(WNY News Now) – The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) has secured a crucial grant to hire a bilingual peer specialist, ensuring better mental health support for the Spanish-speaking population in the region.
The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) believes that everyone deserves a chance at recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, regardless of race, age, and sexual orientation.
One of the many changes the MHA has experienced over the last few years is the loss of its bilingual certified peer, causing a struggle to serve the Spanish-speaking community, as cultural and language barriers have limited its services.
MHA Grant Manager Michelle Colaiacovo reported that the Mental Health Association is extremely grateful that Jamestown’s Hultquist Foundation accepted their proposal to hire a bilingual peer who will serve in both the Dunkirk and Jamestown recovery centers.
Expressing his appreciation, Interim Executive Director Michael Nordin said, “Receiving this grant is very important to our community as it will allow us to work with an underserved population throughout Chautauqua County.”
In applying for the grant, the MHA pointed out that peer support plays a vital role in the Spanish-speaking community by creating a nurturing environment for those who understand the unique cultural differences, language barriers, and specific challenges this community faces. This supportive network fosters a deep sense of belonging, enabling individuals to openly share their experiences and effectively communicate their needs. By connecting with peers who have experienced similar challenges, Spanish-speaking community members gain the confidence to navigate life’s complexities, drawing strength from shared experiences.
The position summary on the job posting says: “A Peer Specialist utilizes an individual’s strengths by motivating and encouraging them toward self-sufficiency goals. They are responsible for linking participants to appropriate treatment and community resources. A Recovery Coach uses their recovery story to promote and motivate someone toward a healthy lifestyle.”
Billy Hernandez, MHA’s human resources director, encourages anyone who is interested in the position to visit MHAChautauqua.org/NewPeer, where there is also information about benefits, qualifications, and responsibilities.
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 recovery center in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 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 Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org.
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