Warren Wilson Students learn about CooperRiis through service...

"A wonderful visit and service day to the farm on April 22nd was had by all when 30 Warren Wilson students came to learn about the CooperRiis model of recovery. Several students commented that having lunch with some of the residents, and working with them in the afternoon, was a highlight of their semester."

Robert A. Swoap, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology
Warren Wilson College

Between January and June of 2006, Dr. Bob Swoap and his family lived at CooperRiis while Bob conducted a research study examining processes of recovery in serious mental illness. Bob is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Warren Wilson College in Asheville

He is also a clinical psychologist and has conducted several training sessions for the staff of CooperRiis.

Bob conducted over 30 in-depth interviews and found these common themes:

1. Residents value the safety and inclusion they feel living within the CooperRiis Community, which is also home to many of its staff.
2. Another common theme is that “CooperRiis gets you up, moving and not isolated. I felt needed right away.”
3. Residents “regain hope from hopelessness” and feel “incredibly accepted.” 
4. To read Dr. Swoap's report, please visit www.CooperRiis.org/Programs