RCAC HISTORY
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 that 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: Phoebe Hamilton, North Central Regional Mental Health Board (860) 667-6388 ext. 18
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Consumer Conferences: “Best Practices in Psycho-social 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
