The Center provides opportunities for program participants to create an empowering, non-hierarchical environment of their own design in which self-help and mutual aid flourish. Individuals at the Center develop skills and competencies through exposure to their peers. Support groups and educational programs are formed in response to the needs of those in attendance. Leadership skills develop because of the need for leadership. Decision-making is participatory and rules and standards of behavior are self-imposed and self-enforced.

The services promoted by the St. Louis Empowerment Center are used by people from all walks of life who are facing issues relating to mental health, substance use, or co-occuring disorders. Our goal is to provide a site where individuals can engage with peers, certified peer specialists, employment specialists, and others within the framework of us as a consumer-operated service provider.