RECOVER is a developmental aftercare team of professionals and paraprofessionals organized to serve the total person with versatility. Coordinated expertise of the team was focused on providing action-type opportunities for starting developmental processes in clients. Methods included counseling, groups, crisis intervention, cluster apartment living, social milieu, education, job-samples, recreation and meeting clients' needs through knowledge of community resources with active involvement and field work. The aim was to start positive snowballs. Then the aim was to keep them rolling. Comparisons between different groups and pre- and post-program functioning consistently showed improvement for graduates in terms of rehospitalization rates, employment, social functioning and self-concept. The majority also were judged by staff to have attained objectives and made gains. Most clients require years to consolidate gains and develop further; thus, a program must endure itself if growth is to continue. By becoming part of a mental health center and taking advantage of relevant titles of the Social Security Act and DVR case costs, the program can survive and continue starting new clients and backing-up Graduates. Personal relations, comprehensive aid, persistence and opportunities for learning by doing are seen as essential aspects of effective psychiatric rehabilitation. (Author)