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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CO-OP?
The VOCAL CO-OP stands for Consumer Owned & Operated Programs. We are a collective of peer-run mental health programs in Virginia.
The VOCAL CO-OP is part of the Virginia Organization of Consumers Asserting Leadership (VOCAL). VOCAL promotes mental health recovery, empowerment, and leadership. VOCAL runs three statewide programs: REACH, the VOCAL Network, and the VOCAL CO-OP.
Peer-run programs are grassroots, self-help programs led by and for people in mental health recovery. These programs are also called "Consumer-Run Programs" or "Consumer-Operated Programs." At a peer-run program, the Board of Directors or leadership team is primarily people who identify as consumers, survivors, peers, or people with mental illness. As people who have personally experienced mental illness, we work to create programs that respect the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, regardless of their current or past mental state, medical diagnosis, or use of medications.
What's unique about peer-run programs? Peer-run programs are accessible, affordable (usually free!) and focus on self-determination and empowerment. At a peer program, you will find staff and board members who are peers, people who have gone through similar experiences. Peer-run programs create an environment where members can feel accepted and equal, and find opportunities for leadership and self-advocacy. Many of us have found that joining a peer-run program was a turning point in our own personal process of recovery. Peer-run programs are also known for being accessible – many programs are open on weekends and evenings, and are “open door” or “drop in,” with no intimidating applications, lengthy lines, or required appointments.
Where can I find peer-run programs? There are over 20 peer-run programs in Virginia: Drop-In Centers, Employment Centers, Training Programs, Warm Lines, Advocacy Projects, Transitional Housing, Recovery Groups, and more. Visit our Directory of Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
Yes. All of VOCAL's staff and board self-identify as people in mental health recovery.
Click here to read 15 ways you can get involved with VOCAL
Where can I find training & assistance for my program? Visit our resource lists of Where to find training and assistance for peer-run programs
What's the history of the CO-OP? The VOCAL CO-OP stands for Consumer Owned & Operated Programs. Over the past 7 years, the CO-OP has worked with over 25 peer-run groups throughout the state. Our past projects include free trainings such as The Art of Leadership, Cookbook for Consumer-Run Programs, Tools for Organizational Assessment, Fear of Filing (501c3), and The Art of Grant Making. We have also published two guidebooks: The Grant Seeker’s Treasure Map & Orienteering Guide, and Blueprints for Change: Step-by-Step Guides to Building Peer Programs, which are all available for free downloading in the Publications area of our website. As advocates for mental health system transformation, the VOCAL CO-OP designed, initiated, and found funding to launch two new statewide programs: VOCAL’s REACH program and the VOCAL Network. The CO-OP has given presentations at statewide and regional conferences, organized over 40 statewide meetings of mental health advocates, and served on planning councils to help guide the Virginia Mental Health System towards transformation and recovery-based services. In past years, the CO-OP also ran a mini-grant program, called Two People Two Chairs. Through Two People Two Chairs Mini-Grants, grassroots groups in Virginia have started a bilingual warm line, an art & performance coffee house, a free clothing “thrift shop” at a drop-in center, a prototype for agoraphobia groups, a recovery speaker’s bureau, several support and recovery groups, and a job skills training series.
The VOCAL CO-OP is funded thanks to support from the Office of Mental Health Services at the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services.
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