Community & Connection
Member Activities
Social activities, community events, and programs designed to support connection, recovery, and wellbeing for DWIHN members.
Activities are open to DWIHN members. Some require sign-up in advance.
Advisory Group
Constituents' Voice
The Constituents' Voice (CV) is the DWIHN consumer advisory group. Members include individuals with service recipient experience who provide input on design, delivery, evaluation and implementation of policies, procedures and activities.
CV Impact Areas
- Addressing social determinant of health (social inclusion, health, employment)
- Awarding more than $12,000 in mini grants to persons served
- Expanding reach through Ambassador and Community Delegates programs
- Gathering member perspectives to improve DWIHN policy and practices
Meeting Details
Third Friday of every other month (in-person), 10:00am - 12:00noon. Networking runs 9:45am - 10:00am.
Peer Support
Peer Services
Five categories of peers work within Michigan's community mental health system:
Peer Mentors
Professionals with intellectual/developmental disabilities serving peers with same conditions.
Parent Support Partners
Parents with lived experience supporting other families navigating the system.
Recovery Coaches
Professionals in substance recovery providing prevention and support services.
Youth Peer Support
Youth Peer Support Specialists and Youth Advocates.
Mini-Grant Program
Dreams Come True
A Constituents' Voice project supporting Detroit-Wayne consumers/members achieve a personal goal toward community inclusion. Awards up to $500 per individual.
Eligibility
Live in Wayne County, MI; active community mental health services recipients.
2025 Status
Application submission period NOW OPEN
Programs & Events
More Ways to Get Involved
Community Delegates
Stakeholders who are trained and certified to advocate for members' equity and equality.
EVOLVE!
Monthly consumer meeting. EVOLVE stands for Engaging Voices Offering Love/Laughter/Lessons Validating Experiences. Meets fourth Thursday monthly at rotating locations.
Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes
Annual advocacy event in partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Designed to support public behavioral healthcare by highlighting funding needs, raising awareness, and reducing stigma.
Event details announced September 17, 2025
Reaching for the Stars Awards
Annual Fall luncheon recognizing member accomplishments.
Quality & Satisfaction
Member Experience Activities
DWIHN measures efficacy, efficiency, and member satisfaction through multiple tools to initiate process improvements benefiting the entire system.
Measurement Tools
- Focus groups
- System-wide surveys (Adult ECHO and Children's ECHO)
- Needs Assessment Survey
- Recovery Self-Assessment
- Grievance, appeals, and rights violation reviews