Members at Connections are increasingly involved in their communities, taking on responsibilities as good citizens and advocates for wellness.  Members realize that part of recovery is giving back in some way to peers and to the community.

"Connections is a place that offers people an opportunity to get

back in the community by learning and adapting. This is the most important thing — learning self-help and self-esteem skills

and to care about things that go on around us."

Connections members identified long ago the key component of empowerment for them: being heard.  This leads to more involvement of members in the design and delivery of support in the mental health system and in the community.

"Meaningful involvement is being heard 

for what you are really saying, 

not what people think you are saying."

Over time, members have taken on leadership roles, building natural support systems that build stronger peer relationships and prevention of crisis.  

                          "The more you put into it ... 

                                   ... the more you get out of it.”