zepf Center is devoted to supporting and upholding a trusted, trauma-informed community of care through the concepts outlined in the Sanctuary Model.
In addition to serving as the leader in Hope and Recovery, Zepf Center’s certification reflects its dedication to an agency culture that upholds the Seven Commitments of the Sanctuary Model. Those commitments include Non-violence, Emotional Intelligence, Social Learning, Democracy, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, and Growth and Change.
To assist the agency through certification and maintain ongoing requirements, a small, dedicated group of Zepf Center employees meet twice per month to ensure fidelity standards are met, receive feedback about the implementation of the Sanctuary Model, and oversee the integration of Sanctuary concepts in every aspect of Zepf Center culture. Referred to as the Sanctuary Core Team, this group aims to have participation from every department and team throughout Zepf Center’s diverse service offerings.
“It is our goal to make Zepf Center a place where everyone feels welcome and secure,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “Earning our certification from the Sanctuary Institute not only solidifies this commitment but further emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed space for clients and employees.”
About Zepf Center
Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults in Lucas County. They employ purposeful programs to empower their clients and provide a high level of care at every stage of recovery. Learn more at zepfcenter.org.
About Sanctuary Institute
The Sanctuary Institute®, a division of ANDRUS in Yonkers, NY, provides training and consultation services to organizations that work with vulnerable adults, children, and families to help an agency's leaders reclaim a culture of hope and innovation. The Sanctuary Model is a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community. To learn more, visit https://www.thesanctuaryinstitute.org.