Women's Community Rehabilitation Center (WCRC)

Women's Community Rehabilitation Center (WCRC) serves up to 16 women in a supportive assisted living community located in a renovated fire station in downtown Baton Rouge, and they've been doing this type of work since 1974, focusing on helping women with severe and persistent mental illness-including many who've experienced homelessness-learn life skills and build the confidence to live independently, which is important because WCRC is the only center in the area providing residential treatment of this kind and they've helped over 1000 women through their programs so far, reporting an 87% success rate. Residents find modern, well-furnished living spaces, a charming dining room with meal preparation that takes care of dietary needs like allergies and diabetes, as well as all-day dining options, and the staff assists with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, transfers, medication management, and coordinates with healthcare providers to keep health needs on track, plus someone's available around the clock for help. WCRC takes the care of mental health very seriously, providing a three-level Behavior Modification System for women who have severe mental illness, while also arranging transportation for medical appointments, keeping a reliable schedule of community activities like movie nights, and offering outdoor spaces, gardens, and walking paths for relaxation. The program encourages a sense of community, with daily events to support social interaction and personal growth, and every resident has access to Wi-Fi, a telephone, emergency alert systems, laundry, housekeeping, and furnished rooms, just to make daily life smoother. Admission involves a referral from places like the Capital Area Human Services District's Housing Coordinator or from forensic sources, and the evaluation staff meets new residents at 855 St. Ferdinand St.; applicants must be females 18 or older, with a major diagnosis of severe mental illness, be motivated for personal growth, agree to follow community rules, and be independently able with eating and toileting, with safety protocols in place to make sure everyone's secure. The center also helps with rehabilitation, vocational skills, and independent living support, shaping a structured but friendly environment where women get both supervision and opportunities to work towards stable, productive lives. WCRC works closely with Louisiana Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (UpLIFTD), has an organized program contract for voluntary participation, and offers both senior living and mental health recovery, and while some reviewers have given the center lower individual scores, community feedback gives it a community score of about 3.6, showing a mix of opinions. For more than 45 years, WCRC has stayed steady, offering steady residential care and helping many women find new footing in the world.