Core Values of consumer-run programs
• The consumers who staff the service and the consumers who use it regard each other as equals. In contrast to the "provider caring for the client" attitude that prevails at traditional mental health services, consumer-run programs are staffed by people who have "been there." As a result, they view consumers who use the service as people who are capable and deserving of dignity and respect.
• Mutual support and self-help are fundamental to services and activities. This approach is not limited to relationships between consumer staff members and consumers who use the service. In a consumer-run organization that operates effectively under the self-help model, consumers who use the service provide mutual help to each other - and to staff members, as well. Mutual support is also a key element in relationships between staff members.
• Confidentiality and respect for rights are viewed as top priorities in the program. These values are often lacking in traditional mental health services, but are a major factor in the effectiveness of consumer-run services.
• Empowerment and self-determination are recognized as core values. Although running a consumer-run service empowers its management and staff, the management and staff must remember that the service must also strive to empower its users.
• Participation in the consumer-run service is voluntary. The project may provide referrals to traditional mental health services, but consumer staff members don't tell a consumer that he or she is "required" to participate in a day program or other service.
• The service is offered at little or no cost to the consumers who participate. Although some groups charge membership dues, they are usually nominal and not seen as a significant source of income.
Types of activities at drop-in centers
Drop-in center activities vary from place to place for the very reason that drop-in centers are so successful: the activities are determined based upon the particular wishes and needs of the consumers involved. Some of the many common activities are:
• Self-help group meetings (also called mutual support or rap sessions). Some drop-in centers offer formal programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or MICA (Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers). Others set aside meeting times for specific groups, such as a bipolar support group or an anxiety support group. Remember that mutual support is key to every drop-in center, and consumers offer support to each other whether or not a meeting is in session.
• Group meals. For many consumers, drop-in centers serve as surrogate families, and as with any family, meals together can be a focal point for sharing time together. For consumers who have been in institutional settings, helping to plan menus, shop for food, and prepare meals is a step toward taking on responsibility for self and others. Many drop-in centers belong to local food banks, which enable them to obtain free food, especially around holidays.
• Weekly or monthly socials or parties. Even though many drop-in centers have shifted their focus from socialization to advocacy and empowerment, having fun is still important at every drop-in center. Most centers have a social calendar filled with events designed to bring consumers together. For example, in Green Bay, where Packers football is a way of life, the Gathering Place stays open for every Packers game and serves fan favorites like hamburgers and bratwursts.
• Excursions. Most drop-in centers also plan fun events outside of the centers. This involves planning rides or coordinating public transportation. Popular destinations include movie theaters, museums, zoos, etc. Often, drop-in centers are able to obtain donated blocks of tickets to sporting events, plays, or other special events. In Memphis, Our House Drop-In Center organizes a yearly camping trip for consumers, many of whom would not otherwise be able to go on vacations, says director Sherri Brown.
• Consumer speakers' bureaus. Many drop-in centers educate the public about mental health issues and consumer perspectives. By organizing a speakers' bureau, participants not only are able to present mental health issues to an audience, but also are able to demonstrate by example that consumers can be eloquent and capable speakers. The speakers' bureau at New Hope Drop-In Center "speaks to colleges, police groups. . . wherever there's a need," says director Carolyn Wilson. In Santa Rosa, California, Helen Lara says that Interlink Self-Help Center has had great success sending its speakers' bureau to college psychology classes. For more information, see the Clearinghouse publication Organizing and Operating a Speakers' Bureau.
• Individual advocacy. When consumers first visit a drop-in center, they likely feel powerless within the mental health system and society. Drop-in centers use advocacy to help consumers regain a sense of power and self-determination. Advocates might help consumers obtain help with Social Security benefits, housing, transportation, or other government services. They might help consumers obtain access to their medical records or write an "advance directive" dictating what treatments they will or will not accept. However, the ultimate goal of these advocacy programs is to teach consumers the value of self-advocacy: when consumers learn to assert their rights, they are much more successful in obtaining desirable results.
• Systems advocacy. In addition to helping consumers with their own lives, many drop-in centers teach consumers to become advocates for systems change. Hikmah Gardiner, who runs Do Drop In in Philadelphia, says that her organization helps to interest consumers in lobbying at the local, state, and national levels. Consult the Clearinghouse Technical Assistance Guide Systems Advocacy if you'd like to learn more.
• A referral bank for mental health services. Referring consumers to traditional mental health services is not really a core function of consumer-run drop-in centers. However, because drop-in centers serve as meeting places and places to receive help, they can also serve as places to obtain referrals for consumers who want them.
• Computers. Computers are an important part of everyday life, and for consumers to be fully empowered; they must be familiar with computers. Many drop-in centers now offer computer access and training. Flo Houston says that Our Choices Drop-in Center in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, offers consumer-led computer training and even issues its own certificate in Windows training. Drop-in centers have also connected many consumers to the Internet. Our Choices members have Internet access and e-mail addresses through the center. By connecting to the Internet, consumers can learn about mental health issues and become part of a growing electronic advocacy network. (For more information about consumers on the Internet, see the Clearinghouse Technical Assistance Guide Advocacy and Recovery Using the Internet.)
• Employment services. Some drop-in centers offer services such as help with résumés, practice interviews, and assistance with job placement. However, consumer-run drop-in centers do not operate as "vocational rehabilitation" programs: any decision by consumers to learn employment skills by volunteering or attending workshops is completely voluntary. Not every drop-in center offers vocational programs in its array of services - it depends on the members' preferences.
• Guest speakers/workshops. Drop-in centers offer a wide variety of educational opportunities for consumers. Topics range from basic life skills such as sewing, cooking, and baking to alternative health topics like Reiki, hypnotherapy, and nutrition. Many drop-in centers across the nation offer the BRIDGES program, a 15-week course on the topic of recovery, developed by the Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association (TMHCA). (See the back of this guide for information on how to contact TMHCA.)
• Assistance with basic needs. In addition to providing meals to consumers, many drop-in centers collect clothing donations for distribution to consumers. Housing services are also important and include providing supports for people transitioning to independent living and matching people with roommates or group housing. Some drop-in centers also help consumers with home ownership, educating them about the necessary steps and explaining public incentive programs for new homeowners.
• Consumer-run businesses. Some drop-in centers have small businesses that serve several purposes. They help raise money for the center, but more importantly they can provide vocational opportunities for members and also can provide free or low-cost services to other consumers. For example, some drop-in centers operate thrift shops or snack bars. John Farmer of I CAN in Pennsylvania says that one drop-in center even operates a moving service that helps consumers move when they find housing in the community.
• Political events. Farmer says that one drop-in center has a very successful "candidates night." This is a non-partisan event in which the drop-in center invites all candidates in a local election to the center for a discussion of the issues. He suggests that a drop-in center contact the local League of Women Voters for assistance in organizing such an event. Another worthwhile activity is registering consumers to vote; you can also contact the Clearinghouse for information about a national voter empowerment campaign in which we are participating.
• Outreach programs. Many consumers who use drop-in centers find that peer support is a powerful tool in their recovery. In addition to in-house support groups, many drop-in centers provide outreach to consumers in state hospitals and prisons.
HOME OFFICE LOCATIONS Wisconsin Independent Living Centers SERVICES