Through this grant initiative, the foundation funded six organizations to increase recovery-oriented education, services and supports in their community. The long-term goal of this initiative is for mental health providers to foster recovery-oriented organizational change for the benefit of and in partnership with mental health consumers.

Background

SAMHSA defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”  Recovery occurs internally, with personal hope, healing, connection, and empowerment, and externally, through a positive culture of healing and recovery-oriented services (Jacobson & Greenley, 2001). The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) found that recovery from mental illness is a real possibility for everyone, yet “for too many Americans with mental illnesses, the mental health services and supports they need remain fragmented, disconnected and often inadequate, frustrating the opportunity for recovery.”

Organizational culture change towards a recovery orientation is a difficult endeavor that requires individual and systemic transformation. Genuine and sustainable organizational change starts with an organization’s willingness to self-reflect and take informed actions based on that learning. The Advancing Recovery in Texas grants will support both the organizational self-reflection and the informed actions that are necessary to shift organizational cultures towards a recovery orientation.

Questions: Contact Tammy Heinz, Senior Program Officer and Consumer & Family Liaison