Mission: To create a statewide support and advocacy network of people who have a variety of experiences with the mental health system. Honoring our past, we envision an integrated community, which promotes the greatest degree of self-determination. We come together to link resources and engage as equal partners in creating person-centered services.
Consumer/survivors Helping, Advocating and Networking for Growth and Empowerment
Mission:
CHANGE is a statewide support and advocacy network of people who have a variety of experiences with the mental health system. Honoring our past, we envision an integrated community, which promotes the greatest degree of self-determination. We come together to link resources and engage as equal partners in creating person-centered services.
We promote the following values:
RESPECT
We value RESPECT. It is the foundation for communication. Honoring the dignity and uniqueness of others strengthens our organization and fosters commitment as we take the high ground in accomplishing our mission. We recognize that we must give respect to receive it.
EMPOWERMENT
We value EMPOWERMENT. We grow and gain confidence as we stand up for ourselves and contribute to our organization by creating a collective, responsible power and commitment toward achieving common goals.
CHOICE
We value CHOICE. In the dignity of being able to take risks, there is a freedom and flexibility to consider our options, and learn through consequences of our decisions as we promote wellness and overcome obstacles.
DIVERSITY
We value DIVERSITY. Welcoming varied viewpoints, beliefs, backgrounds and experiences, we commit to attract and support a membership which is culturally and ethnically diverse.
COMMUNITY
We value COMMUNITY. Demonstrating the power of inclusiveness and support we come together in unity toward a common vision and mission and create a sense of belonging that inspires and nourishes our organizational spirit and energy.
HONESTY
We value HONESTY. Speaking and hearing truth matters as it establishes our integrity and creates an atmosphere of respect. Clarity and accountability are essential as we work together.
TRUST
We value TRUST. It is essential for working together and enhances our physical, emotional, and psychological safety as we rely on each other to create a comfortable environment that supports our progressive change.
CREATIVITY
We value CREATIVITY. Fresh approaches and new ideas can provide changes and solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems and ever-changing circumstances. Group expression releases potential for inspiration and resilience.
Young Adult Leadership Academy
(YALC)
Young People
Speaking Out for Young People!
The Young Adult Leadership Commission is working to improve mental health services for youth in transition.
WHY IS THE YALC NEEDED?
The Young Adult Leadership Commission (YALC) is a group of young people between the ages of 16 to 25 who reside in the Northeast Area of Massachusetts. The group is sponsored by the Northeast Area Department of Mental Health.
The need for a youth commission grew out of concern for young people who leave the adolescent public mental health system and do not transition well into adulthood. Some of these young people have the misfortune of falling through the cracks and are more likely to face problems such as crime, homelessness, early pregnancy, and other troubles.
The YALC intends to broaden youth voice regarding quality of mental health services by interviewing their peers with surveys and presenting the gathered information to their peers and concerned stakeholders.
What Young People Are Saying
Young Adult Leadership Commission members took part in a focus group. They raised issues such as:
Past Activities of the YALC:
Leadership Training: Involvement in a 4-day, 3-night Massachusetts Leadership Academy retreat.
Public Speaking Training: Participation in a workshop by the Portia Group, an organization that instructs professionals worldwide on communication.
Research: Trainings by CQI Inc. on research; one on one survey interviews with peers
Policy Work: Commission representation on the Northeast Area DMH Transition Age Steering Committee.
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Mission Statement
The YALC's mission is to inform DMH policymakers about the state of mental health services and what can be done to improve them.
Our purpose is to change the mental health system to better support youth in their transition to adulthood.
The integration of the "youth voice" within mental health services is critical to effectively deal with transition age issues.
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The Young Adult Leadership Commission
thanks MPOWER & The Northeast Area Department of Mental Health
for their support.
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Young Adult Leadership Commission
Jessel-Paul Smith
98 Magazine Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Phone: 617-442-4111
Toll Free: 877-769-7693
Fax: 617-442-4005
E-mail: jessel@m-power.org