Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits will be spotlighted at the open house and news conference at the Mental Health Association on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. A UPMC WCA Hospital therapy dog will demonstrate the tastiness of the biscuits when officials announce a major grant that will support the social enterprise. The canine pictured here enjoyed some Father Bernard’s at downtown Jamestown’s Saturday Public Market. Submitted photo

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County has a special reason to celebrate September as National Recovery Month this year.

The public is invited to join community leaders on Tuesday for an open house in celebration of a $500,000 INSPIRE grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the MHA for workforce development and its social enterprise program.

The grant will strengthen Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits, a partnership between the MHA and Jamestown’s St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A social enterprise, it was created to support people in recovery as they return to work.

The reception begins at 4 p.m. with a 4:30 program at the MHA’s Jamestown facility in the Gateway Center, Suite 7, Door 14, 31 Water St.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell and New York State Senator George Borrello will join MHA Executive Director Steven Cobb and FBBB Founder The Rev. Luke Fodor for the check presentation by Southern Tier West Executive Director Richard Zink.

UPMC WCA Hospital’s therapy dog will demonstrate the tastiness of Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits.

A presentation of swag bags will follow the final blessing by The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York.

The purpose of INSPIRE (Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems) grants is to create or expand recovery programs that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry, by training and certifying recovery specialists, establishing cross-sector partnerships, expanding peer support networks, launching recovery-to-work programs with a full spectrum of coordinated support services, and more.

As a social enterprise – a business with specific social objectives that serve its primary purpose – Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits furthers the mission and vision of the Mental Health Association.

With input from staff and the MHA’s Advisory Committee, last spring the MHA board adopted a new Mission Statement: “The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for our community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.”

The MHA also recognized the need to expand its vision to include redefining the possibility of recovery and striving for a community of wellness. The result is their new Vision Statement: “The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County envisions a time when the peer recovery model is widely relied upon as a foundation of support and advocacy to address the total needs of all individuals and their families challenged by the effects of mental health and/or substance use disorders. We will persevere in changing our local culture to one of hope, kindness, and justice, redefining and expanding the possibilities for a rich and satisfying life for people in recovery.”

The MHA 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. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

An open house will be held at the MHA North County offices on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk.

All Mental Health Association services are free. To learn more, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.