Buddy Carlson and Jessica Crooks, Mental Health Association peer specialists, are sporting their badges that admit them to the Chautauqua County Jail, where they are offering services.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County has received a grant that is allowing the agency to expand its services.

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.

Recent grant awards and funding are allowing the MHA to continue and expand their services.

A grant from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation has enabled purchasing air conditioning units for the MHA’s Dunkirk recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St. The public computers being installed are available to anyone to use during open hours Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff can help with job applications, resumes, apartment searches, etc.

Funding from the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene is making it possible for the MHA to have a full-time peer in Family Court.

The County Mental Hygiene funding is also enabling Peer Specialists Buddy Carlson and Jessica Crooks to work in the Chautauqua County Jail two mornings a week. Because of their personal struggles with addiction, both are ready to help others through the same experiences they had. Certified in SMART Recovery – a global, science-based peer support program for overcoming addictions and problematic behaviors – their work is with individuals and groups.

A grant from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County will support the 2026 Art in Recovery Exhibit.

At the MHA’s June recovery luncheon, Michael Nordin, MHA executive director, presented certificates to recognize two people for achieving four and five years of sobriety and another for acquiring a drivers license. The meal was prepared and served by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown: Heidi Bird, Alison Espin, Sandy Harle, and Sandy Kearney.

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

MHA produces a quarterly newsletter that describes recent happenings. To receive a paper copy by post, visit MHAChautauqua.org/subscribe. For an email version, go to MHAChautauqua.org/email. All back issues can be found at MHAChautauqua.org/newsletters.

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 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.

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.