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I Want To Be... |
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Washington State Employment Initiative Project video, "I Want To Be" (WMV 17 min) shows that people living with mental illness can successfully transition into the workforce, be productive and valued employees, and experience job satisfaction. |
The Clark County Regional Support Network and our contracted provider agencies are committed to the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to work, be productive and contribute to the fabric of our society. In addition, employment is a valuable tool in mental health recovery.
Employment Resources
CCRSN is committed to increasing the employment rate of the individuals we serve. There are a number of resources available within our system to help the individuals we serve meet their employment goals:
Supported Employment
Supported Employment is a well-defined approach to helping people with mental illnesses find and keep competitive employment within their communities. Supported Employment services are available several of our provider agencies.
Consumer Voices are Born (CVAB)
1601 East Fourth Plain Blvd. Suite A114 Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 397-8050
CVAB is a consumer-run organization that provides support and advocacy for mental health recovery. CVAB's mental health Recovery Center offers pee suport, peer-led social events and activities, support groups, employment support, trainings and Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). CVAB also operates the Warm Line, a peer telephone support line staffed by trained volunteers with first hand experience with mental health issues.
The Val Ogden Center
10205 NE Fourth Plain Rd, Vancouver, WA 98662
Phone: (360) 253-4036
The Val Ogden Center is a Clubhouse model program that provides people whose lives have been significantly disrupted by mental illness the opportunity to become involved in a supportive, safe and vital community of peers. The mission of the Val Ogden Center is to empower people with mental health issues to obtain meaningful relationships and satisfying employment.
Recovery Works in Clark County
The Clark County Regional Support Network has embarked on a Performance Improvement Project to increase the rate of employment for individuals living with mental illness. The project, entitled, "Recovery Works in Clark County," has a three-pronged approach that includes outreach and education for employers, mental health clinicians, and individuals.
As of July 2008, only 12% of people receiving mental heal services funded through the Clark County Regional Support Network were reported to be working full-time or part-time. The national employment rate for people with mental illness is 22%. Research suggests that unemployment is harmful to mental and physical well-being and even decreases life expectancy. Employment is one of the best tools available to aide in mental health recovery; it provides an opportunity for people to utilize their skills and talents and contribute to their community in a meaningful way.
