OUR PROJECTS
Community Support Program: The Community Support Program, or CSP, of Pennsylvania is an alliance of mental health consumers, family members, and professionals working together to aid adults with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders to live successfully in the community. The statewide coalition connects national CSPs with regional and local CSPs throughout the state. | PMHCA is pleased and excited to offer a series of virtual peer support groups! These are opportunities for individuals to receive support, learn about recovery, and engage with other like-minded individuals. All of our support groups are staffed by Certified Peer Specialists. | PA Coalition of drop-in centers and peer resource centers is a coalition of individuals who attend, work, or volunteer at Drop-In centers in Pennsylvania. The Vision of the coalition is to encourage and provide support to Drop-In centers and Peer Resource Centers. The purpose of the coalition is to promote communication and networking among centers across the state. |
Forensic Peer Support is a person-centered, strength based support system offered to individuals with Mental health and/or co-occurring challenges become involved in the criminal justice system. Forensic Peer Support starts from initial contact with law enforcement all the way through re-entry into the community after release from incarceration. | Life Through My Lens is a self-stigma campaign launched by PMHCA and Youth MOVE PA in March of 2022. When we believe mental illness makes us less-than valuable to the world, we invite others to believe the same. When we treat ourselves without grace and compassion, we invite others to treat us similarly. But when we recognize our strengths, celebrate our individuality, and take pride in our journey, we show the world how to do the same. | The Leadership in Recovery Program (LIR) is geared towards cultivating consumer leadership and expanding opportunities for leadership in local, regional, and state areas. Through educational training opportunities and peer support, the LIR program builds and strengthens effective consumer representation in Pennsylvania. |
Scholarships, Awards, and Wellness Funds |
Glenn Koons Certified Peer Specialist Scholarship The Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association created the Glenn Koons Community Peer Specialist Scholarship in order to honor Glenn's memory and commitment to providing guidance to others through their mental health recovery journeys. |
Rita Cisernos Health and Wellness Fund IT’S ALL GOOD! These uplifting words exemplified Rita’s passion, fortitude and advocacy for uplifting all persons she came in contact with and the furthering of the mission of PMHCA. The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association has established a scholarship fund to help with the cost of health and wellness activities for members in her name. |
Dennis Marion Impact Award The purpose of the Dennis Marion Impact Award is to recognize outstanding and meritorious achievement in working for state or local government to highlight public awareness of the value of public service and its impact on the behavioral health and quality of life of individuals and communities. |
The Lynn Keltz Scholarship has been established to assist people age 30 and under to access training and educational opportunities that will contribute to their mental health advocacy skills. This includes advocacy on public policy affecting mental health and wellness whether at local, state or federal policy level. |