Stigmas toward individuals diagnosed with persistent and serious mental illness are longstanding and often present barriers to the achievement of optimal quality of living. One of the largest public outpatient mental health systems in the nation, Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA), has found a way to overcome these barriers by providing a collaborative approach for competitive employment through a supportive employment model of empowerment.

Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA), which has established itself as the largest community action agency in the state of Texas, provides services such as homeless prevention, adult literacy education, savings incentive programs and programs geared toward special needs populations, is equally committed to empowering low-income individuals to maximize their level of functioning.

Collaboration for Action (CFA) is a partnership between MHMRA and GCCSA established for the sole purpose of moving people from dependence on a service delivery system to independent competitive employment.

CFA hopes to heighten the business community’s awareness of the stigma and barriers of the target populations in reaching their employment goals through an educational process, to maintain job retention and provide ongoing assistance necessary to maintain the job.

Ultimately, CFA is faced with ongoing challenges. However, the benefits of assisting with individualized job placement and retention are immeasurable to both the employee and the employers.

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