The Drop-In Center model provided a significant contribution for mental health consumers in offering a safe place where consumers from all walks of life and experiences could come and "just be." Drop-In Centers were safe, accepting places people could hang out, feel accepted and connected to a group of friends. This is so important since many consumers often feel isolated and alone in the world. There was a need to extend and expand resources for consumers living in the community. A decision to extend benefits of Drop-In Centers and strengthen mutual aid self help ideals became the rationale behind a change in name from Drop-In to Self-Help Center. The Division of Mental Health Services provided funding through the Re-Direction Plan to expand Centers to every county and to enhance existing centers to better able offer a consumer operated mutual aid self-help modality.

Last fall a group of over 20 consumers (the Self-Help Center Policy and Procedures Standards Committee) met to for a period of three months to develop the Self-Help Center Policy and Procedure Guideline Manual (1998). The manual is designed to a provide a structure and process of accountability to assure that all Self-Help Centers provide the same quality of self-help resources that benefit consumers living in New Jersey. During the past year CSP-NJ staff have coordinated and collaborated with Self-Help Center leaders to implement the Policy and Procedure Manual. The manual outlines procedural guidelines for day to day operations. The CSP-NJ Self-Help Center staff created training and networking initiatives that are providing opportunities for the Self-Help Leadership throughout the state to understand and integrate the Policy Guidelines to guide the Centers daily operations.

The Policy and Procedures Committee helped to structure the Self-Help Center model that provides for a prioritization of self-help mutual aid philosophy and programming. Self-help Centers strive to develop a menu of self-help group services including Schizophrenic’s Anonymous, GROW, (DMDA), Double Trouble, etc. Centers also are expected to emphasize community involvement, and advocacy.

With the name change, the value of drop-in was not lost. In fact it was strengthened and enhanced by the spirit of mutual aid self-help that permeates each Center. The last year has been one of successes, challenges growth and re-organization. It is a struggle, but it’s worth the effort and will lead us to a future of increasing consumer leadership. As we grow and intertwine rights and responsibilities, we can demonstrate the effectiveness value and need for consumer managed services.

Early in 1999, QI Committees will form in each Center. The QI process will provide us assurance that Self Help Centers survive and thrive in the new millenium. The CSP-NJ Regional Coordinators and center leadership will implement the QI program so consumers can develop ways to show the clear value of consumer run Self-Help Centers.

Systems Advocacy has been a critical factor that led to the advances of the consumer self-help movement which will help the movement move forward into the future. The importance of local involvement cannot be overemphasized. For consumers grow in stature and gain attention to law and policy makers; we need to have a clear consistent voice throughout the state. The collaboration between the CSP-NJ Systems Advocacy staff and local Center Advocates provide forums throughout the state for consumers to become informed and articulate their views. Unfortunately in the past many consumer initiatives have been stalled or derailed due to lack of consensus among many consumer leaders. Jack Bucher, Executive Director believes that there needs to be a shift towards "dialogue" as a key to building a better consumer advocacy voice and future for consumers.

In summary the future of the Self-Help Center model is our to create. It is important for current and future Self-Help participant to become involved and seize the opportunity to reach out and be reached by a network of peers who are collaboratively focused on recovery and wellness.

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