Silent Witness Exhibit on display at MHA

Observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the new Silent Witnesses exhibit from the Chautauqua County Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault was on display recently at the Mental Health Association.

Information about the coalition and its services is at Facebook.com/CHQUnity, where Allison Murphy, Jamestown Police Department Project Crossroads case manager/on-scene advocate, wrote, "Visual reminders like these are so powerful, and bringing them to a place that offers so much healing, like MHA’s recovery groups, women's groups, and Brian's (Mayo) Boot Camp feels so meaningful. If you're in the area or visiting St. Susan's (also in the Gateway Center building), drop in and take a look."

Tina Morgan recognized those with landmarks in their recovery. One participant received a certificate for her 30 months of sobriety. Also recognized were Jacob Meier for facilitating the new Hope Through the Hard Times group that meets at noon on Thursdays, and Paul Chimenti, who is leading Practical Meditation Techniques on Fridays at noon. These groups are open to anyone who is interested.

Through Friday, Oct. 30, the MHA's glove and boot drive is collecting donations to help members of the community stay warm as cold weather approaches. New men's and women's gloves and new or gently used boots, men’s sizes 9-13 and women sizes 7-10, can be dropped off at the MHA's Jamestown location, 31 Water St., door 14, in the rear of the Gateway Center.

Toys for Tots applications can be picked up at the MHA's front desk. They need to be returned to the MHA by Friday, Nov. 13.

Bingo is now being offered regularly on the last Wednesday of the month. Halloween Bingo on Oct. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. with Halloween candy prizes. Everyone is also invited to come in costume to MHA's Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Doug Foster, Nessa Snook and Barb Visker, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jamestown, prepared and served the "breakfast" lunch of pancakes and sausage. Foster offered a blessing before the meal.

Bonnie Weber of Be The Change You Want to See in Jamestown will again be providing a Thanksgiving dinner at the MHA's November recovery luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 17. All are welcome to the free event at 1 p.m.

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 center is at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.

The North County recovery center is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church at 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk.

To learn more about the MHA, including all their groups and classes, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHACHQ.org or Facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. Go to MHACHQ.org/newsletters for MHA's quarterly newsletters.