At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s St. Patrick’s Day recovery luncheon, Peer Specialist Gordy Frederes received a recognition and Elizabeth Margarito described the free food and clothing the Salvation Army provides.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Finance Director Jill Marsh welcomed everyone present to the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s (MHA) March recovery luncheon.

Grant Manager Michelle Colaiacovo recognized a participant for gaining stable housing, a volunteer who became a worker, a new volunteer for manning the entryway, and a staffer for three years of sobriety.

With the pause in services being offered by Community Helping Hands, the Salvation Army’s Emergency Basic Needs Supervisor Elizabeth Margarito described food and clothing available at the Salvation Army.

The church at 83 S. Main St., has a “free room” in their basement where they give away clothing and small items Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. On the Wednesday following the fourth Monday of every month the Salvation Army’s Food Express gives away extra supplemental packages of food from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m.; photo ID is required. Margarito said between 250 and 500 families are expected most months.

The Salvation Army welcomes donations of clothing, small appliances, and non-perishable food any time at the same location.

Participant Melita Lyons offered grace. The St. Patrick’s Day meal was prepared and served by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown: Heidi Bird, Sandy Kearney and Linda McCallum.

The MHA is advertising for a part-time bilingual (Spanish and English) peer for the North County recovery center in Dunkirk. The part-time position requires a driver’s license. Learn more at MHAChautauqua.org/jobs.

MHA recovery luncheons are open to anyone on the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Like all MHA services, the luncheons are free.

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 Jamestown recovery center is at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

The North County recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting April 9, new groups and walk-in hours will be available those same hours on Thursdays.

To learn more about the MHA, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or Facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes in Dunkirk and Jamestown is at MHAChautauqua.org/groups.