The MHA has opining the HUB, Peer Recovery Learning Center at their new Location on Garden and Coat streets in Santa Barbara on Monday January 12, 2009.

In the PRLC Planning committee meeting, Dec 15, 2008, it was announced that the former Fellowship Club and the HUB which opened January 12, 2009 will be vastly different than anything that the MHA was dune in the past.

All groups in the HUB will be recovery and consumer advocacy based groups. The Center will be responsive not only to its participants but to consumers and would be consumers in that community in a guidance council that is in the development stages that will reports to Santa Barbara County MHSA Consumer/Family Oversight meeting.

The PRLC planning Committee; Cuco Rodriguez, MHSA Program Manager, Francisco Palencia, Chuck Hughes, Consumer Advocate, Luisa Patricia, Family representative, Vicky Estrada Latino Advocate, Mairza Rodriguez, Latino Advocate, Maureen Mina, Peer Recovery Specialist, Bob Quinn, representing California Network of MH Clients, Ann Detrick, ADMHS Director, John Truman, ADMHS Division Chief, Special Projects and Interim Consumer Empowerment Manager, Marcos Medina, Translator. The Planning committee will transition in to the HUB Guidance council which will be made up of current Planning Council members as well as active HUB members and consumers not being served at the HUB. Courtly a charter for the HUB Guidance Council is being developed.

Orientation for HUB employees has been going on. There are different orientation meeting being for consumers in the community and former MHA members as well as for case managers.

One of the few classes the first week will be Yoga and consumers are encouraged to develop and lead self help groups. We are looking at WRRAP, Capacitor classes in both English and Spanish. Other discussed self help groups where women’s group, Recovery Inc, Emotions Anonymous. Yours truly am writing a classes proposal for a Pool Champions Training for consumers to how to lead self help groups.

This is exciting the HUB will be a culmination of consumers 5 year action plan that was hammered out 2 or 3 years ago. In the Santa Barbara Consumer movement with Heidi Garcia, then ADMHS Assistant Director and consumers in Advocacy meetings in all three regions of the county.

As soon as orientation meeting are site they will be posted. Come drop by the HUB at 617 Garden Street the first day it is open January 12, 2009. Opens at 10:00 AM. It is a fantastic building, high sealing, 5 meeting rooms with a large good 600 to 800 room in the center of the center. Really good lighting, pleasant surroundings a large patio. The HUB will be open till 7:00PM two nights a week. AS soon as the schedule is finalized they will be posted. I think the schedule of operation is 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

See everyone at the HUB Monday……

Come bring your ideas for the HUB……

1. PROGRAM SUMMARY: The new Santa Barbara Consumer-Led Program (hereafter “the Program”) provides a combination of wellness and recovery-oriented services to persons with mental illness and their families (hereafter “Participants”). The Program has been in transition since August 2008, during which time the Contractor was involved in a series of consumer-focused regional community forums, as described in Exhibit A-1. Through this input, the Program will evolve into a service designed and led by consumers and will be responsible for developing and supporting:

• Peer-led wellness and recovery-oriented groups and trainings, as well as one-to-one peer support;
• Assistance to persons with mental illness to develop social relationships and activities in the community;
• Connections among individuals living with mental illness;
• Peer support competencies and leadership skills for those consumers interested in achieving these goals;
• Family support activities, such as family support groups;
• Resource information for community members, consumers, and families of individuals with mental illness, to increase understanding of mental illness and bolster the community’s ability to support persons with mental illness.

The Program will be located at 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, California.

2. SERVICES. For the period of January 1 through June 30, 2009, Contractor will provide a Program that is client-designed and client-led. The Program will assure a comfortable, supportive, culturally competent approach through which Participants will receive peer support, participate in learning opportunities, social activities and meaningful interactions with others. In addition, Contractor will continue to collaborate with the County and selected Participants in the on-going development of the Program.

A. Contractor will provide intern placement opportunities for peer recovery staff trained through the MHSA Workforce Education and Training Program;

B. Contractor will provide mentoring, management and leadership opportunities for peer recovery staff and other interested Participants leading to enhanced involvement in Program oversight. Staff will offer assistance to Participants in developing Program proposals and outreach to consumers involved in the program planning process. The goal is to provide Participants with a respectful, receptive environment to bring their new ideas, and assistance in developing those proposals;

C. Contractor will provide activities designed to promote mental health recovery, social interaction and independence. These include programs in interpersonal relationships, effective communication and conflict resolution, accessing community resources (therapeutic, health, vocational, educational), and strengthening bonds with family, friends and significant others. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups will be run on a regular basis by consumer staff and/or County staff. Contractor will offer oversight for Participant-prepared presentations;

D. Program will function as a Participant-operated program with peer recovery staff and supervisors providing positive and inspirational role models for others;

E. Contractor will collaborate with County and a Southern Santa Barbara County Peer Guidance Council in the on-going development of the Program. Monthly meetings of these parties will be held to foster the development of a consumer-run organization that can eventually assume the management of the Program, determine the recovery-oriented groups and activities to be developed, ensure that recovery-oriented groups and activities are developed or identified for the mono-lingual Spanish speaking Participants, support development of child care where needed to allow for Program participation, interview and select Participants who will lead groups or activities at the program, and develop incentives to encourage participation. Quarterly, the South County and North County Peer Guidance Councils shall meet to confer on Program design;

F. Clients (volunteer or stipend) will lead groups focusing on various topics and activities, based on the interests and skills of the Participants. These groups, such as WRAP, peer support groups, benefits planning and career exploration, will provide a structured opportunity for Participants to learn new skills, interact with one another, and learn about the accessing of community resources. In particular, there will be an emphasis on bilingual presentations. Families will be referred to Partner’s in Hope Family Partner’s for services, and support groups. The Program will have a resource list available to family members;

G. Participants will share in the upkeep of the physical location which serves as a “hub” for the overall Program;

H. Contractor will work with the local community to obtain support for activities in the form of in-kind donations and financial support;

I. Contractor will assist in creating an informational resource hub for community resources and activities, and will provide a resource list, in English and Spanish, that is available to participants.

3. CLIENTS. Contractor and County anticipate a minimum of fifty (50) unduplicated Participants per month during the first three months of the Program, growing to a minimum of one hundred (100) unduplicated Participants per month by June 30, 2009. The Participant population will be clients with SMI, and their families, and the Program will allow participation by clients at varying stages of recovery.

4. HOURS. The Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays. Additional activities of the Program are expected to occur outside of the Center hours.

5. STAFFING. Contractor will employ an appropriate mix of FTE, part-time stipend and volunteer staff to provide Participant desired events and services.

A. For the period of January 1 through June 30, 2009 Contractor will employ 3.25 FTE, with a .75 FTE Site Program Manager, .5 FTE Programming and Training Manager, and 2.0 Resource Staff. At least .75 FTE will be Spanish-speaking bilingual.

B. Staff will have experience in leading client activities and demonstrate responsiveness to Participant issues and concerns.

6. PROGRAM EVALUATION, PERFORMANCE AND OUTCOME MEASURES

A. Contractor shall provide a written report to County on a monthly basis regarding Program progress toward accomplishment of program goals and objectives consistent with MHSA principles.

B. Contractor shall work collaboratively with County to develop Program goals, performance outcomes, and measures.

C. Monitoring. Contractor, in collaboration with the ADMHS Adult Division Chief and the MHSA Program Manager, shall develop regular meeting schedules and agenda content consistent with MHSA requirements.

7. COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Contractor agrees to adhere to the five key concepts of MHSA Community Services and Supports (CSS) service delivery:

A. Community collaboration;

B. Cultural Competence to enable providers to work effectively in cross-cultural situations and employment of staff who represent the ethnicity and cultures of the Clients served;

C. A Client- and Family-Driven System of Care;

1.1 The Peer Recovery Learning Center Guidance Council, hereinafter
referred to as the Council, is established under the authority of the California
Mental Health Service Act 2004 and shall represent Consumers, Family
Members of consumers and Latino interests at the HUB. The Council shall
develop an operational plan that clearly involves persons in recover at all levels
interested in peer-recovery leadership and activities in its development; and
provides a recovery-oriented environment to facilitate the accomplishment of this
model.

1.2 The Council may give advice to the management, Santa Barbara Mental
Health Association upon such matters affecting the Peer Recovery Learning
Center program established December 2008 as it deems desirable or necessary.
The mental Health Association shall respond in a timely manner to issues
brought forth by its Guidance council.

2.0 MEMBERSHIP:

2.1 4 Representatives of persons in recovery from mental health issues
residing in south Santa Barbara County shall be appointed by voting consumers
members on the MHSA C/F Advisory and Oversight Panel to represent the
consumer interests, Representatives of 4 Latinos appointed by the Santa Barbara
MHSA Latino Advisory Panel to represent Latino interests in the operations of
the HUB the 9th member shall be a family member of an actual consumer in
South Santa Barbara County.

2.2 Each member of the HUB Guidance Council shall serve for a term of
two (2) years from the first day of July in the year in which such member is
appointed. If a Guidance Council member has three (3) consecutive unexcused
absences or does not attend 50 percent of meetings duly noticed and held within
a 12-month period, then the member will be deemed to have resigned from the
Council.

2.3 Vacancies for un-expired terms shall be filled by the MHSA C/F
meeting Consumers to serve out the remainder of the vacated member's term.

2.4 Members shall serve without compensation. Pursuant to the
Mental Health Service Act they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenditures
incurred in the discharging of duties assigned by the Chairperson and approved
by the Council.

3.0 MEMBERSHIP: EX OFFICIO:

3.1 Santa Barbara Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Services Director shall
appoint at least one (1) ADMHS Administrate Executive member who how will
serve on the Council without vote. Such member shall not be included in
attendance for a meeting quorum. Mental Health Service Act in Santa Barbara
County shall appoint at least one (1) MHSA team member who how will serve on
the Council without vote. Such member shall not be included in attendance for a
meeting quorum.

4.0 OFFICERS:

4.1 The Council shall be chaired by the Consumer Empowerment and
Employment Manager, The Secretary shall be a member of the MHSA team
appointed by the MHSA manager; the Council shall annually elect a Vice
Chairperson, a and Treasurer, and a Translator whose respective terms shall
commence July 1st.

4.2 Each elected office shall have duties usually incident to that
respective office.

1. Chairperson:

a) Shall be responsible for maintaining an attendance list for the purpose of
determining active membership.

b) Shall prepare an agenda for each regular meeting and special meeting.

c) Shall, following consultation with the Council make appointment
recommendations, if necessary, to the MHSA Consumer/Family meeting
Consumers or the Latino Advisory Council to fill a vacancy.

d) Shall appoint members of standing or select committees, and, who, as
charged by the chair, shall appear and represent the Council at any public
hearings or meeting and shall testify at such hearing or meeting on behalf of the
Council as its representative.

e) Shall assign a date and location of meetings, provided the Council fails to do
so. Should a meeting be cancelled or postponed, the Chairperson shall assign an
alternate date and/or location.

f) Shall represent the Council's agreed-upon positions in all issues brought
before the Santa Barbara County Mental Health Commission and the MHSA
Oversight and Accountability Commission, or shall appoint a representative to do
so.

g) Shall prepare an annual report to be presented at the annual meeting for
Council approval. The report will be forwarded as required by state regulations,
to the OAC by no later than the first day of July of the same year.

2. Vice-Chairperson:

a) Shall administer the Council attendance policy and take roll call.

b) Shall conduct correspondence regarding representative appointments. The Vice-Chairperson will report to the Council the appointment or resignation of members and shall maintain and circulate a register of current members.

c) Shall, in absence of the Chairperson, call meetings to order and preside over
the meeting, as would the Chairperson.

3. Secretary:

a) Shall act as the recording officer of the Council and the custodian of its
records, except when specifically assigned to other. The records should include:

i. minutes of all regular and special meetings

ii. register of active members

iii. member attendance as recorded by the

Vice-Chairperson

b) Shall notify all officers and committees of their appointments.

c) Shall keep a book of by-laws and standing rules.

d) Shall send out proper notices by e-mail of all regular meetings at least five
(5) days prior to such meeting.

e) Shall conduct correspondence for the Council except as otherwise provided
herein.

f) Shall maintain a list of standing and select committee members.

g) Shall, in the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, call meeting to order and
preside until the election of a Chair Pro-Tem takes place.

4. Treasurer:

a) Shall act as the Council's banker, holding the funds deposited to the Council
and paying out on the order of the Council.

b) Shall present a report at least four (4) times a year as directed by Council
vote or by the Chair. Reports should consist of any information regarding the
receipts and disbursements previously authorized by the Council, and should
include vouchers.

c) Shall present an annual fiscal report at the annual meeting. The report shall
consist of any information regarding the receipts and disbursements made during
the Council's operating year.

d) Shall, in the absence of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, call the
meetings to order and preside until a Chair Pro-Tem is elected.

e) In addition to the Chairperson, checks may also be signed by the
Treasurer. Any single expenditure which exceeds fifty dollars ($50.00) shall first
be approved by the Council at a regular or special meeting.

4.3 Only the Chairperson shall issue public statements to the media.
Individual members may make statements stressing that they are only speaking
for themselves.

5.0 MEETINGS:

5.1 The Council shall meet at least bi-monthly. Special meetings may be
called by the Chairperson or by a majority of the membership.

5.2 A quorum shall consist of no less than five (5) active members.

5.3 Resolutions must be approved by a majority of the membership
present and voting. In the event of a tie vote, such vote shall be broken by the
Chairperson. However, the Chairperson is restricted to one vote.

5.4 The HUB membership is invited to all meetings, and may make
presentations limited to ten (10) minutes per person at the start of any
meeting. The subject matter must be directly related to the HUB. Non-Council
members shall not participate during the body of the meeting unless invited by
the Chairperson and approved by a vote of the Council. If a group or individual
MH Consumers in the south region of Santa Barbara County notifies the
Chairperson prior to the meeting, they may be allotted additional time and be
included as a separate line item in the agenda.

6.0 FUNDS AND REIMBURSEMENTS:

6.1 All requests for reimbursements and receipts shall be directed to the
Treasurer upon approval by the Chairperson.

6.2 Disbursements for any reason shall be made through the Council's
checking account.

6.3 Amounts up to $50.00 may be expended at the discretion of the
Chairperson. Amounts exceeding $50.00 shall require prior resolution of the
Council.

6.4 Each year on January 1st, the Treasurer shall provide the Santa Barbara
MHSA team an accounting of funding and services received and expended.

6.5 An annual audit will be performed of Council funds by a committee
designated by the Chairperson.

7.0 SUB-COMMITTEES:

7.1 The Chairperson may appoint sub-committees, and a Chairperson
thereof with specific charges to investigate, study and make recommendations to the Council. At least one (1) sub-committee member shall be a Council member.

7.2 Subject to a vote of the Council, consumer nonmembers of the Council
may serve on committees but shall have no voting privileges at Council meetings.

8.0 PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:

8.1 Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the Council's actions in all cases to
which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-
Laws and State Statutes.

9.0 REVISING AND AMENDING BY-LAWS:

9.1 These By-Laws may be amended or revised by a vote of the Council at a
meeting called for that purpose provided the changes or revisions have been
submitted to the membership at least seven

(7) days prior to said meeting and
provided the changes are not in conflict with State Statutes.

10.0 APPOINTING AUTHORITIES:

10.1 The Secretary will provide minutes of each Council meeting to the appointing authority of the Santa Barbara Mental Health Association, ADMH Director or designatee and the Santa Barbara County MHSA Manager.

10.2 As is appropriate, the appointing authorities will be advised of all
vacancies and appointed members who fail to properly represent their
constituencies by not attending Council meetings.