Our purpose

We are a group of service providers, advocates, consumers, family members and community partners who have come together to support individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse in thier own recovery. We believe that everyone has the right to a full, satisfying and meaningful life. Due to major budget cuts in both local and State funding, we believe that now, more than ever, we need to work together as partners in building "bridges" with each other and with natural and community supports and resources. We can no longer rely on Federal, State and/or local funding to carry all the weight of supporting and meeting the needs of those with mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse issues. As a greater community, we need to learn to "build bridges" with each other and learn how as a community we can encourage, support, employ and engage those with special needs.   

We believe in the basic principles of Recovery which are;

•  Principle 1: Partnership:

People Direct their own Recovery process; therefore, their  input essential and validated throughout the process without fear

•  Principle 2: Empowerment, Choice and Personal Responsibility

With support and education, people are independent and free to accept responsibility for their own Recovery

•  Principle 3: Respect, Dignity and Compassion

Each person has unique strengths, attributes, and challenges. Symptoms and illness are only one part of a person's experience and is not what defines them.

• Principle 4: Hope and Optimism

Recovery is an ongoing process in achieving mental wellness. Relapse can be a natural part of the Recovery process that all people can relate to and can learn from.

• Principle 5: Self-Acceptance, Personal Growth and Healing

Mental wellness is possible, in part, through self-awareness and acceptance. Personal forgiveness, self-confidence and self-esteem foster the healing process. 

• Principle 6: Support

No person goes through life alone. We all rely on someone to talk to and people who care. Supportive teams will work together to create a "safety net".