In 1996, the work between peers and clinical staff of South Beach Psychiatric Center resulted in our first contract from the NYC Department of Mental Health that identified us as an independent agency.  People living with mental illness provided services for clients, and a revolution took place: the peer-to-peer model. In our first six years, we expanded from one to 13 programs, and from one full-time and four part-time staff members to 100 full-time, part-time and trainee staff.  We are now the largest employer of mental health recipients in New York State. We provide housing, employment, training, entitlements, education, and empowerment and self-help skills, which are essential to an independent and meaningful life in the community. In 2008, we celebrated twelve years of success by staff and recipients, who now move more freely and confidently in the world.