Kansas CROs

Vision & Mission
Socialization, Interdependence, Development & Empowerment (SIDE) is a consumer run organization that provides leadership, education, training and research opportunities to individuals with mental illness residing in Wyandotte County, Kansas. We deliver these services through peer support; sharing our rich consumer experiences. We seek to provide a safe and accepting environment which enhances recovery, fight stigma and lead to the integration of its members into the community at large.

Leadership
SIDE promotes leadership by building upon the talents, abilities, personalities, skills and relationships within the consumer run organization. Leadership development is available to anyone seeking to serve SIDE as a volunteer. Opportunities include leadership training offered by SIDE and other partners in the community, serving on the board or a subcommittee, and participation in developing and implementing activities. Leadership activities are conducted by volunteers at the SIDE principle offices and in the community.
Education
Members of SIDE valued opportunities to speak throughout the community about their life journeys and experiences with mental illness in order to fight the stigma and myths generally associated with individuals challenged with mental illness. SIDE publishes an educational newsletter, brochures, presents educational programs, operates a number of support groups, serves on local and statewide committees and policy making groups, and hosts a "warm line" that offers resources to consumers in the service area. Education activities are conducted by both paid staff and volunteers at the SIDE principle offices and in the community.
Training
We provide training opportunities for consumers of mental health services to test out skills, develop and or explore new paths of interest, and build self-confidence and worth as they have successes in life. This training takes place through volunteer involvement running every aspect of the organization such as helping in the kitchen, answering phones, obtaining videos and other supplies, planning activities and keeping SIDE beautiful and clean. Volunteerism creates a spirit of recovery. It motivates our members to look at themselves as owners and developers of SIDE. There are also several paid positions at SIDE where training is provided. Training activities are conducted by both paid staff and volunteers at the SIDE principle offices.
Research
Research gives consumers a chance to have a voice in the things that matter most to them such as the type of treament provided at the mental health centers. SIDE contracts with the University of Kansas to conduct the Kansas Consumer Satisfaction Survey. SIDE seeks feedback to improve our own program. SIDE also participates in research studies about the consumer movement sponsored by the Self-Help Network Center for Community Support and Research at Wichita State University. Research activities occupy 10% of the time of SIDE as an organization. Research activities are conducted by both paid staff and volunteers at the SIDE principle offices and in the community.

Contact Information
Cherie Bledsoe, Executive Director
1223 Meadowlark Lane
Kansas City, KS 66102
(913) 621-4202
bledsoe.c@wmhi.org