(WNY News Now) In order to improve mental health services for the Spanish-speaking community in the area, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) has obtained a critical grant to employ a multilingual peer specialist.
Regardless of sexual orientation, age, or race, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) feels that everyone should have an opportunity to recover from mental health and drug use disorders.
The loss of its multilingual certified peer is just one of the many changes the MHA has gone through in recent years. This has made it difficult to serve the Spanish-speaking population because of linguistic and cultural difficulties.
The Mental Health Association is very appreciative that the Hultquist Foundation in Jamestown approved their application to employ a bilingual peer to work in both the Dunkirk and Jamestown treatment facilities, according to MHA Grant Manager Michelle Colaiacovo.
“This grant is very important to our community because it will allow us to work with an underserved population throughout Chautauqua County,” said Interim Executive Director Michael Nordin, who expressed gratitude for the award.
The MHA noted in its grant application that peer support is essential to the Spanish-speaking community because it fosters a supportive atmosphere for individuals who are aware of the particular difficulties, linguistic limitations, and cultural distinctions that this population encounters. A strong sense of belonging is fostered by this encouraging network, which makes it possible for people to express their needs and experiences honestly. Spanish-speaking community members can draw strength from their common experiences and gain the courage to negotiate life’s difficulties by connecting with people who have faced similar obstacles.
According to the job description, a Peer Specialist makes use of a person’s abilities by inspiring and guiding them toward self-sufficiency objectives. They are in charge of connecting participants with local resources and suitable treatment. A recovery coach encourages and motivates someone to lead a healthy lifestyle by sharing their own recovery story.
The director of human resources at MHA, Billy Hernandez, advises anybody interested in the role to visit MHAChautauqua.org/NewPeer, where details regarding duties, qualifications, and benefits are also available.
For those seeking to better their lives, enhance their wellness, flourish in recovery, or assist those on a recovery path, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is a peer recovery center that provides support groups and individual coaching. Peers support others in finding recovery in their own lives in their own unique ways by sharing their personal stories.
The MHA is dedicated to provide community members who battle mental health and substance abuse with radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy. MHA’s Jamestown rehabilitation center is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is located in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 31 Water Street. The north county center is open Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk. Visit MHAChautauqua.org or give the Mental Health Association a call at (716) 661-9044 for additional information.