Q: How did you first get involved with CIPA and what was your role in its development?
Stacy:
“I had heard about CIPA from our Outreach Representative, Shannon. We had coffee with Meg Horne from McLean and she mentioned that they were looking for someone who could help with establishing bylaws and help structure the financial framework for the organization. That was really interesting to me.
I became a member of the 2nd steering committee in December of 2024. The first steering committee (Tracy Ashworth – Yellowbrick, Erin Benner- Ellenhorn, Meg Horne – McLean, Jerry Rudd – Menninger, Sarah Summey – Lakewood Center) had completed a huge amount of work, so the 2nd steering committee (Meg, Erin, and I) were able to take that information and keep moving forward.”
Q: What was it about CIPA that made you want to get involved and what is their mission?
Stacy:
“The idea of building a national standard for community integration was really exciting to me. I loved the idea that it would be an alliance of programs that all help individuals with mental illness to live full, connected and meaningful lives. CIPA’s Mission is to exemplify high standards for therapeutic community integration programs helping those with serious mental illness thrive in social, educational, professional and recreational aspects of their communities.”
Q: What is the long term vision for CIPA?
Stacy:
“To make community integration the preferred, mainstream model of care. To establish standards and quality benchmarks. To create advocacy, awareness and resource mobilization. To have a networked, sustainable community of programs. To reduce re-hospitalization, improve recovery outcomes, enhance autonomy.”
Q: Who is it for and how can they get involved?
Stacy:
“It is designed for organizations and professionals involved in supporting individuals with serious mental illness through community-based care.
They can get involved by becoming a founding member. Our application is now open. They can also join the mailing list as well as participate in events.”
Q: Does CIPA have any upcoming events?
Stacy:
“Yes! We have events in October, November and December. Sarah Harte is leading the non-CE event in December on behalf of Help in the Home and Help in the Home Clinical Services.”
Q: Is there anything we’re not asking but should be asking about CIPA and/or is there anything else you’d like to share about the organization?
Stacy:
“Opportunities for early members: Being a founding member could provide a rare chance to shape the organization’s priorities and culture.
Emphasis on collaboration: This is an alliance, not just a directory or advocacy site — the strength comes from shared knowledge, resources, and collective voice.”
Congratulations to Stacy and to all those involved in bringing the mission and vision of CIPA to life!
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If you or your loved one could benefit from partnering with mental health experts who have experience in supporting individuals and families with complex mental health needs, please call 866-967-9994 to schedule your free consultation.