Throughout Zepf Center’s 50-year history, its priority has always been high-quality, accessible care for those it serves. Even five decades after its founding in 1974, the agency receives local, state, and national recognition for its quality of care and range of services. Most recently, Zepf Center was voted Toledo’s Best Addiction Services Provider in the 2023 Best of Toledo competition.
The Best of Toledo competition is hosted annually by the Toledo City Paper. This year, over half a million votes were cast by community members to determine the winners of over 200 categories. Ranging from businesses, professionals, and institutions, Zepf Center overcame several local agencies to win this title.
Aligned with its surrounding communities, Zepf Center stands out in the current landscape of mental health, substance abuse, crisis and housing support providers. Its continuum of care spans several locations, age ranges, and levels of care, providing comprehensive care for clients. As one of the longest continually operating mental health agency in the area, Zepf Center serves thousands of clients each year.
The agency was founded in 1974 by Toledo resident Elizabeth Zepf. The original focus of Zepf Center—then called the Elizabeth A. Zepf Community Mental Health Center—was providing post-psychiatric hospitalization treatment for residents in the South catchment area of Lucas County. With just 11 staff members and a small office on Glendale Ave., these humble beginnings laid crucial groundwork for the agency Zepf Center would become.
Throughout the past 50 years, Zepf Center has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the surrounding communities. Enduring several reorganization efforts, location changes, and leadership evolutions, the biggest change came to Zepf Center in 2014 when it merged with addiction treatment provider Compass.
That year, Zepf Center underwent a massive transformation. Not only did it take on youth and adult alcohol and drug services from Compass, but it also launched its hugely successful Gambling Program via an OhioMHAS grant, and acquired its Ashland location where many current clients receive treatment. Three years later, Zepf Center welcomed its current CEO Deb Flores who continued to lead the agency on a path of innovation and excellence.
Zepf Center has always been dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of its clients, even through times of constant growth and change. With a mission of creating hope and recovery through integrated, person-centered services, it is committed to being the local leader in hope and recovery.
“Throughout the past 50 years, Zepf Center has solidified itself in the fabric of the surrounding communities,” said CEO Flores. “Change can be difficult, but it is also crucial for us to continue providing high-quality care throughout Northwest Ohio.”
Previewing the next evolution of the agency, a multi-million dollar capital improvement project is currently in the works to expand Zepf Center’s youth crisis services. Although the agency is home to a Youth Psychiatric Urgent Care, Mobile Response Stabilization Services, and a fully dedicated youth mental health location, the need for youth crisis services continues to rise.
In addition to expanded youth mental health services, Zepf Center also offers specialized programs to provide a custom recovery journey for youth and adult clients. From outpatient therapy to residential treatment programs, vocational services, and more, Zepf Center offers a continuum of care aimed at promoting holistic healing and recovery.
“If you or someone you know needs mental health or addiction services, we can create their unique path to recovery at Zepf Center,” Flores said. “Combining decades of industry knowledge, cutting edge practices, and even primary care services, treatment at Zepf is specialized to the need and comfort of the individual.”
As Zepf Center continues to expand, so does its staff. There are often incentives for those working in community mental health and Zepf Center’s Human Resources team stays up to date on the latest benefits, reimbursement opportunities, and available bonuses. If you have been waiting for your chance to be a part of community-focused, person-centered care, Zepf Center is waiting for you. Job postings are constantly monitored, and the most recent positions can be found at zepfcenter.org/careers.
“We are always looking for qualified, dedicated professionals to join our team,” said Human Resources Manager Katie Holston. “Our services are constantly expanding to meet the local need and provide accessible services to those in our communities.”
In a world where the need for mental health and recovery services is at an all-time high, Zepf Center stands as a shining example of compassion, resilience, accessibility, and hope. Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and its broad continuum of care, the agency continues to make a profound impact on those in Northwest Ohio.
Special thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s Best of Toledo contest. Zepf Center strives to be the leader in hope and recovery throughout Northwest Ohio, and community recognition like Best of Toledo further emphasizes the impact it has on the surrounding community. To learn more about this competition and view all 2023 winners, visit https://toledocitypaper.com/digital-issue/march-2024-edition/.