about reach

REACH - Recovery Education and Creative Healing

The purpose of REACH is to advance the principles of mental health recovery. We provide education and training on recovery and wellness – including skills for monitoring symptoms, decreasing the severity and frequency of symptoms, and improving the quality of life.

Recovery from Mental Illness is Possible
Recovery is a life-long journey, not a destination. Recovery is a process, not a cure. Recovery is indeed possible. We can help you create a plan of action in case you begin to lose control of your mental health. We can help you to communicate to your support group (family, friends, co-workers and health care providers) the type of help you need to regain control.

Recovery Facilitator Trainings
We have trained over 130 recovery facilitators from all over the Commonwealth who are now leading recovery groups in their communities. We use a curriculum called WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, as a wellness practice that encourages self determination and self advocacy. To apply to be a certified WRAP group facilitator, fill out the form here and we will contact you.

Creating a Recovery-Based Mental Health System
REACH is an important part of Virginia’s mental health care system, a system based on endless possibilities for recovery. We foster cooperation and understanding between service providers and people who use mental health services. Wellness management is a vital piece of the recovery picture for individuals with mental illness. It is crucial that providers understand and support these principles because a system of care that supports recovery can only happen when there is a partnership between service providers and people who use services.

Recovery Outreach Services
 The REACH Program Director is available to travel and present on recovery topics and wellness tools. REACH is available for:

* Presentations on recovery and WRAP for staff development, Clubhouses, conferences, seminars, and board meetings

* WRAP training and assistance and support in starting WRAP groups

* Consultation on implementing recovery-based principles in your organization

REACH
Anna Mendez, Program Director
P. O. Box 153
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
(540) 908.6392