WRAP facilitators meet program's founder

“Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” ~Albert Camus

C4MH Peer Specialists recently met Mary Ellen Copeland, a nationally recognized champion for recovery.  Copeland is founder of Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) and a hero to Paul Sibert and James Gustafson who faciliate WRAP groups in Montana. 

A WRAP plan is an individualized toolbox that helps a person know the things that triggers a crisis and provides tools to keep themselves well.  Gustafson says, "Recovery is remembering who you are, and using your strengths to become all you are meant to be."

Copeland's mother was a psychiatric patient at a state hospital who believed in the healing power of other patients.  When Mary Ellen visited her mother, she saw her engaging the others in a group.  Staff noticed changes in people as they participated.  Patients got better and were released.  This was the humble beginnings of WRAP. 

Even though she was told she couldn't do it by her psychiatrist, she went on to went on to develop WRAP plans and later the Copeland Center.  WRAP was recently studied and recognized as an evidence-based practice.  It has changed the lives of thousands, and many participants say it was what helped them turn a corner in their recovery.

 For more infromation about WRAP contact Peer Support at 406.727.0425.