As we see it, man and woman create their life circumstances by virtue of their choices, conscious and unconscious. One needn’t be limited by any physical, emotional, or mental challenge. As people think, feel, desire...so do they create. Conscious creation, however, is a process which requires self-control, determination, strength, courage...and risk. It is these virtues that form the foundation of the Institute for positive Mental Health and the basis for promoting wellness among the people we serve. We are less interested in the particular “disability” one possesses, than we are in his or her goals...dreams. We are particularly interested in what people want for themselves - now. We are compassionate for what people have endured in their personal lives, but only find background information relevant to the extend that it will help us, and them, understand who they are today...why they react the way that they do...and how they keep repeating the same habits (mental, physical, or otherwise) which keep them in undesirable and painful circumstances.

Our method is very simple. We care about the welfare of those whom we serve and don’t perceive their presence at the Institute for Positive Mental Health as an accident. To say that “we care” is more than mere words. It involves action. This action and activity surrounding “caring” requires diligence, sacrifice, time, energy, and selflessness. We feel that everyone deserves care, no matter who they are or what they’ve experienced in the past. We try to remove judgments upon people so that we are free to serve them appropriately.

As we see it, everyone who enters the Institute does so for a reason; with something to contribute or receive from another at IPMH. But this process of giving, receiving, and helping requires real work and commitment on the part of all parties. We must be open to learning difficult lessons for personal growth no matter who they come from and our customers (program participants) must be willing to accept responsibility for their circumstances and take the lead in creating the life that they wart.

Our vision for the Institute for Positive Mental Health is one of helping people to become more and do more with their lives...to EXCEL...exceed, not others, but themselves. To do more than they have done in the past. To change the course of their lives and live productive, independent, fulfilled existences. To be happy.

- Erin R. Fountain