61 No. Main Street
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Phone (609) 272-0928

Individuals Concerted in Efffort (ICE) has been in existence for over two decades. The center offers a variety of recreational activities, self help groups, individual advocacy and education/training in several areas. The center is currently open most days, please call for weekly schedule. Specific weekly schedules include:

• GROW

• Schizophrenic Anonymous

• Women's Group

• Individual Advocacy

• Trips (e.g., zoos, museums, camping, aquariums)

• Game/bingo

• Movie night

• Wellness group

The greatest motivating factor of the center is the enthusiasm of the facilitators, "ICE is an 'idea' that started in a Church basement that grew to become a recognized community resource."

179 Main Street  Suite 1,2nd fl.
Hackensack 07601
Phone (201) 489-8402
Fax (201) 489-8402

On Our Own Self-Help/Drop-in Center started as a small self-help group, attended by a group of 2-8 people per week. Early on, this group met to share and gain support while discussing topics such as mental illness, legal issues, and hospitalization. The center opened in 1988 and celebrated its 10th year of operation on October 9, 1998. People attended an Open House from the community, mental health administrators and other Self-Help Center participants around the state. From the days of a few people meeting one day a week, the Center has grown significantly. It is opened daily and averages over 35 persons per day. The Technical Consultant Loretta McCoy is described by fellow self-helpers as a vibrant, caring empathetic, resourceful and most of all has a great sense of humor.

The Center was founded by a group of forward thinking consumers whose chief spokesperson was Judy Banes. The group followed the model Judy Chamberlain espoused in her book entitled "On Our Own". The center runs numerous services including peer support training; systems advocacy, information and referral, MICA groups, and other self help activities. Currently a major attraction at the center is the computer room, which offers computer training and methods for consumers to network outside the center. The center is very proud of the RAP LINE that has been in service since 1983.

A special note from the On Our Own founder-Judy Banes.

"Being involved as a founder and continued supporter of the Self-Help/ Drop-In Centers has been the best experience in my life. It has been wonderful creating this special accepting place where consumers can go to talk, work and lead. Although the idea of mental health consumers helping others and themselves sounded good, at On Our Own we found that it IS GOOD and WORKABLE. I have become better at "hanging in there" because of On Our Own."

Riverbank Self-Help Center
Burlington City, Burlington County

114 Delaware Ave.,
Burlington City, NJ 08016
Phone (609) 386-8653
Fax (609) 267-6655

In 1994, a group of consumer began meeting in the cafeteria of Delaware House and over time, there was steady focus on developing a Self-Help Center. Attendance at the Center has been steadily increasing. Approximately forty consumers attend on Wednesday and the Saturday attendance has grown from 6 to 12 in the past month.

Four to five members regularly participate from the PACT program. Participants have been involved in on-going training, using materials from the National Self-Help Clearinghouse including conflict resolution, facilitating self-help group's advocacy issues and participating in meetings with behavioral healthcare professionals. The center offers self-help group and invites speakers from outside the agency, celebrates participants birthdays during a monthly party, plans outings such as camping trips, trips to the shore, mall, movies, baseball games and bowling alley. Several participants are actively involved on COMCHO. The group created flyers and brochures using a computer donated by Delaware House. There are plans to expand the use of computers in the New Year.

Realizing Independence Through Empowerment
R.I.T.E. Self-Help Center
Burlington, Burlington County

112 W. Broad Street
Burlington City, NJ 08016
Phone (609) 518-1339
Fax (609) 265-2044

In July 1997, the Drenk and Family Services created a Steering Committee to organize a consumer run Self-Help Center in Burlington County. The first steering committee meeting consisted of an equal split of consumer and staff. The center provides a venue for participant to meet people, establish relationships and reduce the aloneness. The RITE CENTER (Realizing Independence through Empowerment) serves as a base of support, which strengthens access to greater social involvement and independent living in the community.

Voice of Awareness Self-Help Center
Voorhees, Camden County

Ashland Office Center, Suite 42,
1 Alpha Avenue
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone (609) 216-1711

The Self-Help Center in Voorhees started with a Newsletter written by Al Kirshner in 1984. A small group of people, Al, Dave Cedar and Mike Memo, began to meet in a church in "conservative, republican" Collingswood and have a Self-Help Meeting. The Self- Help meeting grew to include Holiday Socials and in 1986-87 moved to one room office in Pennsauken where people could just "drop-in." In late 1987 the group moved again to larger space in Collingswood and began to formalize operations with the implementation of leadership roles. In 1998, the group still maintains two of its three original members, "for fourteen years we dreamed of opening up a center (like this). What a long strange trip it's been." The Self-Help Center in Voorhees is now located in the Ashland Office Center in Voorhees. The center meets on Mondays from 10 am to 9pm, Tuesdays from 10am to 9pm, Wednesdays from 10 am to 2pm and 4 to 9pm, Thursdays from 11am to 6pm, Fridays from 12 to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm. The center hosts a weekly education/recreation program for Boarding Home residents, Music Appreciation class, Healthy Lifestyles programs, and Art Appreciation classes. The Self-Help Center in Voorhees has recently gained support from new enthusiastic facilitators who are implementing many new programs and will surely add to the strong activity base of the center.

The C.A.P.E. Self-Help Center
Wildwood, Cape May County

107 East 26th Street
No. Wildwood, NJ 08260
Phone (609) 522-4133

The C.A.P.E. stands for The Consumer Alliance for Personal Empowerment. It came about from a discussion about and explanation of self-help and the hopes for the center. Mark and Bill visited Cape Counseling Services and gathered together three interested individuals who ended up being integral to the opening of the center. These individuals worked closely with CSP staff from the birth of the center to clean and decorate a basement apartment to make it into a beautiful space. Then the "flood" came and all their hard work was destroyed. However, not for long. The group pulled themselves up from their bootstraps and began again. They finally created the beautiful place they desired. The perseverance of membership is a key factor for making the center grow and succeed. The center is currently opened Thursday 2 to 6pm, Friday 2 to 9pm, Saturday 2 to 6pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm. The center works closely with the Cape May County PACT Team to host many of the program activities. The center is working to secure GROW, and Double Trouble groups. The center sponsors a weekly pizza and movie night. The center has representation on SCAC and CSP Board Meetings.

New Horizons Self Help Center
Vineland, Cumberland County

739 Wood St. (rear)
Vineland, NJ 08360
Phone (609) 696-8921

The Self-Help center in Vineland has been in existence for 12 years and has maintained several of its original members; John Barille, John Olausesen, Alan Barbagalo, and Don Gustofson. The center also has many long time members, namely Carla Santiago. The center is open an incredible amount of hours each week; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7am to 5pm and Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 7am to 8:30pm. Approximately 300 visits are made to this center each month. The center arts and crafts classes and bowling outings. They are regular attendees at SCAC and CSP Board Meetings. Center leadership is the most consistent and supportive supporters of all CSP self-help initiatives.

The numbers of years in existence coupled with consistent guidance and support and limitless energy and enthusiasm make this center a bounding success.

Pleasant Moments Self-Help Center
Newark, Essex County

712 - 736 Broadway
Newark, NJ 07104
Phone (973) 482-3313

In 1994 the first Project live graduate meeting was held with a total of 20 people and since 1994 the membership has increased to 40+ and will continue to rise as people graduate from Project Live. After significant training and organization the Center opened in October 1998 and is now named Peaceful Moments. Planned activities include transportation for members, recreation, socialization and advocacy. Debbie Underwood is the Technical Consultant and she was very instrumental on the Policy and Procedure Standard Committee last year.

Where Peaceful Water Flows
Self-Help Center
Newark, Essex County

3-5 Vose Avenue, 2nd fl.
South Orange, NJ 07079
Phone (973) 782-7469

Where Peaceful Water Flows started meeting in 1988 at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey under the auspices of a political action group. The group formed as an effort to get consumers more involved in the issues that affect their daily lives. An initial political action group of twelve persons met weekly, focused on legislation relevant to mental health issues, and eventually collaborated with CSP-NJ staff with a resulting "Drop-In Center" a year later (July 1989). Moses Myers has been the Technical Consultant since the beginning. Participants serve on the COMCHO and CSP-NJ boards. The Center has about 30-35 active participants. The Center offers a program of weekly self -help groups, Double Trouble meetings, holiday meals, social gatherings, recreational outings, shopping trips and movies. According to Moses Myers, a great accomplishment of the Center is that it has taken consumers off the couch sleeping and given them leadership positions and roles allowing them to gain skills to grow personally. The consumers involved have been instrumental in changing some of the myths held by professionals they work with daily.

Up Your Alley Self Help Center
Woodbury, Gloucester County

15 Curtis Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone (609) 853-6828

The center is appropriately named "Up Your Alley" because it occupies two separate buildings joined together by an alley. The center was open for business in November 1997 and celebrated an well-attended grand opening in July 1998. There were several city officials in attendance, notably the Sheriff's Department, in addition to NJAMI representatives and area Mental Health agencies. CSP executive staff and center membership celebrated together the center's growing membership and innovative programming. Currently the center is open Tuesday and Thursday 4 to 8pm and Saturday 12 to 4pm. The center promotes the use of its space to area self-help groups such as DMDA, which meets on Wednesday evenings. The center offers a meal each night it is open to membership, has weekly arts and crafts classes and operates a clothing exchange network for membership. Center leadership regularly attends SCAC and CSP Board meetings.

Center leadership indicates the beginning of this process for them to be monthly meetings at Frank Knapp's house with Bill, Mark, Ellen, Harry, Jim and Noah.

Hudson Self-Help Center
Jersey City, Hudson County

3000 Kennedy Blvd., Suite 305
Jersey City, NJ, 07306
Phone 201-420-8013
Fax 201-653-4100

The Hudson Self-Help Center started as a self-help group in the mid 80's at the Academy House program in Jersey City. When Academy House lost staff, the Mental Health Association (MHA) began staffing the group and they called themselves the "Butterflies". The Butterflies has met in a number of settings and the self-help group was the core group in developing the Hudson Self-Help Center. The Center opened in late 1997 and Ann Portas of the MHA is the Technical consultant. Participants believe that a unique aspect of their center is that it is very urban, very culturally and ethnically diverse and opened on the weekend. Participants State that their greatest accomplishment is getting consumers involved in the political arena and empowering consumers to become active in the consumer mental health self help movement. The center offers support groups, cultural events, social and recreational activities. The center is dedicated to outreach they have done to the county hospital involuntary unit.

Hunterdon Self-Help Center
Hunterdon, Hunterdon County

2100 Westcott Drive
Flemington, NJ 08822
Phone (908) 788-6401

In 1997, a group of consumers began organizing a consumer managed Self-Help Center group to plan for the opening in the late summer. The Center has been in operation for more than a year and it is the first and only primary consumer run service in the county.

Reach Out/ Speak Out
Self-Help Center
Trenton, Mercer County

186 Ingham Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08638
Phone (609) 989-0255
Fax (609) 989-0255

Consumer interested in creating a self-help group in the Trenton area began meeting in the homes of interested members. The group continued to meet in local community churches and centers until they established a center on INGHAM Avenue in Trenton. Mai Tai McDonald is the Technical Consultant, has helped the group organize and run several large countywide events and coordinate a yearly picnic opened to all self-help centers throughout the state. Participants serve on the CSP-NJ and COMCHO boards. They are active supporters of consumer events throughout the state and have been an advocate for minority representation in the consumer movement within New Jersey and across the nation. They have been instrumental in organizing the May, Mental Health Month kickoff each year in Trenton. The group sponsors AA groups, self help groups, and the center is the location for frequent meetings for consumer statewide and regional events. They believe the greatest accomplishment has been helping to open the door for mental health consumers and networking with other agencies in the area.

Self-Help Center of New Brunswick
New Brunswick, Middlesex County

78 New Street, 2nd fl. front
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2502
Phone (732) 296-0303

In 1994, a small group of consumers met at the UMDNJ CLUB habilitation unit one time per week for RAP group to discuss consumer concerns. In 1995 the group moved from the Club to the Open Door and then established "Circle Friends" through the assistance of CSP-NJ. In late 1997, early 1998 when CSP-NJ introduced the policies the group decided to place a stronger emphasis at the Center on 'mutual aid self-help philosophy' and rename the center the "Self-Help Center of New Brunswick".

The participants have worked hard through some challenging times during the past years, though the core membership, Martin Cole, Steve Jakubowyz, Kenny Eisenbach, and Atilla Hetenyi work very well together to keep the Center open, active and growing. They are very proud that they have been able to increase hours open, types and variety of activities. Attendance averages from 8-14 per day. Participants are very active with community activities, attending town and mental health county board meetings, to express consumer perspectives. The group has strong community and cultural ties and together many of the participants attend the George Street Playhouse and State Theatre for cultural enrichment. Center Participants enjoy the tasty pastries given by donations from STARBUCKS Coffee. Participants are working on strategies to increase hours and membership so the greatest number of Middlesex County consumers can benefit from the positive spirit and friendship offered at the center. A small group of participants is working with a county mental health administration staff to create solutions for the housing crisis mental health consumers of Middlesex County face.

Consumer Advocacy Recreation Exchange
(CARE) Self-Help Center
Asbury Park, Monmouth County

1011 Bond Street (basement)
Asbury Park 07712
Phone (732) 869-9141

The CARE Self-Help Center in Asbury Park has been in operation since 1985. It was one of the original three Centers funded by the Division under CSP-NJ. The center is located in the basement of a building that also houses the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Partial Care Services of Jersey Shore Community Mental Health Center. Recently the Center has undergone some changes. The Center offers recreational activities, an evening social, transportation, and individual advocacy. Participants are involved in COMCHO, the State Consumer Advisory Committee (SCAC) and active on the CSP-NJ Board of Directors.

Self-Help Center of Freehold
Freehold, Monmouth County

8 Spring Street (2nd floor)
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone (732) 780-1175
Fax (732)780-1175

In the spring of 1998, a group of Monmouth County consumers initiated the process of planning for a Self-Help Center in Freehold. Shelly Kaplan, Housing Specialist was able to assist the group in securing a site on Spring Street. The core group is working with Helen Williams on planning for opening in late November

Boonton Self-Help Center
Boonton, Morris County

110 Cornelia St.
Boonton, NJ 07005
Phone (973) 263-2253
Fax (973) 263-3483

The Boonton and Morris Plains Self-Help Centers were a collaboration of St. Claire's, New Bridge, Community Hope, and Mental Health Association of Morris County and CSP-NJ. Both centers provide a comfortable environment for consumers and provide interesting and challenging programs for and (designed by) consumers. The Center hosted a PAC meeting. Persons involved in opening the center included Ned O. L., Tom E., Gifford H., and current members involved are Tom K., Kristen M., Sal C.

Morris Plains Self-Help Center
Morris Plains, Morris County

475 Speedwell Ave.
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Phone (973) 993-8192
Fax (973) 993-8942

The Morris Plains Self-Help Center opened October 1997. Regularly scheduled activities include rap sessions and a Schizophrenics Anonymous group. The center sees its major challenge as bringing more members into the center. There are plans for making presentations in the community. The participants are really proud that they have created a truly peaceful environment for participants and proud that they were able to started a Schizophrenic Anonymous group.

Brighter Days Self-Help Center
Lakewood, Ocean County

Lakewood Medical Plaza
681 River Ave., Suite 2A
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone (732) 905-1132

Brighter Days opened in 1988 and has retained some of its original membership in addition to having many other active members for close to ten years. Currently the center is opened Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8pm. Center membership goes out to dinner together once a month and regularly attends flea markets and frequents area shopping malls as part of the social/recreational activities they do as a group. The center also sponsors a Women's Issues group and a Men's Issues group. Much of the center leadership are also involved with Peer Outreach Support Teams and will become a vital part of the crisis staff at the Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood. The center is also part of the driving force behind the Candlelight Vigil co-sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Ocean County and the local NJAMI chapter.

This is a very energetic and insightful group; eager to put their skill and unique experiences to the test. Clearly, their accomplishments are a product of teamwork.

Social Connections Self-Help Center
Passaic County

1 Westervelt Avenue
Clifton, NJ  07011
Phone (973) 778-8810
Fax (973) 778-7931

Social Connections Self-Help Center began in 1982 as a self-help group called New Grounds, which was attended by about five people on Saturday afternoons. In 1985, they were one of three groups who received a federal block grant to open a Drop-In Center. The building was initially shared with the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Passaic County and met on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Social Connections is located in Clifton in a county park in a 300 year old building which was recently refurbished with funds from the Redirection Plan. Social Connections is now opened five days a week and membership has grown to over 100. Social Connections offers transportation, meals, self-help groups as well as socialization and recreation. Participants serve on county committees; advisory boards and regularly attends mental health board meetings. There is strong support from the County Mental Health Board. Special events include a monthly birthday party. Regular activities include self help grow, business meeting, advocacy meeting, movies and trips. The Technical Consultant is Annette Wright, with the assistance of her husband John both of who are very active in the statewide consumer movement. Annette is also the Director of COMCHO.

New Dimensions Self-Help Center
Carney's Point, Salem County

316-A Merion Ave.,
(mail to P.O. Box 511)
Carney's Point NJ, 08069
Phone (609) 352-9100

New Dimensions hosted a very successful grand opening on March 14, 1988. The center specially honored Steve Tilley from Health Care Commons and welcomed many guests including CSP staff and friends and family. The founding members of New Dimensions were originally part of a DMDA group that met consistently for 8 years and continues to meet at the center monthly. Currently the center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6 to 9pm and Sunday from 1 to 4pm. This center is never at a loss for activities. The center has developed their own self-help groups with topics ranging from "Emotions" to "What if...?" The center offers sewing and craft classes, a book club, monthly guest speakers and membership rap sessions. In November, the center was asked to present on "Holiday Blues" for the Workforce center at Salem Community College.

The center is becoming more visible in the community and is considered a valuable resource to Mental Health Consumers. The center would like to acknowledge Kathleen Chance for her tireless devotion and tenacity and the endless visits Kathleen, Mark and Bill; made to the town council to make it all possible.

Freedom Trail Self-Help Center
Somerville, Somerset County

3rd Reformed Church
10 W. Somerset
Raritan, NJ 08869
Phone (908) 722-5778

Freedom Trail Self-Help Center originated in 1989 through the joint efforts of interested local consumers and the Mental Health Association in Somerset County. The leadership of the Center is active in COMCHO and other statewide advocacy activities. The Center provides socialization; recreation and self help groups. Participants state that a major accomplishment is creating an atmosphere where people can feel "at home". "Friendship is an important thing a consumer can do for himself or herself." "Friendship can make the difference of functioning outside an institution".

A Way to Freedom Self-Help Center
Newton, Sussex County

69 Water Street
Newton, NJ 07860
Phone (973) 300-0830
Fax (973) 300-0848

In June 1996 a group from The Sussex House Day Program started an evening social and called themselves A Way to Freedom. From that group a "Drop-In Center" planning committee was formed. The Newton Self-Help Center opened in May 1998 through the lead of Tom Estler. Participants of the Center have placed strong efforts on publicizing around the local hospitals to increase membership. Regular activities include trips, transportation to and from the center, networking with nearby Centers to learn about how to grow, and become involved with mental health boards. The Center is a place where consumer/survivors are welcome can make friends, can stay out of trouble and improve themselves.

Esperanza
Elizabeth, Union County

P.O. Box 2459
Elizabeth, NJ 07707
Phone (908) 353-6364

In 1992, the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Union County converted its Hispanic Outreach office into a Drop-In Center for mental health consumers. The conversion was in response to the tremendous growth in the numbers of Hispanic consumer's needs and a decreasing number of available services.

The group began meeting at St James Methodist Church in Elizabeth providing social, interpersonal and recreational activities to a small group of participants. Over fifty people now attend the Center. The major vision of Esperanza is to increase motivation towards self-sufficiency. They believe that teaching and learning "self-help" builds self-esteem and motivates consumer/survivors and their families to become more of a partner in the community

The Center offers Advocacy services such as helping to locate housing; transportation, public entitlements and referrals to other services are provided to all Esperanza participants. Consumers involved in planning and organizing events for the center are bi-lingual and able to assist non-English speaking members. Anna Garcia Martinez has been the Technical Consultant from the beginning.

Spirit of Dawn Self-Help Center
Elizabeth, Union County

60 Prince St., 2nd fl.
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Phone (908) 352-7830

The Spirit of Dawn Self-Help Center has been in operation since 1988 and initially was affiliated with the Mental Health Association of Union County. In 1991 the group voted to affiliate with CSP-NJ. The center has been located in Elizabeth since its inception initially in a church and for the past several years in a commercial building used primarily by social services agencies. The center offers the core services of Self-Help Center in New Jersey including recreation, socialization, advocacy and mutual aid self help groups.

Self-Help Center of Plainfield
Plainfield, Union County

333 Park Avenue
Plainfield, NJ 07061
Phone (908) 757-1350

A group of consumers living in Union County worked very closely with CSP-NJ staff on securing a Self-Help Center site in the Plainfield areas where there was a great need. Kathy Green has taken the lead in organizing group. Shelly Kaplan, Housing Specialist was able to assist the group in securing a site on 333 Park Avenue, Plainfield.

Brighter Futures Self-Help Center
Washington, Warren County

21 W. Washington Avenue
Washington, NJ 07882
Phone (908) 835-1180

The Warren Family Guidance Self-Help Center celebrated its grand opening in August 1998. Initially, the center started as a group meeting at the Family Guidance Center of Warren County. The group formed because of the collaborative efforts of consumers and Warren Guidance staff to develop a Self-Help Center. The Center is open seven days a week and provides countywide transportation. Participants of the Center feel that their greatest accomplishment is their ability to provide transportation for geographically isolated consumers. The Center sponsors bake sales, parties, self-help group meetings, and features on-line computer services