The collaborative of Northern Kentucky organizations determined that such a community-based organization was needed and would be utilized by the residents of the area. The general purpose of this new organization will be to promote greater awareness and understanding of the nature of substance abuse and to advocate for the needed services. The collaborative stressed that the activities this new organization would provide should not duplicate what other organizations are already doing and should be focused on community awareness, general education, and advocacy for those in recovery and their families. As the new organization is developed and begins providing services, collaboration with those in recovery, their family, providers, and the general community will continue to shape the organization.

The next step is to identify representatives who will actively participant in the development of the community organization. These representatives will determine the structure, mission, and activities of the new organization and secure commitments from the community to support the organization.

• created a mission statement, by-laws, policies, procedures, and employee manual for RNNK;
  
• established an office in Covington and hired staff;
  
• established services and programs such as computer training, employment resource center, support groups, and social outreach activities;
  
• published a quarterly newsletter;
  
• developed a web site, http://rnnk.org;
  
• advocated for consumer issues at the state and local levels;
  
• developed an innovative, computerized outcome measurement system designed for consumer-run programs; and
  
• obtained permanent funding from a variety of sources.
  

RNNK reported the following outcomes for years 2001 and 2002:

• 513 clients served
  
• 10,132 total client visits
  
• 387 clients demonstrated basic computer competency in areas such as use of the internet or e-mail
  
• 95 clients completed at least one computer tutorial with a passing grade (including Works, Excel, Access, typing)
  
• 283 clients completed one or more pre-employment activities such as writing a cover letter, preparing a resume, participating in a simulated job interview, and accessing job sites on the internet
  
• 46 clients received job referrals from RNNK
  
• 89 clients got jobs
  
• 110 clients received referrals for community services
  
• 263 visits to the Schizophrenia Anonymous support group
  
• 2,254 hits on the RNNK web site (http://rnnk.org)
  

In 2001, 12 of 20 randomly-selected clients (60%) had a score that showed effective recovery on an abbreviated format of the Mental Health Statistical Improvement Program.

In 2002, 9 out of 13 (69%) showed effective improvement.

Jim Coleman, Executive Director of RNNK, has made several local, state, and national presentations. His presentation topics include how to start a consumer-run program, how to set up an outcome measurement program for a consumer-run activities, employment rights of people with mental illnesses, and grievance processes for consumers.