May 24, 2024
Celebrating Success: CPS Graduation at City Hall
During Mental Health Awareness Month, five graduates completed the CPS Practicum and were honored at a ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall hosted by Council Person Rue Landau.
Event Overview
This graduation ceremony was a testament to the personal growth and transformation of individuals who completed an intensive “learn while you earn” practicum. Designed to equip graduates with both technical and interpersonal skills, the program showcases their dedication and hard work in the behavioral health field.
The CPS Practicum Program
- Learn while you earn: Financial stability during training removes barriers to participation.
- Hands-on training: Practical experience transitioning from roles in retail and other sectors into behavioral health.
- Equity and inclusion: Promotes fair access to career pathways within the community.
Program Leadership
“Seeing our graduates succeed and step into roles where they can make a real difference is incredibly rewarding. This program is about more than just career training; it’s about empowering individuals and fostering a community of support.”
— Denise Sherman, Program Director (10+ years)
Acknowledgements
We are deeply grateful to Council Person Rue Landau for hosting this graduation at City Hall. Their support not only honored the graduates but also amplified the message of mental health awareness and the value of peer support.
Looking Ahead
We joined in celebrating these graduates and the strides they made toward a brighter, more inclusive future in mental health care. Their success exemplifies the positive impact of community-focused mental health initiatives.
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.
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.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
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.