THE SKYLAND TRAIL STORY


Before Skyland Trail, adults with mental illness faced a void in Atlanta as they tried to bridge the gap between hospitalization and community life. There was no intermediate treatment to prevent relapse and promote recovery.

Charles B. West learned of this need through a friend whose family had first-hand experience with mental illness. Nearing retirement from his business, West Lumber Company, Charles saw the opportunity to fulfill a personal goal-to make a real difference in a community cause where the need was great, but the resources were few.

Using the methodical approach that made his business a success, he established a foundation in 1982 to carry the concept forward. Drawing from his wide contacts, he recruited a board of directors equal to the challenge of developing leading-edge programs and facilities.

The George West Mental Health Foundation was named for Charles' late father. Like his son, George West was a lifelong community leader and philanthropist, focusing on spreading home ownership. In naming the foundation for his father, Charles honored the West family heritage of seeing an unmet need in the community, and responding with vision, energy and enduring commitment.

Skyland Trail, our first treatment facility, opened in 1989 and quickly became the Foundation's identity in the community. Rapid growth followed over the next decade in programs, treatment options and facilities.

Today Skyland Trail is building national stature as an innovative leader in community-based mental health services. Our three campuses include a long-term residential facility, a short-term residential facility, and the Health & Education Center for community-based therapy.

Affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory for clinical services as well as research, Skyland Trail has earned a reputation for ground-breaking therapeutic programs that produce outstanding results.

Mission/Values Statement      Board of Directors 
The George West Mental Health Foundation