The mission of CHARG Resource Center is to improve
the quality of life and functioning capacity of persons with severe
and persistent mental illness in the Denver metropolitan area. We have
pioneered an innovative partnership model, under which our mentally
ill clients are equal partners in the development and implementation
of our services. They elect their own board of directors, which governs
our Center in equal partnership with the community-based board. Empowerment
of the mental health consumer is further enhanced through the development
of paid jobs for approximately 20 of our members at our two locations.
Our mission is addressed through three primary goals:
- To provide resources and services not otherwise
adequately available to persons with mental illness;
- To empower mental health consumers through running
their own program and learning new skills;
- To advocate for the needs of persons with mental
illness in the larger community.
The problem addressed by CHARG Resource Center is
mental illness, an affliction which produces devastating symptoms for
one to two percent of the world's population and creates further pain
and disruption for the families and friends of its victims. The illnesses
experienced by CHARG members include schizophrenia, bipolar (manic depressive)
illness, and major depression.
CHARG strives to listen to and to strengthen mental
health consumers' own strategies for survival and success. CHARG serves
as an advocate for people with mental illness, to decrease the societal
stigma attached to these illnesses. To accomplish this goal CHARG provides
forums for the public to learn about mental illness. CHARG Resource
Center seeks to provide the means for mental health consumers to return
to and to be a part of the larger community.
CHARG Resource Center was opened August 7, 1989.
From our administrative building at 709 East 12th Avenue in Denver ,
we provide a mental health clinic and two apartments for mentally ill
members. Our drop-in center program is located in the lower level of
Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 920 Emerson Street in Denver . CHARG
also operates a homeless outreach program in cooperation with, and located
at, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
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The Center is a joint venture of two nonprofit organizations
representing 1) mental health consumers (CHARG) and 2) mental health
professionals and supporters (HEART of Boardwalk). This kind of partnership
is, to our knowledge, unprecedented. It offers a unique framework within
which mental health consumers find the structure and support they need
to implement a successful program, and professionals, family members
and community supporters find meaningful ways to assist in this effort.
Drop-In Program Services include:
- 1) Dental and Eye Care
- 2) Basic Needs Resources
- 3) Socialization and Recreation
- 4) Vocational Opportunities
- 5) Consumer Advocacy Assistance
- 6) Educational Classes
Outpatient Services include:
- 1) Individual Counseling
- 2) Medication Management
- 3) Group Counseling
- 4) Medical Screening and Followup
Community Education/Outreach Services include:
- 1) Public Education about Mental Illness
- 2) Consumer Organizing and Larger-System Advocacy
- 3) Outreach/Case Management with indexless Mentally
Ill Persons
- 4) Consultation to Other Mental Health Programs
Seeking to Implement Empowerment and Partnership Approaches
CHARG Resource Center can be reached at:
709 East 12th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203
telephone (303) 830-8805
fax (303) 830-8918
email at info@charg.org.
We are a proud member of Community Shares of Colorado,
a workplace giving federation run by and for its 115 member nonprofit
agencies. Members range from larger and better-known programs such as
Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Metro Denver, Planned Parenthood and
the Gathering Place, to smaller organizations like CHARG, Colorado Women's
Agenda, and the Association for Senior Citizens. Anyone interested in
starting a Community Shares campaign in their workplace should call
us or call Community Shares at 303-861-7507.
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