"I was a nobody. Now, I am a member of OEC."

The Ohio Empowerment Coalition, a statewide consumer advocacy and recovery organization, held its first annual conference at Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio, on August 13 and 14, 2010. Over 150 coalition members attended the two-day event, which included advocacy and educational workshops and keynote speaker, noted consumer rights advocate, Peter Ashenden.

Three representatives of the Mental Health America of Licking County’s Compeer program attended the conference, along with members and staff of The Main Place Recovery Center. Susan, a Compeer volunteer from Newark, was awarded a full-scholarship to the conference.

William Butcher, of Newark, also attended the two-day event, whose theme was “Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future.” Mr. Butcher, an active volunteer for both The Main Place and Mental Health America of Licking County, spoke of his experience in attending the event and the impact it had on his life. “People have told me that I was nothing. I was a nobody. Now, I am a member of OEC.”

The Ohio Empowerment Coalition, Inc. is a consumer-operated organization that consists of members statewide who are united to provide a platform for the voice of people with mental illness; to support persons and groups working to transform systems, and to promote wellness, mental health recovery, and resilience.

The organization elected their first permanent board of trustees representing individuals from across the state. Kristen Frame, Compeer Coordinator of Mental Health America of Licking County was elected to her first term as trustee representing Licking County.