CHARG Website

An innovative community established in 1989, CHARG serves adults with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and major depression. It is a joint venture of people who believe that effective & lasting empowerment of persons with mental illness occurs when they can make decisions regarding their needs, and that they thrive with dependable & ongoing services.

A celebration at CHARG, 2007

TIMELINE:

 1980 The Capitol Hill Action & Recreation Group was begun by a Vista volunteer & mental health consumers, and founded as a 501(c)3 organization.

1980’s  The Capitol Hill Action & Recreation Group coordinated social events in central Denver.  It supported the Goebel lawsuit which eventually resulted in an expansion of treatment programs for Denver’s mentally ill residents.  It was active as a volunteer organization, but with no paid staff and based at the Boardwalk Community at the Denver Center for Mental Health Services.

1989  HEART of Boardwalk was begun by mental health professionals & supporters, and founded as a 501(c)3 organization. It sponsored a Clozaril study as one of the trial sites for the first of the newer-generation antipsychotic medications. HEART partnered w/ Capitol Hill Action & Recreation Group and CHARG Resource Center was formed. The Drop-in Center opened at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

1990  An Executive Director was hired and the Heartland Clinic opened at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

1990’s  The Program to Assist in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) began. The Drop-In Center became consumer run. The Heartland Clinic received state licensure and began billing services to Medicaid. The first annual conference  was held: “Sharing Power in the Mental Health Community”. The Coalition for Advancement of Rights in Treatment (CART) was founded: mental health consumers and concerned advocates influencing policy in the public mental health arena. The clinic building was purchased at 709 E. 12th Ave. with a grant from the Denver Junior League. The clinic building was renovated with a Denver Block Grant. The Heartland Clinic moved to its new home. Upstairs apartments of the clinic bldg. became available for rent by mental health consumers as  Section 8 housing. CHARG participated at national conferences, sharing our experience with the partnership model:  The International Association of Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Services Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, and  The Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare Annual Conference in Denver. The Smart Mouths Dental Program began as an expansion of CHARG’s earlier efforts to assist mental health consumers in getting preventive and restorative dental care.

2000’s  CHARG staff, board members, consumers and volunteers collaborated on an article about the CHARG partnership model, published by the Psychiatric Rehab Journal. The Executive Director gave talks about CHARG in China & Canada. A research study on CHARG’s effectiveness in promoting consumer empowerment was presented in Boston & DC conferences. CHARG  was featured on Denver’s Channel 4, and in a Denver Post article & editorial. The Speakers Bureau began. Colorado Access (Medicaid) agreed to a per diem per member rate. A strengths model & recovery markers were initiated. The clinic building underwent second renovation with Capital Campaign funds. CHARG celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala. The first Starfish Music CD was released.

2010’s  An Innovations Conference: PEERing Ahead was held.  The Drop-In Center was renovated with a Wolf Foundation Grant and subsequently renamed & dedicated to the memory of David Quarton. The second Starfish CD was released.  Colorado Access (Medicaid) agreed to per month per member rate. The clinic roster was expanded. CHARG celebrated its 25th Anniversary Year!