by LaMara HunterKelly | Feb 12, 2025
Welcome to The Consortium’s 50th Anniversary “Gallery of Thank You” Celebration!
Join us in person at Union Station in Northampton, MA as we celebrate this milestone event. Get ready for an evening filled with great food, music, and connection as we share our gratitude, memories, and appreciation for all those who have supported us throughout the years. This special celebration is our way of saying thank you to all our communities, partners, sponsors, and friends who have made our journey possible. Please come as you are, celebratory attire encouraged. Here’s to 50 years of making our mission possible in and through community. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
by LaMara HunterKelly | Mar 21, 2023 | In The News
GREENFIELD – Keith Rollins has dabbled in art for 20 years and once worked as a licensed tattoo artist. But Wednesday marked the first time his work has been showcased in a gallery setting.
For approximately the next month, samples of Rollins’ prints will hang on a wall at 74 Federal St., and the 30-year-old Chicopee native is happy to explain his inspiration and creative process. He is one of 13 western Massachusetts residents in recovery with their work exhibited in The RECOVER Project’s annex gallery as part of the nonprofit’s first art show.
“This place has been a huge part of my recovery,” he said about an hour after the exhibit opened on Wednesday afternoon. “This is the first time I’ve ever displayed my art like this.”
Tara Kuzmeskus, a peer support worker with The RECOVER Project, explained someone in recovery had suggested an art show, knowing there is a lot of artistic talent in the area. The idea got a vote of approval at a community meeting a couple of months ago and artists began hanging their work over the past week…[CONTINUE READING]
by LaMara HunterKelly | Mar 2, 2023 | In The News
GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project and The RECOVER Project co-sponsor an education/support group for caregivers who have domestic violence and/or substance use histories. The group has open enrollment, so there is no deadline by which to sign up.
The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance-Related Treatment and Recovery is a 16-week, evidence-based group designed to offer adult caregivers educational information about human growth and development. Attendees explore the impact of substance abuse and domestic violence on children and families. The topics are designed to strengthen participants’ self-esteem and to encourage strength-based models for guiding behaviors in children.
The support group meets each
Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The group is offered both on Zoom and in person at the Salasin Project. To register, contact Lynn at 413-774-4307, ext. 103 or
lynn-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org…[
continue reading].
by LaMara HunterKelly | Feb 27, 2023 | In The News
Published: 2/26/2023 1:44:50 PM
NORTHAMPTON — The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has announced $114,000 in grants to community groups working with youth and families and supporting people in recovery, as part of its Asset Forfeiture Community Reinvestment Program.
Funds for the grants come from asset forfeitures through which the office redistributes funds seized in drug-related cases. The money is given to community organizations working on drug rehabilitation, drug education and other anti-drug programs that aim to foster healthy communities and support law enforcement efforts to prevent crime.
“There are so many ways to build resilience in our communities even during trying times,” Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan said in a statement.
The top awards of $20,000 each went to the North Quabbin Recovery Center in Athol and the Recovery Center of Hope in Ware, serving the Quaboag Hills region.
“We wanted to give an extra boost to the newer peer recovery centers in the region, which are not yet fully funded by the state as are The RECOVER Project in Greenfield and the Northampton Recovery Center,” Sullivan said. “We know from experience that peer-focused recovery centers provide essential support to help people in recovery continue on that journey.”
The Northampton and Greenfield centers received $5,000 each. The Northampton center, in its earliest years, was supported by the DA’s office through staff time and funding until it became part of the network of state-funded recovery centers…[continue reading]
![Greenfield resident explores topics ranging from racism to mental health in poetry reading]()
by LaMara HunterKelly | Jul 28, 2022 | In The News
By BELLA LEVAVI
Staff Writer
Published: 7/24/2022 3:03:34 PM
Modified: 7/24/2022 3:00:32 PM
GREENFIELD — Kimberly “Kemah” Wilson started her poetry reading by keeping the mood light with a song about meatballs.
From this song, the Greenfield resident transported listeners across a variety of topics including LGBTQ pride, racism and America’s future.
Wilson presented her reading at The LAVA Center on Saturday afternoon. Most people in the crowd knew Wilson personally and said they were touched by her work.
“The pieces had such a span of thought and insight,” commented Wilson’s friend, Mindy Bragon.
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