More About Us
Mission
Our mission is to help prevent and treat mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse, and to enhance the quality of life of individuals who experience these conditions in the Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington and the Counties of Rockbridge and Bath, Virginia by providing individualized treatments, establishing and expanding programs and support systems, and promoting integration into the community.
History
Developed and governed by a Board of Directors representing each of the four localities served by our programming, RACS has grown along with the many communities it serves. Since 1982, RACS has been the primary resource for mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and prevention services in the Rockbridge Area. With offices and programs all over the Rockbridge Area and qualified, dedicated staff, we are available to meet the diverse needs of our communities.
Historical Markers
Jan. 1955: Rockbridge County Mental Health Association forms.
Nov. 1963: Mental Health Association sponsors first mental health services available in Rockbridge area.
July 1968: Rockbridge Mental Health Services becomes part of State Mental Health Clinic system. Clinic, located at 11 Randolph Street in Lexington with only part-time staff, moves to Public Health Department building on White Street later in the year.
Jun. 1973: First meeting of Rockbridge Mental Health Clinic, Inc. The purpose of the corporation is to establish, construct, and maintain a mental health clinic to serve all of Rockbridge County including the Cities of Lexington and Buena Vista
Jan. 1977: Rockbridge Mental Health Clinic becomes a full-time clinic as William Dorfman,
Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, is hired as full-time Director.
Oct. 1979: Dedication of new Rockbridge Mental Health Clinic at 315 Myers Street in Lexington.
Nov. 1982: Formation of Rockbridge Area Community Services Board serving Rockbridge
County, Lexington, Buena Vista, and Bath County (through contract).
July 1983: Rockbridge Area Community Services Board responsible for provision of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services in Rockbridge area. Clinic staff members become employees of Community Services Board. Alcohol and drug services provided through contract with Alcohol Services of Rockbridge, Inc. (ASOR).
Sep. 1983: Michael Gilmore hired as Executive Director/Chief Clinical Officer for Community Services Board.
May 1989: Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse moves to 101 E. 29th Street in Buena Vista
Apr. 1992: Bath County Board of Supervisors passes a resolution to officially join RACS.
Feb. 1996: Board breaks ground for Rockbridge Meadows group home.
Sep. 1996: Board establishes a group home in Millboro and names it ‘Wellman House’ honoring community advocate Hall Wellman.
May 1998: Agency relocates administrative offices to 410 Mason Drive.
June 2000: RACS establishes a group home at the Arc Acres farm in Natural Bridge.
Dec. 2000: Established a transition house in Buena Vista.
Mar. 2002: Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adult Day Activity program relocated
Apr. 2002: Bath County Adult Day Activity program moves into Rudy Via Center in Millboro.
Feb. 2003: Michael Gilmore accepts new position as Executive Director at Alexandria CSB.
July 2003: Dennis Cropper hired as Executive Director.
Sep. 2004: RACS purchases a fifth group home, Deer Haven, in Buena Vista.
July 2005: Groundbreaking for new consolidated facility at 241 Greenhouse Rd. in Lexington.
May 2006: Moved into new facility on Greenhouse Road.
July 2007: Opened Transition House 2 in Buena Vista
Sep 2007: Purchased land for new Magnolia Center
May 2008: RACS applies for a Federal Byrne Grant allowing the agency to form a Crisis Intervention Training Program for local law enforcement for training on intervening with clients in a mental health crisis
Nov 2009: Fire at Bacova outpatient office destroys building; the office moves into Warm Springs in January 2010
June 2011: Moved Bath County Clinic to Mitchelltown
Jan 2012: Construction begins for Magnolia Center, a day support program for intellectually & developmentally disabled individuals
Dec 2012: Magnolia Center opened on Village Way
Oct 2015: Dennis Cropper retires as Executive Director
Nov 2015: John Young appointed Interim Executive Director
Apr 2016: John Young hired as Executive Director
June. 2016: RACS receives funding from DBHDS to implement and support a Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Site. Partnership between RACS, local law enforcement and local hospital.
October 2016: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Assessment Site opens, located within the Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital
October 2018: John Young resigned as Executive Director of RACS
October 2018: Irma Bailey appointed Acting Executive Director of RACS
March 2019: Kimberly Shaw hired as the Executive Director of RACS
April 2019: Mental Health services in Bath Co. relocated from Mitchelltown to Bath Community Hospital
Board Members
Ann-Ashby McKissick, Board Chair Rockbridge County
Malcolm Brownlee, Rockbridge County
Lisa Clark, Buena Vista
Perlista Yvonne Henry, Bath County
Bruce Sigler, Rockbridge County
Vacant, Lexington
Kevin Kendall, Rockbridge County
Keith Hartman, Buena Vista
James T. Gire, Lexington
Kari Lightner, Bath County
Brent Styler, Buena Vista
Vacant, Bath County
Hugh Furgeson, Rockbridge County
Jade Knick, Rockbridge County
Mike Gilmore, Lexington
Board Minutes
Leadership Team
Kimberly Shaw - Executive Director
Michele Mathis - Chief Financial Officer
Don Sherman - Director of Corporate Integrity/CECO
Wendy Mace - Director of Developmental Services
Greg Hornback - Director of Clinical Services
Samantha Hoke - Director of Community Based Behavioral Health and Prevention
