The HCRS Peer Recovery Center (PRC) in Springfield has received grant funding for the sixth consecutive year to fund client led Art and Computer training programs. This grant funding offers adults involved in Community Rehabilitation and Treatment Services the opportunity to participate in supportive, fun, and rewarding activities that are led by other clients also receiving community based mental health services. Individuals are paid through the grant to plan, organize, and support their peers to participate and learn new skills.

This competitive Federal Block grant was applied for by HCRS clients through the Department of Mental Health and Vermont Psychiatric Survivors. The overall goal of the grant funding is to increase the number of clients who are able to access the benefits of these programs and help them to maintain stability, prevent hospitalization, and support overall wellness in the context of community. There have been several clients of HCRS’ CRT Program who have learned basic computer skills from one-on-one tutoring or through attending the basic skills class developed by a client. The computers have been a terrific educational tool for doing research on things like medications, community resources, and care alternatives. One PRC community member reported to the computer facilitator that they wouldn’t have ever believed that they would be using a computer, nonetheless using e-mail. This person now owns their own personal computer and uses it regularly.  

The art program facilitator credits her leadership role in this project with providing her life with a sense of purpose, responsibility, hope, and determination to make a difference in others lives and to give back some of the help she has received over the years.