The Broome Recipient Affairs Office Inc. (Broome RAO) stands as a pioneering organization in New York State’s mental health landscape. Operated entirely by recipients of mental health services, Broome RAO is a testament to the power of peer-led initiatives in advocacy and empowerment. Based in Broome County, the organization offers various programs designed to uplift individuals and families while fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
Our Founding Vision: Advocating for Empowerment
In November 1993, a group of mental health recipients and the Broome County mental health commissioner came together with a groundbreaking idea: to establish a fully recipient-run committee that would address the needs and concerns of mental health service users in the region.
After 18 months of collaboration, the Consumer Advisory Board was formally established on May 12, 1995. Its mission was clear: to provide the Broome County Commissioner of Mental Health with structured input from recipients, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed.
The Consumer Advisory Board quickly earned recognition as an influential advocacy group, empowering recipients and their families to express concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue about mental health services.
Expanding Horizons: From Advisory Board to Community Organization
Recognizing the growing momentum, members of the Consumer Advisory Board envisioned a broader initiative: a peer-run organization where recipients could rebuild their lives. This included opportunities to work part-time, develop skills, and reenter the community as productive members.
Through relentless dedication and collaboration, the group crafted a proposal for funding. With support from the Broome County Commissioner of Mental Health and external consultants, the proposal was submitted to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
In the summer of 1997, the proposal was approved under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1993, marking a transformative moment. By December 1997, the Broome Recipient Affairs Office opened its doors, creating a space for advocacy, empowerment, and employment.
A Model for Peer-Led Advocacy
In April 1998, Broome RAO achieved incorporation as a non-profit organization with a unique structure: an all-recipient Board of Directors and a fully peer-operated workforce. This milestone solidified Broome RAO’s position as a trailblazer in peer-driven mental health services.
Today, the organization continues to embody its founding principles, advocating for individuals, fostering empowerment, and promoting inclusion within the community. Broome RAO’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of giving recipients a platform to lead and thrive.
Join the Movement
The Broome Recipient Affairs Office invites individuals and families to join in its mission of advocacy and empowerment. By embracing a peer-driven approach, Broome RAO continues to reshape the mental health landscape in Broome County and beyond.