REACH Project

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CVAB Online Community

CVAB is developing Regionally Empowered and Accessible Communities of Hope (REACH), these will be consumer organized, operated and run centers. CVAB will simultaneously be forming the REACH Network that links the developing centers and other consumer organizations and businesses providing technical assistance to consumer operated services. The REACH Network will be committed to the continuous transformation of mental health services and shaping public policy.

The REACH Project is funded by a three-year Statewide Consumer Network Grant of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that assist in the development of network infrastructure..


	August 2011 Update

		We wanted to update you on what we accomplished (or didn’t) over the past year and what we hope to achieve over the next year (and beyond). It may seem like a whole lot of reading or say little to you, but is it what we have to offer to update you on where we are (trying to be transparent). Extending Our REACH Project Update

	June 2011 Update

		Once again, Brad Berry, traveled extensively in the month of June to layout the vision and test the interests for the REACH project. The month began with the three presentation opportunities at the Washington State Behavioral Healthcare Conference in Yakima; in addition, CVAB had a exhibitors table (provided free by sponsoring Council) that had materials for all conferees to pickup and review. Later in the month Brad was able to travel to Seattle to visit the Emerald House (thanks Brian) where he received good feedback and a strong desire to help the REACH project and consumer/peer advancements. From Seattle it was off to Mt Vernon and Bellingham where Brad met with leadership at the Peer Connection Center (thanks Eve for arranging), North Sound Mental Health Association (Hats off to Margaret for putting that together) and finally to the Rainbow Center where I met with Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Services leadership team to discuss getting more peers into employment (Thanks to Dean and the WCPS leadership team). Many possibilities have developed due to these trips and as soon as CVAB can get the advisory group on board with next steps we anticipate a flurry of activity. On a personal note, I am so impressed and overwhelmed by the ideas and desire to see healthy peer services across the state and linked to one another, and I am especially grateful for the warm and challenging welcome we have received.

	May 2011 Update

Brad Berry, Executive Director and REACH Project Director, took a quick tour of Washington that covered over 900 miles and multiple cups of coffee. The REACH Advisory Council members in each community were extremely hospitable and helped to make the trip a success on many levels. A huge thanks goes out to Debbie (Richland), John (Spokane), Randi (Spokane), Kelly (Ellensburg), Sue (Olympia), and Laurel (Lakewood). The request was to be available and invite who you want...they were and they did. Brad will be organizing a regular call with this group and making a trip to Seattle and points north soon. There will be more details available through this site, the CVAB Online Community Blog, CVAB’s Facebook Account and NW Seeds of Change REACH Project Group. In the meantime, consider getting involved through a REACH Workgroup. The attachments below are some of the materials distributed during the May adventure.


	REACH WA Project Handout May 2011


	REACH Organizational Chart


	REACH Workgroups

CVAB will be utilizing the strengths of peers from across the state as part of our REACH Workgroups. As described in gatherings in early May, the workgroups will help us accomplish success through specific activities. The Regional workgroups will work to develop centers in their communities; OutREACH Development will ensure we are reaching as many peers as possible; Cultural Competence workgroup will be sure we are be an inclusive community; the Finance workgroup will be focused on the future-we want to sustain the vision; and the Evaluation workgroup will provide the necessary feedback. Please consider getting involved through one of these workgroups.


	REACH Workgroup (MS WORD)


	REACH Workgroup (PDF)


	April 2011 Update


	CVAB received a total of six REACH Advisory Council applications and we think they are an outstanding group to provide us feedback and direction as we work to develop the REACH Centers and network. Brad Berry has scheduled to meet with each of them and and anyone they invite to the meetings in May. Once we have their permission, we’ll publish their names and locations.


	March 2011 Update

CVAB Executive Director and REACH Project Director Brad Berry attended the March 23rd meeting of the Regional Organizing Initiatives (ROI) sponsored by the Washington T-Grant (you can read a brief recap of impressions of that meeting on our on-line community blog - link in upper right hand corner). Brad presented the REACH project as an opportunity to build Emerald Cities (like those in the land of Oz) across the state of Washington and distributed REACH Advisory Council applications to the ROI members present.


	REACH Advisory Council

CVAB is forming a REACH Advisory Council. CVAB wants to make these applications available to all who may be interested in participating in an advisory capacity with a potential for more involvement. The immediate involvement would be a monthly phone and/or internet conference; additionally, there would be local and regional meetings on a quarterly basis to begin with. Ultimately, members of these regional councils will form the core of REACH Center development. If you have any interest at all, fill out an application and submit it as soon as possible.

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