Consumer Voices Are Born (CVAB) is a consumer-run organization providing support and advocacy for mental health recovery.  As a person-centered, recovery-oriented supportive community, we are committed to enhancing self-determination. CVAB is your resource for wellness and recovery through scheduled activities and accessible peer support.

CVAB operates a mental health Recovery Center and Warm Line. At the heart of our agency is peer to peer support, peer-led social events and activities, support groups, employment support, trainings and Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). We also offer free access to computers, computer classes and a variety of volunteer opportunities. CVAB’s Recovery Center is a safe is and sober environment.

CVAB’s is a complement to the mental health and crisis system. CVAB is offered free of pressure, hassles and time limits. It is also free of charge. 

CVAB recognizes each person’s unlimited potential and encourages self-determination through respect, support, meaningful choices and understanding. People come to CVAB and build confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and are more aware of their personal recovery. We hope you discover CVAB to be a community of hope.

Consumer Summits

#1 is Housing: August 12, 2008

CVAB will begin facilitating a series of regional Consumer Summits with the top vote getter in the survey: HOUSING.

The Housing Summit will be from 9:30 AM to 5 PM on August 12. The Housing Summit will be at St Andrews Lutheran Church (5607 NE Gher Rd, Vancouver). Lunch is on your own but there are plenty of fast-food restaurants in the area immediately around the church

Due to limited seating and to help us in planning for the summit, we request you RSVP to CVAB (397-8050 or info@cvab.org) that you will be attending.

The plan for August 12 is to:

• bring everyone together (Summit) in the morning to thoroughly discuss the issues
• develop an action plan in the early afternoon to address the issues
• enlist a team in the late afternoon to carry out the action plan

We are not planning on having any representatives from housing support organizations at this Consumer Summit, it is only for those who want to talk about the issues we face and develop possible solutions. (One solution may be meeting with housing support representatives and that can happen at a later date.) This is our opportunity for our voices to be heard.

Our individual voices and collective efforts will bring about positive changes for a better community. We look forward to hearing your voices as they give birth to new solutions..