Prevention Week, 2013

Posted on May 7, 2013 by CAFÉ TAC

National Prevention Week, which is celebrated each May, provides an occasion to highlight the importance of prevention when it comes to substance abuse and mental health issues. This year, Prevention Week is set for May 12-18. To underscore the importance of prevention and to share some ideas on how mental health consumers and their organizations can get involved, The CAFE TA Center has produced the latest Focus newsletter, Focus 25: National Prevention Week 2013. It describes the importance of prevention, offers steps individuals and organizations can take to promote it, and includes links to a range of resources. Check it out here!

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Veterans in the Mental Health Workforce

Posted on April 24, 2013 by CAFÉ TAC

With conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan coming to an end, our country is experiencing an influx of veterans. Sadly, suicide among veterans is an epidemic, and many suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, unemployment among veterans is also a pressing issue.

In a new Focus newsletter, “Expanding the Role of Veterans in the Mental Health Workforce: Peer Specialists and Beyond,” The CAFE TA Center examines the essential role that veterans with lived experience can play in serving their fellow vets as part of the mental health system of care. Given the prevalence of stigma surrounding mental health needs in the military, veterans that have experienced trauma and engaged in recovery are uniquely positioned to break through the stigma, reach out to their peers, and find a meaningful role in civilian society as part of the system of care that meets the needs of our returning veterans.

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Re-Organizing the Organization: A New Online Training from The CAFE TAC

Posted on April 2, 2013 by CAFÉ TAC

The CAFE TAtraining-10-thumb Center is pleased to present its newest online training,  Re-Organizing the Organization.

Many organizations start out with a strong mission, a core of committed leaders, and genuine enthusiasm for making a tangible difference in the lives of the people it serves. It can be a real challenge to get an organization up and running, but once the vision begins to become a reality, things can settle into a positive rhythm of sustainability, ongoing positive work and professional management that sets the scene for long-term success.

At least that’s how it’s supposed to work! In reality, many organizations find themselves at a crossroads, where they know that something has to change in order for them to survive, but their leadership either doesn’t recognize the challenges, or doesn’t know how to get back on track.

To help organizational leaders recognize when it’s time to re-organize, identify the steps that need to be taken and determine the process to follow to “reset” their organization, The CAFE TA Center has created Re-Organizing the Organization. Please check it out today!

PDF iconThis training is presented as a pre-recorded slide show. To view the training in PDF format with a written transcription of the audio, click here.

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A Focus on Labels

Posted on March 27, 2013 by CAFÉ TAC

Labels are a part of life. They allow us to organize the world and understand our experience in basic ways. Unfortunately, for people with mental health needs, the human mind’s tendency to sort information and make decisions based on labels can present a real problem. The labels attached to them too often promote stigma, and make it easy for society to pigeon-hole and dismiss them.

The CAFE TA Center’s latest Focus newsletter, Labeling examines the problems that come with labels, the important distinction between a label and a diagnosis, and ways in which people can empower themselves to move beyond a label. Please check out the latest Focus by following this link.

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What Does Supported Education Look Like?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by CAFÉ TAC

supporte-ed-coverWhen it initially emerged in the 1990’s, the concept of supported education was heralded as a promising practice that could help people with psychiatric disabilities return to school by providing the right support. Two decades later, the idea of supported education continues to grow in popularity, and many colleges and universities have entire programs tasked with helping their students with mental health needs to flourish on campus.

That’s progress, but in day-to-day practice, it can still be hard to locate and recognize supported education. Some programs offer a significant array of supports and accommodations, but don’t use the term “supported education.” Others do use the term, but serve students with behavioral health needs within a larger program designed for all students with disabilities. The types of supports that are available can also vary widely.

To help potential students learn what to look for when they seek out a supported education program,, The CAFE TA Center has produced its latest white paper, What Does Supported Education Look Like?  It provides some examples of supported education programs from around the country, so potential students will have an idea of what to look for when choosing a college or university. Finding the right program takes some work, but asking the right questions can make all the difference. To find out what those questions are, check out What Does Supported Education Look Like? today!

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