Pictured are those in training who were recognized at February’s Recovery Luncheon, from left, Joe Stravato, Cortney Vahl and Jesse John. Not present for the picture was Kristie Piazza.

At the February Recovery Luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, Steven Cobb, executive director, recognized individuals who are training at the MHA to work in helping professions.

Cortney Vahl completed an internship through Jamestown Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Joe Stravato and Kristie Piazza, students in JCC’s Human Services program, are doing their fieldwork in substance abuse treatment at MHA. Jesse John is working the required hours to gain his certification to become a peer specialist. MHA employee Alex Roblyer is a student in the JCC Human Services program, doing his fieldwork at another location.

Cobb also recognized individual participants for milestones they have achieved: one for graduating Treatment Court, two for completing Phase 2 of Treatment Court, two for completing Phase 1, and one for gaining employment. Pastor Mark Hurst, leader of the Anger Management classes, acknowledged a participant’s completion of that very intense program.

Among other announcements, Cobb noted that the Narcotic Anonymous meetings on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. are now being held at the New Life Christian Fellowship on the fourth floor of the Willow Bay Commerce Center, 21 E. Third St., Jamestown.

Ian Eastman, exchange coordinator for Evergreen Health, announced that anyone can stop in their office located in the MHA for free and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Jamestown’s Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church prepared and served a hearty chili meal. Church members present included Pastor Tom LeBeau, Jackie Benson, Allen and Debbie Gray, Ellen Maternowski and Diane Melson.

With locations in both Jamestown and Dunkirk, the Mental Health Association is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member can call 661-9044 or stop in at the Jamestown facility, Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Mental Health Association also provides groups and coaching at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk. Hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the MHA, call 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with description of all groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups. To learn more about OPEN (Occupational Peer Empowerment Network) that focuses on workforce development by helping participants overcome barriers to gaining, maintaining, and thriving as employees, phone (716) 490-4438, email OPEN@MHAChautauqua.org, or visit MHAChautauqua.org/OPEN.