Constituents' Voice
The Constituents’ Voice (also known as the “CV”) is the DWIHN consumer advisory group. The CV members include individuals who have gained valuable experience as recipients of services, and give DWIHN input concerning the design, delivery, evaluation and implementation of policies, procedures and activities, specifically as it relates to community inclusion, i.e., “a personal sense of valued participation and interaction in everyday life.”
The body includes primary and secondary beneficiaries from all major sectors of the community mental health system. The CV impacts the system by:
- Addressing social determinant of health, e.g., social inclusion, health, employment
- Awarding more than $12,000 in mini grants to persons served
- Expanding the DWIHN reach through its Ambassador and Community Delegates programs
- Gather member’s perspective about their services and the system to improve DWIHN policy and practices
The CV is staffed by the Customer Services Member Engagement unit. For more information about the meeting location, contact the Constituents’ Voice liaison, Dana Schau at dshau@dwihn.org or 313-833-2500.
Meetings will be held on the third Friday of every other month (in-person). The meetings are open to the public and occur from 10:00am – 12:00noon. Networking is from 9:45am - 10:00am.
If you would like to become a team member of the Constituents Voice, complete and submit the CV Application.
Peer Services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services defines Peers as “individuals who have a unique background and skill level from their experience in utilizing services and supports to achieve their personal goals of community membership, independence and productivity. Peers have a special ability to gain trust and respect of other beneficiaries based on shared experience and perspectives with disabilities, and with planning and negotiating human services systems health.”
In Michigan, there are five categories of peers who work within the community mental system. They are:
- Peer Support Specialist: CMH professionals with lived experience with mental illness who provide community mental health services to the same. (For more information email: Delora Williams at dwilliams@dwihn.org)
- Peer Mentors: CMH professionals with an intellectual or developmental disability trained to provide services to their peers with the same conditions. (For more information email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org)
- Parent Support Partners (For more information email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org)
- Recovery Coaches: CMH professionals who live a life of recovery from substances and provide prevention, support, and treatment services to others like themselves. (For more information email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org)
- Youth Peer Support Specialist and Youth Advocates (For more information email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org)
To become a peer, learn how to get the services of a peer, or for peer trainings send email to MemberEngagement@dwihn.org or call 313-833-2500.
Dreams Come True
The Dreams Come True Fund is a project of the DWIHN Constituents' Voice consumer advisory group. It was created to support Detroit-Wayne consumers/members achieve a personal goal toward community inclusion i.e., the personal sense of valued participation and interaction in everyday life. Awards are up to $500 per individual. To qualify, applicants must live in Wayne County, MI and be active recipients of community mental health services.
The 2025 application submission period is NOW OPEN. For more information, contact us by email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org; or dial 313-833-2500 on your telephone keypad. There is a video that you might want to add.
Community Delegates
The Community Delegates are stakeholders who are trained and certified to advocate for members’ equity and equality.
To learn more, contact us by email to: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org; or call us at 313-833-2500.
EVOLVE!
This is a monthly consumer meeting. EVOLVE stands for Engaging Voices Offering Love/Laughter/Lessons Validating Experiences. The meetings occur on the fourth Thursday of each month, rotating designated locations. To learn more, contact us by sending an email to: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org; or call us at 313-833-2500.
Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes
Walk A Mile in My Shoes is an annual advocacy event held in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The event is designed to support public behavioral healthcare. This rally aims to highlight the need for increased funding for mental health services, raises awareness of behavioral health needs in health and policy discussions and works to banish behavioral health stigmas. Event details will be announced September 17, 2025.
Reaching for the Stars Awards
Reaching for the Stars Awards Luncheon is an annual Fall event for members. It involves recognition of member accomplishments. Event details will be announced.
To learn more, contact us by email: MemberEngagement@dwihn.org; or call 313-833-2500.
