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LEAP Graduation 2005 It was another day filled with celebration, pride and
a sense of accomplishment for many mental health consumers as another
class of L.E.A.P. graduates received
The L.E.A.P. program was developed to provide consumers with skills that will help them to better function as advocates for themselves and others. To date over 300 consumers have gone through the weeks-long course to improve their awareness of Mental Health issues and improve self esteem and learn about the possibilities for further growth in these areas of self-development. To date, thirty-five consumers have gone on to receive further training and act at L.E.A.P. trainers. Six consumers have gone on to advanced intensive training in Charlottesville and have been placed with various CSB’s as Peer Counselors. At the ceremony Hunter Widener and James turner both
spoke and offered words of The Southwest Virginia Consumer and Family Project is the only area in Virginia to be conducting L.E.A.P. training. Congratulations to all the consumer L.E.A.P. graduates, past and present, who have made a positive step toward recovery for themselves and toward learning to help others achieve this important part of coping successfully with a Mental Illness. |
completion
certificates! At Hemlock Haven Conference Center in Marion, Virginia. This
was the sixth class to graduate with a total of sixty-one grads in all
representing 12 clubhouses, one of the largest classes ever. 
encouragement. Mr. Turner is a consumer at Highlands House and has
completed extensive training as a Peer Counselor, while Hunter Widener is
the Executive Director of Highlands Community Services Board. Widener gave
the consumers and overview of the Presidents New Freedom Commission on
Mental Health which was established by Executive Order on April 29, 2003.
This Commission “conducted the first comprehensive study of the nation’s
public and private mental health service delivery systems in nearly twenty
five years”.
