One of the most fundamental changes that reform brings is the expectation that every Local Management Entity establishes a Consumer and Family Advisory Council (CFAC) to serve as active partners with SMC’s Board and Administration in implementing the goals of reform. The Smoky Mountain Consumer and Family Advisory Council was initiated in July of 2002 and has worked in collaboration with SMC in developing and reviewing the local business plan.
While SMC has had several projects that have involved consumer and family advocates, the CFAC represents a more focused and structured way for SMC and other local management entities, to work in “constructive partnership” with consumers and families to infuse their experiences into service delivery models and community collaboration. Key roles of the CFAC include:
- Establishing a line of communication with administration and to listen to issues and programs being considered, identify local service needs in the new system, and to identify informal resources in communities;
- Serve as a voice for other individuals and family members who have mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse need. CFAC members should talk with other people in their communities about needed services, supports and resources.
- Participate in advocacy efforts for changes that the State should consider as part of reform.
- Look at quality improvement and quality assurance to ensure high quality services in the communities served by SMC.
- Work to initiate programs that allow for peer support and consumer advocacy in each community.
If you would like to contact the Smoky Mountain Consumer and Family Advisory Council, or get more information, you may send an e-mail to: smcfac@smokymountaincenter.com. You may also contact Shelly Foreman, at the SMC Area Office in Sylva at 828-586-5501 x1219, Robin Paige in the Northern Region Office in Boone at 828-263-5634 or Brian Shuping in the Central Region Office in Lenoir at 828-759-2160 x3324.
2009-2010 CFAC Member List
Tommy Adams, McDowell County
Judy Annis, Clay County
Jere Annis, Clay County
Chandra Auberry, Cherokee County
Mara St. Aubin, Ashe County
Charlotte Belote, Wilkes County
Pam Belote, Wilkes County
Robert Belote, Wilkes County
Robert Cox, Caldwell County
Brainaird Cummins, Jackson County
Nell Cummins, Jackson County
Joe Daly, Watauga County
CeCe Hampton, Watauga County
Jason Hedrick, Jackson County
Susan Jenkins, Alexander County
Larry Kupner, Alleghany County
Melinda Kupner, Alleghany County
Betty Lane, Haywood County
Dan Lane, Haywood County
John Loftis, McDowell County
Carolyn Manware, Jackson County
William Manware, Jackson County
Fred Martin, Wilkes County
Pat McGinnis, McDowell County
Charmaine McMinn, Caldwell County
Rupply Mitchell, Ashe County
Susan Monroe, McDowell County
Greg Nilo, Alexander County
Juanita Oakes, Caldwell County
Ken Roberts, Caldwell County
Mary Ann Widenhouse, Macon County
Donnie Williams, Avery County
Helga Wilson, Watauga County
