Concluded Project - end date April 2006

Real Choice Brokerage Technical Assistance Project

Contact:

Laurie Powers: Email: powersl@pdx.edu
Rollin Shelton: Email: sheltonr@pdx.edu

With funding from the Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services and in partnership with mental health consumer/survivor leaders, the Real Choice Brokerage Technical Assistance Project is supporting the development of Empowerment Initiatives Brokerage (EIB ) , the first consumer/survivor led support brokerage in Oregon and the nation. During its first 18 months of operation, EIB has supported 25 customers in Multnomah County. Brokered supports include development of a person-directed plan for recovery and quality of life, flexible use of up to $3,000 for achievement of plan goals and access to a broker who assists customers to identify and access resources and to build the lives they desire.

EIB has been established as an independent, nonprofit organization with a board of directors and staff comprised of consumer/survivor leaders. Technical assistance activities include board and staff development, planning facilitation and providing resources that enhance EIB's organizational and support capacities.