April 2, 2026
Advocacy Day Write-Up: Doc
Doc advocates at the Pennsylvania Capitol, amplifying the power of peer support and giving voice to those often unheard.
I'm Doc, I am a Targeted Case Manager with the Forensics Team at MHP. I also am a Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Family Recovery Specialist, and a Forensics Peer Specialist.
Peer Professional work is something very dear to me. Therefore, when offered the opportunity to go to the state capitol in Harrisburg to rally support for Peer Professionals I leaped at the chance.
I was joined by colleagues and participants as we blanketed the offices of State Representatives with MHP's literature and guidance for the utilization of Peer Professionals. I had the esteemed privilege of speaking with a couple legislators and their staff where I used the time to explain and extol the importance of Peer Professionals and Peer Professional support.
To my surprise they listened intently and promised they'd do some research on their own. Now, I've been around a while, and I understand politics and their language, but I felt energized and empowered knowing that when the moment presented itself for me to have the ear of a Pennsylvania law maker, I took it and was heard!
My hopes are that through our combined efforts and due diligence, we will make a significant difference in how Peer Professionals are perceived and treated!
MHP continues to provide opportunities for those without voices to be heard on a grand scale and stage. I am grateful to be part of such a dynamic company!
Pamfilo Doc Dacua III
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
11,703
Total participants served
30+
active programs across the region
1,204
participants trained each year
9,180
participants supported through direct services
5,615
outreach contacts with people experiencing homelessness
1,319
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.