In the heart of Armstrong County, nestled along the east bank of the Allegheny River, lies a community built on industry, resilience, and a rich history. At Lenape Wellness, located right here in Ford City, we are more than just a treatment center; we are your neighbors, deeply committed to providing world-class residential mental health care to the community we call home.
We understand the deep roots of our town—from its days as a global manufacturing leader to the profound challenges that followed. We were founded with a clear purpose: to offer a premier, local sanctuary for healing, ensuring that our friends and neighbors in Ford City and the surrounding region have access to the exceptional care they deserve, without having to look elsewhere.
We honor the unique strengths and struggles of our Western Pennsylvania community, and our mission is to provide a path to lasting recovery that is both exceptional and accessible, right in your own backyard.
Understanding Our Community: The Ford City Story
To truly serve a community, one must understand its story. Ford City’s history is a powerful testament to both booming prosperity and profound loss, a narrative that directly shapes the mental wellness of its residents today. Founded in 1887 by industrialist Captain John B. Ford, our town was built to house the world’s leading plate-glass factory, Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG).
For decades, PPG was the lifeblood of our community, employing over 4,000 workers at its peak and turning Ford City into a quintessential American melting pot, drawing families from across Europe.
From Prosperity to the “Diseases of Despair”
The closure of PPG in the 1990s, followed by the shutdown of the Eljer plant, was more than an economic loss; it was a collective trauma that is still felt today. This history of industrial decline is a story shared by many communities in Appalachian Pennsylvania, where economic hardship and generational poverty have been linked to a sense of “social depression” and higher rates of substance use—often called “diseases of despair.”
The local data reflects these pressures. With a median household income significantly below the national average and 14.6% of our neighbors living below the poverty line, the financial and emotional strain is a daily reality for many. Lenape Wellness was established with a deep understanding of this context. We provide integrated, trauma-informed care that acknowledges not just individual trauma, but the collective economic and social wounds that can impact mental health.
The Power of Healing Close to Home in Armstrong County
Choosing to receive treatment in your home community offers profound advantages. At Lenape Wellness, we provide our neighbors in Ford City, Kittanning, and across Armstrong County with an opportunity to heal without severing ties to the support systems and familiar landscapes they know and love.
- Strengthened Family Involvement: Being local makes it significantly easier for your family to participate in our family therapy programs, a crucial component of lasting recovery and a vital part of the healing process.
- A Deeper Understanding: Our team, many of whom are from this area, understands the local culture, values, and stressors that are part of life in Western Pennsylvania. This shared context builds a foundation of trust and a deeper, more authentic therapeutic connection.
- Seamless Community Reintegration: Healing at home means your transition back to daily life is smoother. As Ford City continues its inspiring journey of revitalization, we help you build an aftercare plan that connects you with familiar local resources, ensuring your progress is sustained long after you leave our residential program.
World-Class Treatment, Rooted in Ford City
You don’t have to travel to Pittsburgh or beyond to find exceptional care. Our Ford City facility offers a comprehensive residential program in a serene and private setting on an 18-hole golf course.
We provide a rich array of evidence-based therapies designed to meet the complex needs of our community, including CBT for thought patterns, EMDR for trauma, and holistic practices like animal-assisted therapy and equine therapy.
We are proud to offer this level of care right here at home.
Planning Your Journey to Lenape Wellness
Whether you are coming from across Pennsylvania or out of state, we want to make your journey to our Ford City sanctuary as seamless as possible. Our serene location offers a true retreat from the chaos of daily life, providing an ideal environment for healing.
Traveling by Air
The closest major airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located approximately 55 miles southwest of Ford City. The drive from the airport to our facility typically takes about one hour, offering a scenic introduction to the beauty of Western Pennsylvania.
All major rental car services are available at the airport for your convenience.
Driving to Ford City
Our facility is easily accessible by car. From the Pittsburgh area, the most direct route is typically via PA-28 North, a major highway that will bring you directly to the Kittanning/Ford City area.
Our admissions team can provide detailed directions from your specific location upon request.
Accommodations for Visiting Family
We strongly encourage family involvement in the healing process. While Ford City is a small, quiet borough, the nearby county seat of Kittanning (just 4 miles north) offers several comfortable lodging options for visiting family members, including well-known hotel chains.
This allows your loved ones to be close by to participate in family therapy sessions and provide support during your stay.
Your Path to Wellness Starts Here
If you or a loved one in Ford City or the surrounding Armstrong County area is struggling, you don’t have to look far for help. Lenape Wellness is here to provide the compassionate, expert care you deserve, rooted in a deep understanding of our shared community.
Visit our Contact Us page or call us now for a confidential discussion. Let’s take the first step toward healing, together.