Participants in the July Recovery Luncheon included Shawna Dejesus, left, who received a certificate of recognition, and Dan Chadwick.

Ten area residents received certificates at the most recent Mental Health Association Recovery Luncheon for taking steps toward sobriety or graduating from treatment court

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, defines “recovery” as “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”

SAMHSA says that the four major dimensions that support recovery are:

¯ Health: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being,

¯ Home: having a stable and safe place to live,

¯ Purpose: conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society, and

¯ Community: having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Because celebrating positive milestones has been shown to increase long term recovery, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County regularly holds “recovery luncheons” to help provide this positive reinforcement to those in mental health and substance use disorder recovery.

Participants at the MHA’s July recovery luncheon were welcomed by staffers Pastor Mark Hurst and Mark LeHere. Jenny Rowe, MHA chief financial officer, announced 10 certificates for participants for advancing phases in or graduating from treatment court, gaining employment, and achieving a year of sobriety.

A lunch was prepared and served by Bethlehem Lutheran Church members Jan Ball, Stephanie Buccola and Renee Tompsett.

A selection of books that were donated to the Mental Health Association were available to anyone interested.

The Mental Health Association is a peer recovery support center offering recovery coaching, peer support services and groups, advocacy, training, and veterans, family, employment and job support. The MHA provides linkages to mental health and substance use treatment, primary care doctors, health and human services, and is available to assist adult individuals in identifying community resources for healthier living. The MHA OPEN (Occupational Peer Empowerment Network) program is focused on workforce development.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in at the MHA, Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St., Jamestown. Hours are Mondays through Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the MHA, call 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.

To learn more about MHA OPEN (Occupational Peer Empowerment Network) that is focused on workforce development, phone 490-4438, email OPEN@MHAChautauqua.org or visit MHAChautauqua.org/OPEN.