ASF Resource Guide

Message from the Director

W hen I think about the humble beginnings of A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF), it reminds me of a quote that I read...Faith is like Wifi... It’s in- visible but it has the power to connect you to what you need. In 2001, we set in motion an ambitious plan to align multiple systems of care within the state of Maryland to deliver welcoming, integrated mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals and families in need of critical well- ness, recovery and resiliency supports. Over these past 20 years, ASF continues to remain relevant and connected to what it needs to serve its community. With so many people with diverse needs, the effectiveness of our efforts to create a more inte- grated and responsive system of care is vital. Since 2001, ASF staff and leadership have navigated an integration planning process, including participa- tion by community stakeholders in services and program design for our system of care. Pilot initia- tives around integration, such as co-located mental health services at partnering agencies and the inte- gration of mental health and substance use disor- der services at community centers, governmental agencies, and churches, have helped us to explore the benefits of integration and the most effective routes to improve service delivery. Our core philosophy of “Returning to our Com- munities with Hope and a Future” is supported by a framework of strategies, actions and measures that will propel forward action on our key priorities, including: • Strengthen

Collectively and in partnership with our network of partner agencies and organizations and the other Divisions within the Health Services Depart- ment, we will continue to make progress in our key priorities and ultimately function as an integrated, customer-oriented system of care that is complexi- ty-capable, trauma-informed, culturally-competent, and recovery- and resiliency oriented. We are committed to continuous quality im- provement, flexibility, and innovation, all of which enhance our efforts to successfully transform our system of care now and in the years to come, thus transforming consumers, families, and communi- ties. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and com- mitment to the individuals and families we support. Sincerely, Dr. Lela Campbell, LCPC, ACS Executive Director A Step Forward, Incorporated

• Educate • Engage

• Enlargement • Sustainability