Our Founding Story

Horizon House was founded in 1952 as a support group for former mental hospital patients who had been released from psychiatric facilities into the community. The agency was created largely as a result of the efforts of innovator Marcella Schmoeger and a small group of concerned citizens she enlisted in her campaign to create community supports for people coming out of mental hospitals.

Ms. Schmoeger’s awareness of the need for support came about during her recovery from an unusual medical complication that caused her to be hospitalized briefly at Friend’s Hospital in the early 1950s. During that time, she witnessed numerous instances of psychiatric patients remaining institutionalized longer than was necessary because they lacked the supports needed to live in the community. At the same time, she came to realize that mental hospital patients have the same need for acceptance and the opportunity to live satisfying, productive lives in the community—as everyone does.

She was so moved by the difficulties these individuals experienced that she returned home determined to help. A devout Quaker, she took her concerns to the Lansdowne Meeting of the Society of Friends. There, a small group motivated by their own concerns for people with mental illness stepped forward to work with her to address this increasingly serious social problem. Their dedication and boundless energy laid the foundation for Horizon House.

Throughout her life, Marcie was committed to living each day to its fullest. She worked tirelessly to realize her vision of a better life for people with mental illness. A true pioneer, she believed each person was entitled to a fulfilling life in the community.

Over the Years
Horizon House has expanded its scope of service both geographically and programmatically, in response to individual and community needs. While we continue to serve people with mental illness, we also now serve adults with intellectual disabilities as well as homeless men and women. Annually, we provide services and hope for a better future to more than 5,000 individuals.

Today
Horizon House continues to be a pioneer recognized for our innovative services and quality of care. The people who are Horizon House today – persons served, staff, and board members alike – are more committed than ever to the vision of our founders and to making extraordinary differences in the lives of others well into the future.

Our Mission

Horizon House, in partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families, advocates and provides comprehensive, community-based services. We create opportunities for those served to manage their lives through environments that emphasize individual strength and choice.

Our Values

• We Value People
  We believe people should be treated with dignity, respect, fairness and consideration in environments that are safe and comfortable and that support individual advancement.

• We Value Growth
  We believe that personal growth is promoted through attention to present strengths and not past weaknesses. The development of community supports and resources enhances the quality of life.

• We Value Diversity
  We believe that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other’s differences adds quality to our services and is essential to the rehabilitation process.

• We Value Shared Ideas
  We believe that listening is a crucial part of effective communication and that consumers should actively participate in their service planning.

• We Value Advocacy
  We believe that everyone is responsible for bringing about the change necessary to benefit those we serve to the fullest extent.

  . . .and believe services must be available as long as they are needed.

Careers

Join Us. Powerful and Inspiring Opportunities Await.
Horizon House and its dedicated staff have developed high-quality programs with state of the art services to individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and homelessness since 1952. At Horizon House we are in the people business. We help individuals reach their potential in the community, at school or on the job. If you have the drive to make a difference, then consider a career at Horizon House.

Horizon House has unique job opportunities available and offers the potential for personal and career growth, and an array of benefits. At Horizon House we invest in our employees with training programs, recognition, and career opportunities.