New Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (x-posted)
Hi all,
I hope this sort of post is okay here, but definitely thought it was relevant! My name is Sera and I am Co-Director of a new project in Western Mass called the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC). Like everyone else who works or volunteers at the Western Mass RLC, I have had (and continue to have at times) significant struggles in my life. For me, that has meant being a trauma survivor, getting labeled in several different ways by the mental health system, and experiencing some pretty extreme states of depression, etc.
I'd like to share some about the The Western Mass RLC: This project is all about building a community of people in Western Mass who have lived experience and want to be a part of something where they can get, give and simply be. We believe that recovery (as it is defined by each individual) is a probability, but not, in many instances, without the opportunity to be a part of something that is meaningful to you and to have the opportunity to build real, meaningful relationships with other people. When you contact us or come into our Resource Connection Center (RCC), our first priority is to welcome individuals into our community (no 'credentials' checked, we're here for the person, whatever their experience has been). Our second priority is to hear the individual's story, and learn what supports *they* want. (Each individual is, after all, the expert on him/herself.) In addition to wanting to reach out to individuals with lived experience, we'd also like to reach out to students and providers to share our experiences and help people learn different ways of helping and talking about people who are struggling.
From our livejournal home page:
The Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is a new project for individuals with lived experience with a diagnosis of mental illness, with trauma and/or with extreme states of mind. The Western Mass RLC offers peer support to individuals with lived experience as provided by individuals with lived experience through individual and groups supports and the creation of a regional peer network.
Supports include 1:1 support and advocacy, groups, workshops and trainings throughout all four counties in Western Mass. Additionally, a Resource Connection Center (RCC) in Holyoke, MA that offers 1:1 peer support by phone or walk-in, as well as a computer lab, library and meeting room where a variety of workshops and trainings will be held (yoga, art, WRAP, etc.). (Satelite RCCs will be available in the fall in both Berkshire and Franklin counties.)
Our Holyoke RCC opens its doors on Thursday, July 26th. It is located at 187 High Street, Suite 303, Holyoke. Regular hours will include:
Tuesdays 10a-4p
Wednesdays 12p-8p
Thursdays/Fridays 12p-4p
Saturdays 11a-3p
All individuals who work and volunteer (including all managers and directors) for the Western Mass RLC identify as having lived experience.
Contact us at (866) 641-2853 or info@westernmassrlc.org for more info! You can also check out our lj community (just getting up and running) at westernmass_rlc.