The CHARG experience with consumer-professional partnership

Empowerment cart be a challenge to translate into practice. In this article , four consumers and three professionals describe Denver's CHARG Resource C enter a partnership of two nonprofit corporations representing consumers an d professionals respectively, The Center's model is rooted in empowerment t heory and involves (1) a range of services, (2) consumer-centered focus and trust, (3) advocacy (4) larger community connections and support, (5) a ga thering place, and (6) opportunities for employment and volunteer work. Cha llenges to consumers and professionals, and the implications for larger men tal health systems are also explored.