(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – Executive Director Steven Cobb opened the May recovery luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) with the reminder that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection and community.

Cobb awarded certificates to a number of participants to recognize significant milestones they achieved. 

The first person to be recognized could not be present, as he was already working at his new place of employment, a major local factory. 

Present to receive his certificate was a young person who will soon begin training at the Job Corps. He first came to the MHA when he was unhoused, having been rejected from his family’s home. He shared his appreciation for the people at MHA who have been so supportive and offered words of encouragement.

Others were recognized for two, five and six years of sobriety. 

After Cobb recognized his sponsor, Linda Lloyd, for her 35 years of being sober, she immediately returned the favor, giving him a certificate for his 14 years of sobriety. 

Finance Director Jill Marsh announced the winner of the book bag filled with a variety of useful products.

Volunteer Becky Hemmis offered grace before the wonderful meal that was prepared and served by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jamestown.

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.