We share in the certainty that people labeled with mental illness are first and above all, human beings. Our lives are precious and are of infinite value.

People need to have 'the dignity of risk' and 'the right to fail'.

The concept of recovery is rooted in the simple yet profound realization that people who have been diagnosed with mental illness are human beings.

We share in the certainty that people labeled with mental illness are first and above all, human beings. Our lives are precious and are of infinite value.

The goal is to become the unique, awesome, never to be repeated human being that we were called to be.

The goal of recovery is not to become normal. The goal is to embrace the human vocation of becoming more deeply, more fully human.

I believe it is a spirit of hope that gathers us here together today.