The Regional Consumer Advisory
Council (RCAC) is a consumer council that is led and driven by
consumers. It is composed of recipients, or consumers, of state
mental health and/or substance abuse services in the region.
The RCAC, which includes consumers from every catchment area in the
region, was established by the NCRMHB in 1998 to serve as a consumer
advisory group. The RCAC was formed in response to a need
identified by the Intergraded Services System Steering Committee
established by DMHAS. In addition to serving as an advisory
group, the RCAC has designed and implemented projects to enhance the
recovery and advocacy of consumers. Membership is open to any
consumer of mental health or substance abuse services in the
region.
RCAC History: 1998 -
2007
RCAC originated as an advisory council in 1998 to provide personal
input related to mental health service gaps in Region 4. Simply
put, they were surveyed for data regarding housing, transportation,
jobs, etc. to assist the Department of Mental Health & Addiction
Services to measure the needs and standards of services adults in
recovery receive in their catchment areas. Members evolved in to a
planning council upon receiving a grant of their own to do more than
serve as an Advisory Council and after one-year in this capacity
they received funding to do the following:
In 1999, RCAC received a grant to hire a consultant to teach the
council about the funding process (Mini-Grants). A Coordinator was
also funded to staff the council in support of their initiatives: an
annual mini-grant project for adults in recovery and a conference.
RCAC is unique in its ability to provide such specialized projects
benefiting adults for the last decade. RCAC continues to strive to
provide unique topics/speakers at annual conferences and fund
creative ideas that promote wellness and self expression among
adults in recovery.
Who are we?
Adults (18+),
in recovery from psychiatric and/or addictive disorders.
We are advocates, artists, retirees, heads of households, etc. Small
grass-roots planning council with an in-depth understanding of
“recovery.” Living the life and giving back through volunteerism.
our mission
o
To enhance leadership skills for
adults in recovery through opportunities enabling grant funding of
self-designed projects.
o
To teach through educative,
annual conferences focused upon topics benefiting adults with
psychiatric and/or addictive disorders.
o
To train and introduce council
protocol: planning/advisory functions, implementing projects,
involving adults to have a “voice in the system.”
o
Peer-to-peer support
Donations are Welcome:
The RCAC Mini-Grant Project is made possible by a grant
from the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. Our
fiduciary, North Central Regional Mental Health Board (NCRMHB),
is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, able to accept
donations on our behalf.
Please consider a donation.
No amount is too small.
Contact:
North Central Regional Mental Health Board (860) 667-6388, Phoebe
Hamilton.
Our accomplishments:
Consumer Conferences:
“Best Practices in Psychosocial Clubhouses,” 1998, “Bridging
the Gap Between Psychiatric Disorders & Addiction,”
1999, “Work Incentives Forum,”
2002, “Peer Run Recovery Programs,” 2003, “Moving On: Housing & Job
Training,” 2004, “Recovery-Oriented Clubhouses,” 2005, “Nothing
About Us, Without Us: Preferred Practices,” 2006, “Trauma:
Recovery-Oriented Alternatives,” Shery Mead, 2007.
Consumer Mini - Grants (examples):
Golf-Tournament Fundraiser Movie Nite – Basement Bijou
Crafts to Relax (knitting and crocheting) Art Materials (teaching
art classes)
Greenhouse Planting Materials Trauma Track Research
Team Addiction Relapse Intervention Council Recovery Library
& PA System (Mic Nite) Academic Tutoring &
Assertiveness Training Wellness Conference
“Two-Hundred Solutions for Recovery”
Legislative Forum – Local Politicians DELL Computers for computer
lab Resource Cards
Creative Writing
Workshop Greeting Card Materials -
Recovery Slogans Transportation for Advocacy
Training Yoga Materials, Alternative Healing Website
Training & Maintenance
*Recognition of our Funder*
The RCAC Mini-Grant Project is made possible by an annual grant from
the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, DMHAS
