New opportunities were announced at the recent recovery luncheon at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County. Under Janet Forbes's leadership, the association's Knitting for Wellbeing group is participating in the Snowflake Local Living Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Pictured are some of those taking part in a recent Knitting for Wellbeing meeting; from left, Julie O'Brien, Inez Lewis, Betty DeJoy, and Jeanette Moore.

Support of several local churches has helped Recovery Luncheons resume at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County in the Gateway Center.

The monthly events recognize participants for their progress in attending support groups, receiving recovery coaching services, gaining employment, advancing through treatment court, and starting college. There was hearty applause at the recent January luncheon when Steven Cobb, association executive director, announced 16 certificates for 12 people who reached full-time employment and/or advanced a stage at treatment court.

Cobb noted that the Knitting for Wellbeing group is taking part in Audubon Community Nature Center’s Snowflake Local Living Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2. The group will be represented by volunteer leaders Janet Forbes and Jeanette Moore. Cobb pointed out that research supports that knitting helps people deal with anxiety and depression. Anyone is welcome to participate in the knitting group that meets at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. They will be provided with a starter kit and taught how to knit.

CRAFT is a new group that meets at 3 p.m. Tuesdays. Offered in collaboration with UPMC Chautauqua, it is for those who support others in recovery. Community Reinforcement and Family Training teaches family and friends effective strategies for helping their loved one to change and for feeling better themselves.

Pastor Mark Hurst announced Peacemakers, another new group that also meets on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Using a faith-based approach, it helps participants learn how to be peaceful in their interactions, to work with each other, and to avoid saying and doing things they shouldn’t.

The tasty meal was prepared and served by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. They included Sharon Drennen, Pastor Luke Fodor, Jessica Frederick, Kim Mann, Linda McCallum, Matt and Cathy Smith, and Kay Stahlman.

The Mental Health Association is a peer recovery support center offering recovery coaching, peer support services, peer support groups, advocacy, veterans support, employment and job support, trainings, and family support. The Mental Health Association provides linkages to mental health and substance use treatment, primary care doctors, health and human services, and is available to assist adult individuals in identifying community resources for healthier living.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St., Jamestown. Hours are Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the MHA, call 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.