Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) has worked closely with Mental Health America, through its National Consumer Technical Assistance Center (NCSTAC) since 2007 in an effort to promote mental health recovery and organize a consumer-run organization in Montana. NCSTAC was established in 1998 by a grant from the Center for Mental Health Services. Their purpose is to strengthen consumer organizations by providing technical assistance in the form of research, informational materials, training and financial aid.  Read more information about NCSTAC at: http://www.ncstac.org/ .  We have partnered in organizing a number of events with them. Montana Peer Network continues to work with the National Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center (NCSTAC) to build a viable consumer – run network in Montana.

In August of 2008, Montana Peer Network moved toward a leadership team – steering committee approach as our team was operating on a limited scale and all input at our meeting was deemed valid to the growth of our organization and the inclusion of individuals.  Since that time, Montana Peer Network has continued the strategic planning process through meetings, conference calls and emails etc.  In October 2009, Montana Peer Network held a meeting of the steering committee and others, where our thoughts and energy centered around fostering teamwork, strategic planning, membership, and building other needed committees to strengthen our network. The following committees were formed and/or are continuing: WRAP committee, Membership committee, Bylaws and 501(c)3 committee, Legislative committee, Public Relations committee, Communications committee, Web site committee, and Grant committee We are looking to expand membership to our committees in order to move the organization forward in our strategic planning and effectively carry out specific projects to meet our overall objectives.

During our meeting interim officers were elected as follows:

Chairman, Michelle Lewis

Vice-Chairman, Mary Protheroe

Administrative Assistant, Chris Hartzmann

Treasurer, Laura Anderson

Currently, Mental Health America - Montana is contracting with Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) to present and facilitate Mary Ellen Copeland's "Introduction to Recovery" including WRAP Workshops throughout the state for veterans, their family members and providers. This project is ongoing.  Our most recent activities under this contract are listed among the projects below.

Past Projects and participation in community events:

December, 2008 – “Community Celebration of Recovery and Wellness” a one – day event with presenter Stephen Pocklington, Executive Director, Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery

In the past 9 months Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana has provided the following services, participated in community events, and moved forward as an organization:

April, 2009 Helena Montana – In collaboration with NCSTAC a statewide 2.5 – Day Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ workshop

May, 2009 Missoula Montana – Overview of Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ for peers, family members, advocates, and providers of mental health services.

May, 2009 Missoula veterans “Stand Down” - set up an information/education booth regarding Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) and information regarding the 3 - Day Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ workshop for Veterans, Family members and providers

June, 2009 Montana State Hospital – “Community Day” – set up an information/education booth regarding Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) and Wellness Recovery Action Planning™

July, 2009 Billings Montana – Overview of Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ workshop for Veterans,  Family members and providers of veteran’s services.

August, 2009 Anaconda, Montana - veterans “Stand Down” - set up an information/education booth regarding Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) and the upcoming WRAP workshop for veterans, family members and providers

August, 2009 Missoula Montana – 3 Day Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ workshop for veterans, family members and providers of veteran’s services

September, 2009 Anaconda, Montana – 3 Day Wellness Recovery Action Planning™ workshop for veterans, family members and providers of veteran’s services

September, 2009 Helena veterans “Stand Down” - set up an information/education booth regarding Consumers Asserting Leadership in Montana (Montana Peer Network) and the tentative upcoming WRAP workshop for veterans, family members and providers

November, 2009 Helena Montana - Montana Peer Network held its Inaugural WRAP Facilitator Training in Helena.  Eleven Participants were selected from across the state to attend a 5 - Day Intensive WRAP Facilitator Training.  These newly trained facilitators will expand the access to WRAP throughout our vast state.