The Empowerment Exchange is a peer-run organization dedicated to providing innovative social services that promote wellness, recovery, and empowerment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Rooted in a person-centered approach, the organization is staffed by individuals with lived experience, offering a unique perspective and empathetic support to the community it serves. It specializes in peer advocacy, education, and support, helping individuals navigate systems, build self-advocacy skills, and achieve greater independence. Through recovery-oriented programs, the Empowerment Exchange fosters resilience and personal growth in a supportive and stigma-free environment.

The program also plays a pivotal role in community engagement, providing workshops, support groups, and training opportunities across Rensselaer County and beyond. It promotes the principles of wellness and recovery through peer-led initiatives and works closely with behavioral health systems and community partners to advocate for improved mental health care. Their services align with the values of dignity, mutual support, and self-determination. The Empowerment Exchange is part of the Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc., a well-respected statewide organization advancing recovery-based practices throughout New York.

Key Services:

– Peer support and mentoring for individuals with mental health challenges
– Wellness and recovery workshops and education
– One-on-one system navigation and self-advocacy coaching
– Peer-run support groups and community outreach
– Training programs for peer specialists and community members
– Collaboration with local agencies to improve mental health services
– Resource connection and referrals for housing, employment, and health services