With the help of a $4.3 million contract with the Colorado Department of Human Services, Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) launched its Momentum program Sunday to help people transition out of mental health facilities and into the community.
“One of the unique parts about Momentum is that it provides the ability … to meet some unique needs that individuals have coming out of an institution, so that seems to be a success,” said Shari Repinski, RMHS executive director.
The program will bring together case managers, mental health specialists, social workers and mental health organizations. According to an RMHS news release, Momentum will also bring in “peer-bridger specialists”: trained professionals who have also transitioned out of mental health facilities. These individuals will serve alongside transition specialists and mentor people who are preparing to leave the institutions.
“When a person is identified as being ready for transition, the first thing we’ll do is meet with the person for a long time while they’re still in the institution, establish a relationship with them and find out what’s important for their life outside the institution,” Repinski said.
Repinski said she is looking forward to collaborating with a number of partners to bring the program to life.
“Colorado is really dedicated to getting people back in the community so I’m excited to work with a variety of partners so individuals can be successful living in the community,” she said.
