Core beliEF
For every person living with mental illness, there is a real expectation of recovery.
We believe this and commit ourselves to joining with our members in their own unique recovery journeys. They will set the pace and lay out the course as we walk beside them.
MISSION
The Birch Mission is: A satisfying life in the community.
What is satisfying? Each member defines that as we join her or him in a continuing discovery of values, goals, strengths and abilities. Our role is to do all we can to make a full life in the community possible. We dream of a society free of stigma so that individuals recovering from mental illness will be free to choose where they live, socialize and work.
RECOVERY PHILOSOPHY
The person is central to the process of laying out the course of recovery. We seek to be guides rather than experts. Our efforts must support the individual's plan.
We want all those who struggle with mental illness to:
- Experience a sense of dignity.
- Be aware of their strengths.
- Develop self-awareness and insight.
- Express and pursue their dreams.
- Enjoy the freedom of making choices.
- Be free to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them.
- Know that they are worthy members of the human community.
RECOVERY ENVIRONMENT
Soon after our founding in 1989, the Birch staff and Board of Directors adopted a set of principles to serve as a foundation of our relationships and behaviors in serving our members. These came to be known as The Birch Intentions and are meant to set the tone of the recovery environment.
In all that we do, we intend:
- To be kind.
- To inspire hope.
- To respect and befriend men and women overwhelmed by life.
- To bring a measure of joy into every life we touch.
- To do no harm. To offer ourselves without discrimination.
- To serve with patience, persistence and forgiveness, not regarding symptoms of illness as evidence of failure.
- To create an environment in which dreams are born, encouraged and pursued.
- To be a beginning, not an end.
BIRCH MOTTO
Believing in the Power of Mental Health Recovery!
