Tom Volkert, Project Director

Tom Volkert, M.S.W., L.S.W., director of Mental Health and Aging Advocacy at Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, has extensive experience both as a therapist and as a community organizer.

Volkert came to Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania in June of 1998 after having worked as a therapist and senior clinical specialist at the Keystone City Residence, a residential treatment center in Scranton, PA for people with a developmental disability and a dual diagnosis. He also has served as executive director of Scranton's Lackawanna Housing Development Corporation.

A native of Milwaukee, Volkert worked in urban parish ministries at three Roman Catholic churches in Wisconsin. Having ministered to elderly people throughout this part of his career, Volkert comes to Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania with a personal understanding of the particular stresses that elderly people face - and how they can take a toll on health and wellbeing.

Tom tells us he is excited about working in the area of mental health and aging and that he feels that this moment in history offers many opportunities to set the standards for quality mental health care for elders for the next decades. The crucial component is advocacy. Every one needs to know that when they insist on quality mental health care they aren't just doing it for themselves and their neighbors but they are helping to shape the care that will be available for their children and grandchildren.