One of the nation’s earliest peer facilitated training programs, the WV Leadership Academy for Consumers and Families (WVLA) embodies the mantra “Nothing about us without us”. The WVLA is designed for adults & adult family members living with mental health and/or substance use disorder histories. This exemplary self-advocacy training program is held regionally several times during the year. You will experience a training event using an adult learning classroom setting. You are provided a participant manual, supplies and meals. When participating, you will have opportunities to work with others and practice skills to become a more effective and motivating speaker, presenter, and organized leader. Overnight stays can be arranged with prior approval of the Program Coordinator. WVLA provides a foundation for developing skills to improve services in your community. A certificate ceremony concludes the training. Ongoing support includes regular conference calls, emails, social media resources and webinar refreshers supported by facilitators, graduates and stakeholders. WVLA offers you opportunities to apply skills in home communities and collects data related to graduate’s community engagement.

When you become a WVLA graduate, you will experience being valued and supported by a community of nearly one thousand graduates throughout the state of West Virginia who have a common set of skills and training. You can become a part of a community where everyone is included and nobody is left out. You will gain a set of supporters who are organized and motivated equipped with the transformational skills to recognize opportunities for positive community change.

Grant funds pay for you to participate at no cost. Apply to attend online or submit an application to the address listed below. The West Virginia Leadership Academy for Consumers and Families is led by Dave Sanders & Ardella Cottrill, Project Coordinators. For more information contact:

Dave Sanders, PR
(681) 222-7008
dave@wvleadershipacademy.org

Ardella Cottrill
304-680-4837
ardella@wvleadershipacademy.org

WV Leadership Academy
PO Box 8885
South Charleston, WV 25303