New Mental Health Association support groups begin Aug. 3
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Weather caused the recent annual barbecue recovery luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County to move indoors.
The picnic meal was prepared by MHA staff members and served by peer specialist Sarina Rivera and volunteers Juan Del Valle, Maria Robles, and Pedro Rodriguez.
Fulfilling the purpose of the MHA's monthly luncheons to recognize recovery accomplishments, Executive Director Michael Nordin opened the gathering by presenting certificates to individuals for three and 21 years of sobriety.
Nordin also introduced Bonnie Weber of Be the Change You Want to See in Jamestown. Weber is familiar to many at the MHA as she provides the traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the November recovery luncheon. She described three new "We Believe as We Rebuild" groups she will be facilitating at the MHA, beginning the week of Aug. 3.
Monday's group, Strong Foundations, is for single parents and meets 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., after regular MHA hours. Encouragement, practical tools, and community, as well as child care, will be provided for single parents to build strong, faith-filled homes. Tuesday's 4 to 5 p.m. Recovery Group is for individuals who are sober and committed to staying sober. Christ-centered, it will offer encouragement, accountability and hope. The Active Addiction Group, 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, will be a safe, judgment-free space for those currently struggling with addiction, offering support, prayer, and a path toward freedom, one day at a time.
The groups will meet at the MHA's Jamestown location, Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St. With a maximum of 20 members each, participants must commit to attend the full 33-week program. To register, email Weber at BonnieJeanWeber107@gmail.com. Like all MHA services, participation in the groups is free.
During the weekend before the luncheon, the entire concrete floor of the entry and main room of the Jamestown recovery center received a much-needed painting by Dan Hallowell, son of Tina Morgan, certified peer specialist and public relations coordinator.
MHA officials said progress is being made in strengthening the services of MHA's Dunkirk recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St. During open hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, public computers are available to anyone. Staff, now including a Spanish-speaking peer, can help with job applications, resumes, apartment searches, etc. Among the groups and classes open to anyone are Writing in Recovery, Grief Support, AA Starting Over, Art in Recovery, Anger Management, Trauma Support, and more.
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.
Everyone is welcome to the free MHA recovery luncheons in Jamestown on the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.
To learn more about the MHA, including all their groups and classes in Dunkirk and Jamestown, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHACHQ.org or Facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. Go to MHACHQ.org/newsletters for MHA's quarterly newsletters.