Peggy Vezina, director of the RECOVER Project, said she didn’t know much about labyrinths until she started to help.
“I love the idea,” she said. “It’s all about building community.”
The labyrinth is open to everyone. (CLICK HERE to read full article)
POSTED 5/16/19 on the United Way Hampshire County Facebook Page
This year, the Kay Sheehan Spirit of the Community Award was awarded to the Northampton Recovery Center.
In the three years since opening their doors, Northampton Recovery Center has become a vital regional resource in the fight against addiction and for recovery. They have grown quickly, starting in the basement of Edwards Church before moving to their own space in downtown Northampton that has allowed them to provide more services, longer hours, and increased visitations. Their peer-to-peer counseling and support for individuals, their families, and allies is nothing short of life changing.
The Northampton Recovery Center’s work in our community was recognized at the United Way’s Annual Celebration and Awards event on Thursday, May 30th at Look Park. NRC’s wonderful director Lynn Ferro, accompanied by core members/advisory committee members John Sullivan and Alexis Neubert, accepted the award.
For more photos and a link to the video of the acceptance speech, check out the NRC Facebook page.
The Provider – Vol. 40 – No. 5 May 2019
Bellini’s supervisor Mary Kate Farley-Dimino says “they have such a sincere style of supporting people in becoming the most effective Self Advocates they can be.” As emphasized in the Consortium’s mission, they demonstrably values the wisdom gained from “lived experience” as one of our most important resources. Bellini recognizes it “makes sense to work with people who’ve been through similar things.” “Over two years ago, self-advocates interviewing Ness knew right away they were right for the job,” said WTMC Executive Director Kristel Applebee. “The interview included an impromptu role play and Ness joined right in – it’s been an environment of curiosity for learning ever since! Ness teams with self-advocates and colleagues in an exceptional way, promoting skill development, stronger relationships and leadership that has increased impact on our service systems and community. We’re grateful for their contributions and can’t wait to see what’s next!”
By JOSHUA SOLOMON
Staff Writer
Published: 5/9/2019
GREENFIELD —
…Advocates, like Amie Hyson, who is a recovery coach who works with The RECOVER Project in Greenfield, asked the commission to help coaches avoid burnout. This in part is to support a pay that is a livable wage and in part to provide additional services that support the coaches…
Linda Sarage, the former longtime director of The RECOVER Project, said it’s vital to increase the available training and multilingual access to them while decreasing the barriers of cost. She reminded the commission that Pittsfield and Greenfield are not necessarily close.
“We’re weeding out people from particular backgrounds and particular demographics who would be our most valuable assets,” Sarage said. “How do we make it more accessible?”
Sarah Ahern, an active member and advocate of the recovery community in town, emphasized the sheer importance of a recovery coach.
“The peer-to-peer model is so important because as a person in recovery, I’ve had way too much clinical interface,” Ahern said. “When you’re sitting across from someone who has walked your path, the trust is a little different. The trust is there right away.”
(Read Full Article HERE)