Executive Director Steven Cobb was recently surprised with a Great Boss certificate and gift card at the October Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County Recovery Luncheon.

Several milestones were recognized during the most recent Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) October Recovery Luncheon.

Because celebrating positive milestones increases long term recovery, these monthly get-togethers–that are free and open to anyone–provide positive reinforcement to those in addiction and mental health recovery.

Mike Cain was applauded for his gifts of painting, artwork, and the laughter he brings to the MHA.

Brandon Briggs, Armondo Jenkins, Kenny Kendal and Josh Lincoln were recognized for their volunteer efforts for the facility. Their hard work most recently includes fall clean-up outside the building.

Other participants were awarded certificates for milestones including a new apartment and becoming employed, getting their first car, and being in recovery for six months.

As the luncheon was held the day after Boss’s Day, Cobb was surprised with a Great Boss certificate and gift card presented to him by Program Director Mike Nordin..

Upcoming community events were announced.

The Living Sober Group of AA is hosting its second annual Sober Halloween Party today from 6 to 10 p.m. at the MHA. Adults, children and families are invited to come in their Halloween costumes and hear a DJ, dance, take part in a costume contest, play games and more.

In partnership with the Jamestown Public Market, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is hosting its monthly Monday Night Cafe on October 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The free meal, made from local ingredients, is in the church’s Undercroft, accessible from Fourth Street on the corner of Main Street.

Luncheon participants had a roasted chicken dinner provided by St. Susan Center. St. Susan’s Executive Director Cherie Rowland did the set-up, Cammi Hodnett prepared the meal and served it with assistance from MHA Peer Specialist Ricardo Ramos and Strong Starts Navigator Jessica Crooks.

All MHA programs and services are free.

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 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.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.

Hours for the north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.