GVMHS pioneered an incredibly wide range of services containing culturally responsive care, focusing on recovery and rehabilitation as its basic principle. It includes initiatives in housing, developing the concurrent disorders of mental health and addiction services, and providing support and direction to related non-profit community agencies and consumer training and art organizations. During its 27 years of existence, GVMHS gained international recognition throughout the rest of Canada and United States, and particularly the Pacific Rim countries, where it became known as the 'Vancouver Model.' -- foreward by Dr Soma Ganesan