(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – Finance Director Jill Marsh opened the April recovery luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) with a welcome to everyone present.
Marsh then recognized Jena Vacanti, who is completing her internship at MHA through Jamestown Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
Knowing the MHA has experienced funding cuts and that its work depends on grants, contracts and donations, Vacanti took it upon herself to create and organize the recent basket raffle fundraiser held at the Brocton American Legion.
Kim Barnett was the grand prize winner of the football autographed by Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly. With 53 baskets donated by local businesses and community members, the event raised over $3,300. It was also an opportunity to talk about substance use challenges and to train people in Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, an over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal drug.
In addition to thanking Vacanti, a student of Sarah Tranum, JCC Professor/Director of OTA and president of the MHA Board, the MHA is grateful to the community for their support and the Brocton Legion for being a great host of what is planned to become an annual event.
Administrative Manager Michelle Colaiacovo recognized a participant for achieving secure housing and being six months sober and welcomed new volunteer Diana Bloom.
Colaiacovo also announced that a new Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) group will be starting Wednesday, May 29. CRAFT meets for 12 weeks with family members and friends of someone struggling with a substance use disorder, guiding them through strategies to use for more positive interactions with that person.
Human Resources Director Billy Hernandez awarded a certificate to a participant who is now living in his own apartment.
Jamestown Floor Manager Ed Lloyd awarded certificates to three participants who successfully completed the 12-weeks anger management group, one who finished the Goodskills Career Builder program at Jamestown Community College, and another for nine-months sobriety.
Participant Melita Lyon offered grace before the meal that was prepared by St. Susan Center and served by Activities Director Dianne Valvo and volunteer Joe Wisnewski.
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 MHA commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.
MHA’s Jamestown center, at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.– 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Hours for the north county center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Wednesday.
To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.
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