CNL Member since 2012
Founded: 2003Visit Website: SpiritPeerEmpowermentCenter.org
Contact Email: info@SpiritPeerEmpowermentCenter.org
Facebook: facebook.com/SpiritEmpowermentCenter
Mission Statement:
SPIRIT Center is a healthy community, open at no charge to people facing challenges to their mental health. Trained peer counselors offer a holistic approach, acceptance, support, education and advocacy. We support people as they identify their path to recovery, and empower themselves to achieve their personal goals. Together we save lives.
Purpose:
COMPASSION, ACCEPTANCE, ADVOCACY, PEER SUPPORT AND MUTUAL RESPECT SPIRIT Center is a community coming together to mend itself. SPIRIT Center is a free self-help center that welcomes drop-ins and offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of the solution. Our center is centrally located in Brunswick Basin on five serene acres in a large home complete with meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, handicap access, parking and bus service nearby. “I did not know where to fit in or function in society until SPIRIT offered me the chance. SPIRIT’s philosophy is one I can fit into and be part of comfortably. Now I have true hope for the future for me and my family.” – SPIRIT participant All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL!
Funding:
Primarily by California state funds, the Mental Health Services Act, through the Nevada County Department of Behavioral Heath. We also receive donations from individuals and from local businesses.
Success Story:
From a participant: “A friend suggested I visit the SPIRIT Peer Empowerment Center so I attended the Bipolar Support Group. Everyone was so friendly and it helped to talk about my experience of coping with mental illness. Then I trained as a peer counselor and facilitator of groups. I hosted the LGBTQ group and the Our Voices Matter group. I was hired to do Community Outreach at SPIRIT. I also got the courage to come out publicly as a person who lives with bipolar disorder. I got a job as a Health Services Coordinator with a large mental health center as well. All because SPIRIT believed in me.” SPIRIT serves hundreds of people each year with all free services and works to diminish the shame and stigma associated with mental illness.
How our organization has benefited from being a CNL member:
We’ve attended trainings; our board was trained by CNL. We use email alerts and links to speakers and educational materials.
