Before coming to work for gmhcn, I spent a lot of time volunteering with AIDS Survival Project , Positive Impact, and Atlanta Harm Reduction so that I would involve myself in society, and as a result, I learned skills and entered into a routine which has enabled me to envision the possibility of going to work
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network submitted a grant proposal to the federal government to fund the Self-directed Recovery Project (SDRP) in Georgia, and it was awarded. As a result, I was chosen to be the Self-directed Recovery Program Director. My primary focus is to carry the message of recovery throughout the state of Georgia, emphasizing the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). I do WRAP workshops on a 2-day, 5 hour per day format. I am enlisting the support of Certified Peer Specialists (CPSs) throughout the state to encourage the Community Service Boards or other service providers to allow me to come in to the facilities and do the workshop. I supply all the materials, including the red Mary Ellen Copeland WRAP book, the WRAP workbook, and accompanied handouts. Ideally, the CPS will set up a date at their facility by calling GMHCN to schedule the workshop.
The workshop focuses on the five recovery concepts.
~ Hope,
~ Personal Responsibility
~ Education
~ Self Advocacy,
~ Support.
The focus is on wellness as opposed to illness. Workshops encourage consumers to take care of themselves.
For further information contact:
Charles B. Willis, Certified Wrap Facilitator
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network
246 Sycamore Street, Suite 260
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Email: cbw@gmhcn.org
Office: (404) 687-9487
Fax: (404) 687-0772
Cell: (404) 539-9623
Toll Free: 1-800-297-6146
I was dually diagnosed 4 years ago but have 25 years of drug addiction. I was only diagnosed with a mental disorder after being clean for six months. It was through therapy that I found out my depression had started at age 14. That kind of explained the beginning of my alcohol and drug use. I didn’t like who I was. I didn’t like the feelings I was having,. I didn’t know how to cope so I self medicated with drugs and alcohol. Today, 38 years later, I accept that I am a drug addict and alcoholic and I have a mental disorder, and that acceptance was the beginning of my recovery. I’m actively involved in 12-step groups which include Double Trouble in Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Cocaine Anonymous. I remain active carrying the message of hope through my experience and the strength I’ve gained during this process of recovery. I am The Evidence (ITE) that recovery works. I’ve actually only been living for 4 years, and up to that point I was only surviving. Living today means doing all that I can do for my personal wellness, and participating in the wellness of others.
Charles Willis
Self-Directed Recovery Program Director
