Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, Inc.

Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, Inc. Find Wellness

Mission The Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, Inc. promotes mental wellness through a spectrum of culturally competent programs and services.

Vision The Mental Health Association envisions a time when the stigma of mental illness will be eliminated and all residents of our community will have access to a full continuum of high quality, easily accessible, and culturally competent mental health services, regardless of ability to pay.

History of MHA of Rochester/ Monroe County Founded in 1932 as a grass roots organization Funded by United Way in 1950 Meet Needs of Local Community Late 80’s and 90’s - Embraced self-help and recovery models Led to growth and development of services to support those with significant mental illnesses as they live in the community Part of National and State Network

Affiliations Mental Health America Focus on public policy as it relates to mental health- National Identify and advocate on behalf of those with mental illnesses- National Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS) Focus on public policy as it relates to mental health- Within New York State Identify and advocate on behalf of those with mental illnesses- Within New York State

MHA Today Two Approaches Both based on achieving or maintaining mental wellness Community awareness and mental health promotion Support for those with serious mental illnesses

Community Awareness Workshops and Conferences Finding Your Way: A online guide to behavioral health services in Monroe and Livingston Counties Support Group Directory Therapist Referral Service Stepping Out: A Guide to Activities in the Greater Rochester Area www.mharochester.org

Services for those with Mental Illnesses Life Skills Activities to promote independent living and recovery Self Help Drop In Support Seven days a week, drop in services from 5 – 9 PM Family Support Services Support for Parents with children with emotional/behavioral challenges Home and Community Based Services Health and Recovery Plan services provided by ‘Peers’

Services for those with Mental Illnesses continued Employment Support Peer Employment Support Coach Support Groups Benefits Advisement Resource Navigation Accessing mental health services Assistance with basic needs of food, housing, assistance with obtaining benefits Creative Wellness Opportunities Using the arts, in all their forms to help people on their journey to wellness Also provide services in Livingston and Ontario Counties

Our Values We believe that people who have experienced mental illness are uniquely qualified to assist those struggling with mental health issues. We embrace the concept of peer support with over 80% of MHA staff identifying as a consumer or family member of a person with a mental illness. Peer Academy Training program designed to credential peers to enter in the workforce as a Certified Peer.

Our Values We believe that mental illness is an illness, like any other. Our programs work to overcome the stigma that often accompanies mental illness and promotes the awareness that mental illness is common and treatable.

Our Values We believe that all people have strengths and that each individual is ultimately his/her best advocate in preparing for lasting mental wellness. Therefore, all of our programs focus on increasing each person’s ability to take care of him/herself as they move back and forth along the continuum of mental wellness.

Our Values We want people to leave the Mental Health Association knowing how to recognize when they need help and to seek out the resources necessary for them to achieve Mental Wellness.

Find Your Wellness Self care is the heart of health care.

Contact Us Mental Health Association of Rochester/ Monroe County 320 N. Goodman St. Rochester, NY 14607 Phone 585-325-3145 Fax 585-325-3188 www.mharochester.org