Our Mission

Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program (CHAPS) is a non-profit, consumer-driven organization that was founded in 1988.  From day one, CHAPS has been committed to the mission of supporting consumers of mental health services, advocating for the improvement of local mental health services, and encouraging and enhancing the formation of a consumer self-help network in Crawford County.  It is also committed to engaging in activities that better the lives of persons with mental illness.  CHAPS has a unique blend of mental health consumers and professionals working together for the betterment of those they serve.  Furthermore, CHAPS is dedicated to the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service's (OMHSAS) vision that every person with serious mental illness and/or addictive disease will have the opportunity for growth, recovery, and inclusion in their community, have access to services and supports of their choice, and enjoy a quality of life that includes family and friends.

In addition to our services for those with mental illness, CHAPS provides housing advocacy and support for persons who are homeless or near homeless in Crawford County.  Our housing advocates help individuals and families establish the resources and skills needed to access and maintain decent, affordable, permanent housing.  We work in close partnership with our fellow dedicated agencies throughout Crawford County.

CHAPS uses the following beliefs to guide them in providing services:

• Recovery is possible.
• Recovery is the ultimate goal of services.
• Each person has a right to direct their own life. 
• Each person has the capacity to learn and grow.
• All people are to be treated with dignity and respect, in all areas of their lives.
• Being active in one's community is important.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity is viewed as strength.
• It is very important that persons receiving services have the opportunity to give input about the quality of services.