Care Fund

CARE Fund

Consumer, Advocacy, Recovery, Education

Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc.

625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703-2637 Ph: 608-280-2700 • Fax: 608-280-2707

Appeal Letter

Supporting the diverse strengths and needs of individuals/families as they work through challenges and towards goals.

Individuals and families who seek Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc. services often have multiple and complex needs. While some of these needs are addressed by clinical interventions (such as assessment, counseling, medication, case management, employment coaching/support etc.), other needs have to do with access, opportunity, safety, education, respite, etc. For example, it is difficult for parents to focus on their own recovery if they lack child care and miss counseling sessions. Children often do better in a therapy session after having a nutritious snack. In addition, individuals and families are empowered when they have access to education and wellness.

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Who are Consumers?
People who receive services from the Mental Health Center of Dane County Inc. are referred to as consumers or clients, rather than patients. These individuals and families are neighbors, parents, friends, tax payers, children, co-workers, team mates, civic leaders, congregation members, teachers, grandparents, etc. They are contributing members of our community.

Why is Advocacy important?
Advocacy involves challenging stigma. Stigma is about disrespect. It’s about labeling, marginalizing, and discrediting. Stigma deprives people of dignity, is an obstacle to treatment/recovery, separates families, and interferes with full participation in society. Over the course of the next year, 1 out of 5 members of our community will be personally affected by mental illness or problems with alcohol and/or drugs. Nearly two-thirds will not get the treatment or support that would help in their recovery. Stigma hurts.

What does Recovery mean?
A recovery perspective focuses on the life, values, and strength of the individual/family, versus illness or deficit. People are not seen as their diagnosis. From this perspective, consumers and providers of assessment and treatment services share a partnership based on mutual respect. Recovery principles are also respectful of cultural differences. They enhance growth, a sense of empowerment, and self determination. Recovery promotes hope.

Why is Community Education important?
Through a community effort of education and advocacy, we can reduce the stereotypes, prejudices, and harm that often affect the lives of those who have a mental illness or alcohol/drug problem. A coalition of support will help foster meaningful and fulfilling lives for ALL community members.

back to top *Show you CARE. Your tax deductible gift will support the following:*

CONSUMER EDUCATION/WELLNESS SUPPORT • Consumer grants to jumpstart educational pursuits • Exercise or wellness groups/classes • Classes on personal finance, home repair, cooking, etc. • Day camps for youth • Sports programs/camps …A few examples
ADVOCACY/RECOVERY/COMMUNITY EDUCATION • Survivor of Suicide (SOS) Community Newsletter • Mental Health & Substance Abuse Community Newsletter • Sponsorship of events and conferences to promote advocacy, recovery, etc. • Education groups for families of persons with a mental illness …A few examples
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE • Transportation needs • Individual/family grants to help with basic needs • Home/vehicle repair …A few examples
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	YOU CAN HELP Send tax deductible gift to: CARE fund Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc. 625 West Washington Ave. Madison, WI 53703

	For questions/to receive more information: (608) 280-2661 resource.development@mail.mhcdc.org