At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s August recovery luncheon, Activities Director Dianne Valvo presented participant Shawn Hastings with a certificate recognizing the great personal strides he has made and in appreciation for the makeovers he did for members of the Women’s Group.

Michael Nordin, interim Mental Health Association executive director, opened his welcome at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s August recovery luncheon with information about the weekend plans for observance of Overdose Awareness Day.

The Jamestown showing of the 2024 Art in Recovery Exhibit will be reprised at the north county recovery center in Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, on Friday, Sept. 20.

Nordin awarded certificates to participants for achieving milestones in their recovery, including one and two years of sobriety and gaining employment.

Activities Director Dianne Valvo recognized Shawn Hastings for the strides he has made, including finding housing, and for the makeovers he did for participants in the Women’s Group during Pride Month.

Melita Lyon offered grace before the meal that was provided by St. Susan Center and served by staff and volunteers.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County 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.

The MHA commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.

MHA’s Jamestown recovery center in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 31 Water Street, is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours for the north county center are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.