(WNY News Now) The November holiday recovery luncheon hosted by the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chautauqua County was full with inspiring tales, innovative new initiatives, and a strong sense of community support for individuals pursuing recovery.
There were several highlights of the Mental Health Association’s November holiday recovery luncheon.
After Gordy Frederes volunteered at the front desk for a year, greeting guests and answering phones, Acting Executive Director Michael Nordin welcomed him as a staff member. Nordin also offered certificates for finishing the anger management group successfully and for a participant who has stayed sober despite personal challenges.
Scotlynn Fegley, Asia Leonard, Jennifer Rolfe, and Joathylet (JoJo) Ruedas, Salvation Army staff, explained some of the services they offer, such as shelter, helping victims of sexual assault, court advocacy, help finding housing, referrals, and more. For additional details, give (716) 661-3897 a call.
Community Outreach Liaisons for Goodskills Career Builder Jackie Greene and Francisca Wallen talked about their four-week program at Jamestown Community College that pays students as they train for manufacturing jobs. They have a 95% placement rate for graduates of the program. Their number is (716) 854-3494.
A new group that just started has everyone at the MHA thrilled. Based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, All Addictions Anonymous (AAA) is a comprehensive 12-step program designed to help anyone with any addiction, including food, shopping, drugs, alcohol, or any other personal urge that has negatively affected their wellbeing.
At AAA meetings, no subject or addiction is taboo because every experience has the capacity to impact someone else’s healing. In order to become a happier and more mentally healthy person, the group members work together to help one another better understand their personal challenges and discover healthy coping mechanisms.
Volunteer Rob Bruyer conducts the AAA group, which meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in the Jamestown rehabilitation center with Joshua Christ’s help. Anyone is welcome to take part and discover the resources AAA provides to assist with their individual addiction issues.
The turkey meal was prepared by Bonnie Weber of Be The Change You Want to See in Jamestown. The meal was provided by MHA employees Michelle Colaiacovo and Jessica Crooks, as well as volunteers Diana Bloom, April Trotman, and Diane Lamber.
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 and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 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.