The Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium hosted a luncheon and presentation recently, awarding a gold key to individuals who demonstrate having an impact on their communities in helping the growing concerns with substance abuse disease.

Melanie Witkowski, executive director of the Chautauqua County Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, nominated Kim Carlson of Jamestown for the award. Carlson has worked to support prevention treatment and recovery services in the Jamestown community. She has created A Fresh Start, meeting every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to encourage individuals and families to come together to work on recovery. A Fresh Start is working on projects centered on the children living in addicted environments to learn coping, academic and social skills. A Fresh Start has worked at bringing Oxford Houses, empowering recovery, to the Jamestown community.