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Recovery Network News: E-newsletter of the Transformation Center
| Recovery Network News
E-newsletter of the Transformation Center
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| Monday, February 18, 2008
Creating connections between people in mental health and addictions recovery through peer support, training, education and advocacy.
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Please forward this email to distribute this information as widely as possible and also please share the information with people who do not have email.
To receive this weekly e-newsletter, please click on the "Join Our Mailing List!" button at the bottom of the screen. Choose the option for "General Interest."
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| New News is Good News
| | | Starting today, Recovery Network News will come out weekly on Monday afternoons! Please contact Melissa Sances with any new job opportunities or activities that you'd like to advertise at 617-442-4111 or melissa@m-power.org. (Note the permanent change in address; please use newsletter@m-power.org regarding Voices for Change issues only. Thanks for being patient as we work out all the finer details!)
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You Don't Want to Miss This!
| Be sure to read the entire newsletter for (in this general order) community news, Guiding Council meetings, an overview of what's happening at the RLCs, community activities, upcoming trainings and conferences, and many fantastic job opportunities!
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Sad News
| Community Loses Active Member and Friend, Shelley Bowen
Support available at The Transformation Center and in Western Mass
| Dear Peer Community,
We are very sorry to have to share that one of our friends and peers, Shelley Bowen, passed away unexpectedly last weekend. Shelley had been very involved in the Western MA Recovery Learning Community and Guiding Council over the past year, participated in several classes and workshops, and had recently begun facilitating WRAP trainings at the Holyoke Resource Connection Center. She had taken many great strides in her life, and it was with pride that she openly shared how important WRAP, becoming a Certified Peer Specialist, the RLC and her friends all over the state had been in that process.
Even though Shelley lived in Pittsfield, her presence was well known at M-POWER and The Transformation Center in Boston where for the last year she came biweekly to our Boston office for WRAP facilitator mentoring with incredible hugs and smiles for all. She touched our lives with her presence and example and was a friend to many.
Though these individuals can not be available at all times or days, the people listed below will do their best to respond to any calls received as soon as possible:
1. Marina C. (MASSWRAP and The Transformation Center): 617-442-4111
2. Kerrie F. (MASSWRAP and The Transformation Center): 617-442-4111
3. If you would like to speak to anyone at the Western MA Recovery Learning Community, their main number is 413-539-5941 x200.
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Fit to Guide: Join your Local RLC's Guiding Council
| Recovery Learning Communities are peer-led communities of support for mental health and/or addictions recovery. The Guiding Councils are the advisory committees of these organizations. Below are the Guiding Councils' upcoming meetings by region. Meetings are open to all.
MetroSuburban
Wednesday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Quincy Mental Health Center, 460 Quincy Avenue, 4th Floor Conference Room, Quincy. Contact 617-472-3237 or info@metrosubrlc.org.
Central Mass
Thursday, February 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., Recovery Learning Center Office, 91 Stafford Street, Worcester. Contact 508-751-9600 or centralmassrlc@yahoo.com.
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Happening Places to Be: What's Going on at the RLCs
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There is so much going on at each Recovery Learning Community that we can't list everything here! Below are a few highlights; please contact each RLC directly for more information.
| Western Mass Starts Trauma Group February 27
866-641-2853 or oryx@westernmassrlc.org
Are you a man who has experienced trauma in your life? Join facilitator Mabella Mendez for an ATRIUM (Addiction and Trauma Recovery Integration Model) group for men, where participants will work on better understanding how their trauma histories are connected to their self-harming and/or self-destructive tendencies, and will also work on learning new approaches to coping. The group will take place at the Holyoke RCC, 187 High Street, Suite 303 and is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
Applications are required (due February 19). Space is limited. Please call 866- 641-2853 x200 with questions or for an application. Actual start date will depend, in part, on numbers signed up.
WHAT IS ATRIUM: ATRIUM stands for Addiction and Trauma Recovery Integration Model and was created by Dusty Miller. The acronym is intended to suggest that these groups are a starting point for healing and recovery. The ATRIUM model is directed at bringing together peer support, psycho-education, interpersonal skills training, meditation, creative expression, spirituality, and community action to support survivors in addressing and healing form trauma.
Central Mass to Offer Recovery Story Workshop
508-751-9600 or centralmassrlc@yahoo.com
Do you want to inspire hope in others? Do you want to share your experiences and strengths? Then the Recovery Story Project is for you. Come find out how to become a recovery speaker and share your journey toward wellness with others. This workshop will offer guidelines for developing your story and how to get started as well as practical steps to being ready to share your story. There will also be an opportunity to hear other seasoned speakers share their stories and experiences. No sign up required. The next workshop is Friday, Feb. 29 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Recovery Learning Center Office, 91 Stafford Street, Worcester.
MetroSuburban Holds Ongoing Peer Support Group
617-472-3237 or info@metrosubrlc.org
The MetroSuburban Recovery Learning Center is forming a book club for consumers to read and discuss the published works of consumers/survivors. We would like to explore what helped and hindered their recovery and how the system is the same or different today. Join us every Monday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the MetroSuburban RLC, located at the Quincy Mental Health Center, 460 Quincy Ave, 2nd Floor, Activity Area B, Quincy. If you have questions, or to RSVP, call Melissa at 508-269-2807 or e-mail melissa877@hotmail.com.
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Just for Laughs
| Laughter Yoga at MDDA-Boston - Next Meeting March 5, 2008
| Laughter Yoga is a form of physical exercise that combines simulated laughter along with gentle yoga breathing techniques and stretching as a way to improve an individual's health and happiness. It's a great aerobic workout, yet gentle on the body. Anybody can do it and it is fun!
Free Laughter Club meetings are led by Judy Ho, a certified Laughter Yoga Leader and MDDA-Boston Facilitator on the first Wednesday of each month, before MDDA-Boston Share/Care Group meetings. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the deMarneffe Cafeteria at McLean Hospital, Room 117, in Belmont. Contact Judy Ho with questions or concerns at laughterhealer@gmail.com.
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Low-Pressure Acupuncture
| Pathways to Wellness Offers Low-Cost Acupuncture
Group sessions Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays; other discounts available
| Acupuncture is an Asian medical technique that developed more than 3,000 years ago in China. This ancient medical system has proved invaluable for people living with chronic illness. Regular treatments help boost the immune system, prevent infections, and maintain energy.
Our new Low-Cost Acupuncture Treatment is provided in a unique traditional acupuncture setting that utilizes a group treatment healing experience. Up to four people will receive treatment at one time in a group treatment room. Our new sliding scale rate is $20 - $35 per one-hour session; open to all regardless of income level.
Pathways also serves as a teaching clinic for students at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) Masters' Program and trains top specialists. Through NESA we run an Intern Acupuncture Clinic that provides treatment on Thursdays for a discounted fee of $20.
Pathways is located in Boston's South End, at 1601 Washington Street, 3rd Floor. To make an appointment, call 617-859-3036 or visit www.pathwaysboston.org.
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That's a WRAP!
| Upcoming Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Trainings
Next MetroSuburban orientation March 5; contact Central Mass for upcoming dates
| WRAP, a program developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, offers another way to deal with life's challenges, including mental health issues. WRAPs are written by the experts: ourselves.
WRAP helps us learn more about what we need to do on a daily basis to maintain or regain our wholeness, how we take care of ourselves and what triggers us. In a WRAP, we explore ways to help maintain or recover our wellness.
MetroSuburban WRAP classes
Weekly classes will be held at The Edinberg Center, at 169 Elm Street in Waltham. A one-hour orientation to WRAP will be held on Wednesday, March 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. If you're intrigued, sign up for the 10-week WRAP sessions, beginning Wednesday, March 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with support & tutoring offered until 8:30 p.m.
Registration is required to attend!
For more information or to register, contact Scott Wennerberg at 617-472-3237.
Central Mass WRAP classes
Current classes are held on Wednesdays at Worcester State Hospital from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and at the Recovery Learning Center office, 91 Stafford Street, Worcester from 1 to 2:30 p.m. These classes are currently closed to new participants. Call to find out when the next series will be offered: 508-751-9600.
For more information on Mary Ellen Copeland and WRAP, visit mentalhealthrecovery.com.
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Holy (Healthy) Smokes!
| Free Smoking Cessation Specialist Training
Healthy Changes Initiative training from March 10-11 in Lowell, MA; four slots left!
| We at Healthy Changes Initiative are very interested in having consumers work in DMH and community setting help motivate everyone and help support people who want to quit smoking. On Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11 we will hold an all-day training in Lowell for people who have lived experience with mental health issues (and don't smoke currently) to start the path towards becoming licensed Smoking Cessation Specialists.
If you are interested, please contact Rachel Klein as soon as possible at 617-393-3930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or 617 926-7177 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. E-mail Rachel at rachelaklein@rcn.com.
This course is usually $125, but is being offered for FREE to six peers! Four slots are left.
Upon completion of the training and supervision/working for a certain number of hours, this is a Medicaid-reimbursable job! We expect there to be jobs available in all DMH areas for peers to work with people inpatient and in community settings.
Peer facilitators, CPS preferred but not necessary for this wonderful opportunity.
Please spread the word in all ways you can! If you cannot come to this workshop, due to location or date, please contact me if you are interested. There may be future training opportunities in Springfield and SE DMH areas.
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Just for Fun(ds)
| L.O.V.E. Fundraiser on Wednesday, February 27 in Methuen
| On Wednesday, February 27, 2008 the Lawrence Organizing Voices for Empowerment (the L.O.V.E. Group) will hold a fundraiser at the new Methuen Fuddruckers, 436 Broadway/Rt. 28 (at the Village Mall). Dinner and a raffle (open to families!) will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Organized by the L.O.V.E. Group and the Northeast Independent Living Program, a portion of all sales will go to the L.O.V.E. group and its advocacy efforts.
For more information, call the Northeast Independent Living Program at 978-687-4288 or call Fuddruckers at 978-685-9300.
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Forward Movement: Health Care for All Conference
| "Building Momentum, Moving Forward" 3/28 in Boxborough
www.hcfama.org/conf08
Health Care For All's annual Policy and Organizing Conference will be held this year on Friday, March 28 at the Holiday Inn, Boxborough, located at 242 Adams Place in Boxborough. This year's theme will be "Building Momentum, Moving Forward."
Come meet and hear from the lawmakers, community leaders, business leaders, and organizers who are working to make affordable, quality health care for all a reality in Massachusetts!
For more information about the conference or to register, click the above link, e-mail hcfaconferenceinfo@hcfama.org or call 617-275-2934.
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Work your Recovery: Exciting New Peer Position at DMH
| | | 40-Hour/Week Patient Liaison Position at Taunton State Hospital
www.mass.gov/dmh
The Department of Mental Health, as the state mental health authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers and communities.
We are looking for someone with LIVED EXPERIENCE to work a 40-hour/week position as a Patient Liaison at Taunton State Hospital. For more information on the Patient Liaison position, go here.
Duties will include:
· Working with patients and staff to ensure a participatory process for patients as it relates to the Principles of Recovery such as empowerment, responsibility, instilling hope, wellness and strength-based care.
· Supporting the hospital initiative to reduce and eliminate restraint and seclusion.
· Supporting and enhancing the integration of the Recovery Model with all aspects of clinical care in collaboration with the clinical departments and advocating for the patient in the treatment planning process.
· Acting as co-leader of the Patient Empowerment Committee, and, in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Department, providing oversight of the Recovery Resource Center.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: People need not lend too much importance to the qualifications required relating to "investigatory or law enforcement" experience. Other experiences, knowledge and skills may be equally important.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to
healthhr-customerservice-se@state.ma.us or fax them to 508-977-3588. Candidates who do not have a resume can complete an Employment Application at the below address. Any questions, contact our customer service unit via the above e-mail or by calling 508-977-3120 or 508-977-3280.
Mail cover letter and resume to:
EOHHS/Human Resources
PO Box 4007
60 Hodges Ave.,Ext.
Taunton, MA 02780
Posting ID #J13729
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Work your Recovery: Jobs at the Transformation Center
| Peer Specialist Program Coordinator and Latino Peer Support Network Project Director
www.m-power.org, www.transformation-center.org
The Transformation Center is an organization run by and for a diverse community of people with mental health conditions, including those of us with co-occurring addictions recovery needs. We are building an organization that will help the community fully and respectfully welcome people with psychiatric conditions, find out about mental health recovery, learn practical leadership skills, learn about the role of a Peer Specialist in mental health services, increase the transformative impact of peer-operated services, and advocate for realistic solutions in mental health and addictions policy.
We are currently seeking a 40-hour/week Peer Specialist Program Coordinator. For more information about this position, go here.
We are also seeking a 32-hour/week Latino Peer Support Network Project Director. For more information about this position, go here.
To apply, send resume and cover letter to:
Ann Stillman - Administrative Coordinator
M-POWER & The Transformation Center
98 Magazine Street Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-4111; ann@m-power.org
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Work Wonders: Jobs at South Shore Mental Health
| | | Jobs Range from Part-Time Peer Mentor to Full-Time Life Coach
www.ssmh.org
South Shore Mental Health is a private, non-profit comprehensive behavioral healthcare organization providing mental health and substance abuse services for people of all ages throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Our continuum of services includes outpatient counseling, medication, intensive outpatient programs, early intervention, day treatment, residential services, twenty-four hour emergency services and crisis stabilization.
We are seeking to fill many full- and part-time positions; below is only a highlight of what we have to offer! For more information on all positions (and more!), click here and scroll down to the applicable bolded position.
PEER MENTOR-QUINCY-20 HOURS/WEEK
We are seeking a 20-hour/week Peer Mentor in our Supported Employment Program in Quincy. The Peer Mentor Program helps transitional age young adults in the Southwest Suburban Department of Mental Health Area (Canton) and the South Suburban Department of Mental Health Area (Quincy), ages 16-25 who have been
diagnosed with mental illness.
LIFE COACH - QUINCY - FULL-TIME - 01/28/08
Unique opportunity exists for a full-time Life Coach to act as a mentor to
children and adolescents ages 7 to 18 in our Foundations program! The Life
Coach works with individuals 1:1 and in small groups and is responsible for
facilitating social integration, teaching social skills, accompanying them
on trips out into the community, and discovering and engaging them in hobbies
and fun activities.
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All in a Day's Work: Gould Farm Offers 40-Hour Position
| Apply by Feb 22 to Work as a Resource Coordinator in Boston
www.gouldfarm.org
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Gould Farm (The William J. Gould Associates, Inc.) in Monterey, MA and its transitional program in Medford, MA, comprise a psychosocial rehabilitation program with strong roots in the traditions of social service and fellowship. A compassionate and respectful residential community where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves, Gould Farm provides a solid clinical, work and community program that offers a wide range of opportunities for people to address their individual goals.
Gould Farm is currently seeking a 40-hour/week Resource Coordinator. Reporting to the Clinical Program Director of Gould Farm's Boston Area Programs (BAP), the Resource Coordinator is responsible for connecting with the wider community through networking and seeking out potential paid employment, volunteer, educational and affordable housing and benefit opportunities for BAP participants. The Resource Coordinator acts as consultant and advisor to BAP participants and staff to communicate those opportunities. The Resource Coordinator provides a consistent presence and advocacy for residents and Extended Community members (clients) by encouraging, promoting and facilitating growth toward greater independence.
Candidate must have a BA in social work or related human services field or equivalent with two-four years experience or training in a related field; Masters Degree in vocational counseling preferred. Knowledge of mental illness and recovery with respect to the complex effects on different demographic groups including relevant area resources and the benefits system is desirable. Excellent networking, verbal and written communications skills are essential. Willingness to promote the values and spirit of Gould Farm, to actively participate as a member of the community and to continuously seek ways to improve, both self and function.
Gould Farm is an equal opportunity employer and offers a comprehensive health insurance package at a minimal cost to employees as well as dental insurance which is fully paid by us. In addition, we offer paid vacation, sick, short term disability and holidays.
To apply, e-mail resume and cover letter by February 22 to hr@gouldfarm.org or mail to Human Resources, Gould Farm, P.O. Box 157, Monterey, MA 01245-0157.
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Work It: Two Openings at Riverside Community Care
| Employment Specialist and Peer Support Program Coordinator
www.riversidecc.org
| Riverside Community Care is an award winning, non-profit organization that helps build healthy communities by providing "the help you need close to home." At Riverside, we have worked for more than four decades to build a healthcare and human service system that enables individuals and families to continue to live in their own communities, even when facing daunting challenges.
Riverside Career Services, a Riverside Community Care SEE (Services for Education and Employment) program located in Melrose, MA is currently seeking applicants for a part-time Employment Specialist.
Responsibilities include job development, resume writing, on-going job support, anti-stigma education, benefits counseling, and more general advocacy on behalf of adult mental health service users. The Employment Specialist will work weekdays with some flexibility in how the 20-hour/week schedule is set up. A lived experience of mental illness is strongly preferred.For more information about this position, click here or contact Marjorie Longo at 781-662-0316.
Riverside Community Care's Peer Support Program is seeking a part-time Program Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the program's operations; work independently to hire, train and offer guidance to peer support workers; match peer support workers with consumers; comfortably interact with DMH representatives, Riverside staff, and other providers; and participate in agency committees.The ideal candidate is a Certified Peer Specialist or an individual with a lived history of recovery in the context of mental illness who has participated in a recognized training to provide services that promote wellness and recovery.
This position is for 20 hours/week; hours will be primarily M - F daytime hours, with some flexibility required to accommodate meetings. For more information on this position, click here.
To apply for both positions, mail, fax or e-mail a resume and cover letter to:
Human Resources, Riverside Community Care, 450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026; fax 781-320-3603; or e-mail jobs@riversidecc.org.
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Keep Workin' It: Part-Time Opening at Potter Place
| | | 20-Hour/Week Food Services Position Available
www.potterplace.org
Potter Place, located at 15 Vernon Street in Waltham, is hiring a 20-hour/week assistant work area coordinator in food services. Contact Mark Maragnano at 781-894-5302 and/or MMaragnano@potterplace.org.
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Our Next Recovery Network Newsletter
| | | Look for our next newsletter on Monday, February 25! E-mail Melissa Sances at melissa@m-power.org or call 617-442-4111 with listings.
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The Recovery Network News | 98 Magazine Street | Roxbury | MA | 02119
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