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"Recovery in Action" |
  Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D. Commissioner |
One of my favorite and most gratifying responsibilities as Commissioner of DMHAS is to meet with people who receive our services and to learn from them. The wisdom shared with me during these sessions has been a major force in helping to reshape our service system. Individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders have shed light on what it means to cope with these conditions and what it takes to experience "recovery," which means to dare to have hopes and dreams for a better future, to have friends and family with whom to share a life.
Last week I was fortunate to attend an awards meeting of the Regional Consumer Advisory Council (Region 4) that honored people who received small grants of up to $2,000 to help them realize their dreams. I was so impressed with the creative, diverse and ambitious projects that were completed with this seed money that I want to share them with you. They truly exemplify the DMHAS vision of recovery.
Several individuals from the Recovery Club, Inc. were awarded grants for their projects. In Mary Jo C's project, "Let's Get Connected by Computer," two new PCs and software were purchased for use in a peer-run non-profit agency that sponsors sober activities for adults. Robert P's "The Club's Open," created a first-ever statewide fund-raising golf tournament attended by 144 people (with more on a wait list)! The funds raised will help to promote future tournaments and to enhance services provided by their peer-run agency. Bill E. used funding to purchase speakers and microphones for their bi-monthly musical social…an outlet for adults in recovery that draws 200 adults per month. Professional musicians jam before the audience of adults in recovery providing a sober environment to socialize and appreciate music. Richard J. was able to pay league participation and ballpark fees, purchase new gloves, shirts, and bats for his "Windsor Recovery Club Sober Softball League" project-another healthy, life enriching project for people in recovery.
Awards also were made to people from several other community agencies. Selina W. from Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., created a local chapter of the national Depression, Bi-Polar Support Alliance. Bill B. from Community Health Resources, Inc./Genesis put together an impressive "H.E.A.T. Conference" where people received information from professionals on Housing, Employment, and Transportation. James R., also from Community Health Resources/Genesis purchased a computer and accounting software to be used to track inventory and sales for the "We Can Snack Bar" and received training from a local businessman for its use. Dawn L. and Deb S. from Focus on Recovery-United, Inc. organized a second annual Statewide Recovery Picnic, to be held Sept. 21 on the beach at Harkness Memorial Park. The picnic will be catered by a peer-run business and will include social and educational activities. Irma G. and Laura W. from Capitol Region Mental Health Center/Chrysalis, Inc. have collaborated to teach arts and crafts to interested folks at Capitol Region. Phil F. from Inter-Community Mental Health Group purchased equipment for his "Basement Bijou" project where people get together weekly to view classic movies and build social relationships. Sandra B., also from Inter-Community, teaches Spanish as well as relaxation techniques involving Yoga and meditation. Sheryl W., a talented artist from Community Health Resources, Inc., used funds to frame her work and enable her to display her paintings at the DMHAS Art Gallery.
Hats off to each of these "Champions of Recovery!" You truly serve as a role model and shining example for the hope of recovery.
· Also see Commissioner Kirk's "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" message
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