The MCF Difference: Connecting through Shared Experience

Who We Are

The Maryland Coalition of Families is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1999 and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of at least 51% of people with lived experience caring for someone with a behavioral health challenge.

Mission 

As experienced caregivers, we provide support, guidance, and hope to people who love or care for someone with a behavioral health challenge and advocate to improve the systems they rely on.

Vision

We envision a community that prioritizes equitable and compassionate behavioral health services.

Values

  • We respect and value the dignity, identities, and unique qualities of the people we support.
  • We support with compassion and without judgment.
  • We honor the rights of people to have their voices heard when decisions about them and their loved ones are being made.
  • We collaborate with providers, policymakers, legislators, and other advocacy organizations to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges.
  • It is our responsibility to provide families with easy to understand, complete and accurate information.
  • We are committed to supporting people to become empowered advocates for themselves and those they love.
  • We are accountable to people and communities we support to provide high-quality, compassionate, and exceptional services.
  • We are committed to being good stewards of the resources given to us to conduct our work.

We Believe

  • Recovery is possible.
  • People with behavioral health needs deserve individualized services to achieve their full potential.
  • People with behavioral health needs have better outcomes when they have loved ones who are active partners in their care.
  • Effective services for individuals and families should build on their identified strengths and be responsive to their needs.
  • All people deserve services that are culturally and linguistically competent, equitable, inclusive, and fair.