**********************************************
Next Northwest Peer Connect Will Meet on February 8^th
**********************************************

Northwest Peer Connect will not meet in January due to schedule conflicts. Our next meeting will be February 8, and a notice about the place and time will appear in this

email digest.

Please contact Ann Benner (804)343-1777, ann@vocalvirginia.org, for more information.

*****************************************

Rally and Advocacy Day on Monday, January 16!!!
*****************************************

The Coalition for Virginians with Mental Disabilities will hold its annual General Assembly Rally on Monday, January16th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square, located at the corner of 9th and Bank Streets in Richmond. A map of Capitol Square can be found at

http://hodcap.state.va.us/publications/Capitol_Visitor_Guide.pdf, on page 15.

The Bell Tower is on the bottom left of the map.

FROM NORTH OR SOUTH: Take I-95 to Broad Street West exit. Continue west on Broad Street until 9th.

FROM EAST OR WEST: Take I-64 to I-95 South. Take Broad Street West exit. Continue west on Broad Street until 9th.

Parking in Richmond on streets is difficult at any time, especially when the General Assembly is in session. There are plenty of parking lots and garages nearby. They charge a small fee for parking; it is cheaper than parking tickets.

For individuals traveling to the Rally in a van and may have difficulty dropping off participants at the Rally site, the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) has generously arranged for satellite parking and shuttle service. Individuals who need an area to rest or use restrooms may do so in the lobby of RBHA.

Satellite parking is located at

107 South 5th Street. Shuttle service will be available from 9 until 10 a.m. to the Bell Tower, and will offer return trips from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. For questions or additional information, contact Laura Nguyen at (804) 819-4078.

Visit Your Legislator/Meeting Preparation

1. Find out who your Senator and Delegate are by visiting http://legis.state.va.us, or call Legislative Information at (804) 698-1500. Write down your legislators' home district mailing address, e-mail address, and the Richmond office phone number.

2. Review the Coalition's legislative agenda, as it focuses on the needs of individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder.

3. If you can, contact your legislator by letter or e-mail to notify him or her that you will be in Richmond on January 16th and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with either them or their legislative aide. Let them know that you are especially interested in funding for services to individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Be sure to include a few words about why this is of interest to you. Also, invite your legislator to join you at the Rally between 10 and 11 a.m. at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square.

4. In the week prior to the Rally, (January 9th through January 13th), call your legislators' offices in Richmond to remind them that you will be in Richmond the following week and are looking forward to meeting with them. Don't forget to remind your legislators that they are welcome to attend the Rally and that you hope to see them there.

5. Plan and rehearse what you will say to your legislators or to their aides when you visit them. Be sure to connect what you say with key points on the Coalition's legislative agenda. Please put your remarks and/or personal story in writing to leave with them.

6. There will be a table in the lobby of the General Assembly Building where you can find out who your legislators are and/or pick up materials to leave with them when you visit. The table will be open at 9:30 a.m.

**********************************************************
SAMHSA Webinar: Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale: An Introduction
**********************************************************    
January 19^th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Presenters: Paolo del Vecchio and H. Westley Clark from SAMHSA, along with state/recovery leaders

Description: This webinar will introduce SAMHSA's Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS).  Consistent with SAMHSA's Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, BRSS TACS is being implemented to help states, tribes, jurisdictions, providers, and other stakeholders develop recovery-oriented systems of care across the United States.  The webinar will review the vision and goals of BRSS TACS.  Experts in behavioral health, including self-identified people in recovery and state-level program administrators, will discuss challenges, resources, and lessons learned that inform the work of this SAMHSA initiative.

Who should attend: State, territory, tribe, and county-level mental health and substance use disorders treatment/recovery systems administrators, consumers and people in recovery, behavioral health providers, peer providers, providers of other health and human services (primary health care, housing, employment), policymakers, and researchers.

Register Now

*****************************************************************
Availability of One-Time Block Grant Fund Awards from John Pezzoli, Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health
*****************************************************************

As you know, annual allocations of funds from the federal Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant are established for each state fiscal year by DBHDS and disbursed to community services boards (CSBs) and other behavioral health (MH and SA) organizations over the course of the state fiscal year or contract period.  As these planned expenditures are subject to change, unspent Block Grant balances often accrue during the state fiscal year. As a result, DBHDS has balance funds from these two grants that must be expended by September 30, 2012.  These funds are available for one-time expenditures provided certain statutory and policy requirements are met.

To assure that CSBs and other eligible organizations have equal access to these funds, DBHDS has established an application process.  DBHDS is interested in supporting proposals that are innovative or that meet urgent needs related to improved services.  This memorandum fully explains the application process, application and expenditure deadlines, and provides other relevant information.

·        Application for One-Time Block Grant Funds: CSBs and other eligible non-profit mental health and substance abuse organizations may apply to DBHDS for CMHS or SAPT Block Grant one-time awards beginning on January 1, 2012. Applications must be submitted by the Executive Director or equivalent officer of the organization to Rhonda Thissen, Mental Health Block Grant Administrator in the DBHDS Office of Behavioral Health Services. Applications must be submitted electronically to Ms. Thissen at rhonda.thissen@dbhds.virginia.gov.   Electronic applications are required.

·        Award Amounts and Important Deadlines:  The maximum award available under this announcement is $50,000.  Applicants may seek awards of a lesser amount, however, and may submit more than one request funds from either MHBG or SAPT fund sources. SAPT awards may be for either "prevention" or "treatment" initiatives, as set-aside requirements permit.  The application should clearly state which source of funds is requested (e.g., MHBG or SAPT BG). Applications must be submitted by no later than Tuesday, January 31, 2012.  The deadline for expenditure of all awards, regardless of amount or funding source, is September 30, 2012.

·        Eligible Organizations:  In order to maximize both the available one-time funds and address the September 30 expenditure deadline, requests for funds will only be considered from organizations meeting the following criteria:

a.       Community services boards;

b.      Not-for-profit, community-based organizations providing mental health and/or substance abuse treatment or support services that  have a current contractual or vendor relationship with  DBHDS or a community services board;  and/or

c.       Not-for-profit organizations providing mental health and/or substance abuse treatment or support services that are willing to partner with a community services board  that will serve as the fiscal agent for this award. Non-CSB applicants must include a letter from the CSB Executive Director or equivalent officer indicating the CSB's willingness to partner with and, if necessary, to serve as the fiscal agent for the project.

·        Application Requirements: Applications should be brief (i.e., no more than eight (8) pages, including all attachments) and include the following information:

a.       A clear and concise description of the proposed project or initiative and the needs it addresses;

b.      A line-item budget for the proposed project, with justifications for the amounts requested;

c.       A clear and concise statement of financial need for the funds requested; applicants must demonstrate why funds that are already allocated to, or anticipated by, the organization (e.g., federal, state, and local allocations, fee revenues, etc.), or any prior-year balances of funds on hand, are unavailable or insufficient for the proposed project;

d.      A specific timetable showing implementation milestones, including dates, for the proposed project;

e.      Assurance that all funds will be expended by no later than September 30, 2012; and

f.        Assurance that the organization will  report the project status and impact to DBHDS by the proposed project completion date or implementation date, or upon request from DBHDS.

·        Criteria for Proposal Review: DBHDS will look favorably on applications for one-time awards of Block Grant funds which serve to further the Commonwealth's behavioral health system strategic goals.  For information on strategic priorities, applicants should review the DBHDS strategic planning report Creating Opportunities: A Plan for Advancing Community Focused Services in Virginia and related updates, available on the DBHDS Web site at www.dbhds.virginia.gov.  Applicants may be asked to submit or provide additional information about any proposed project, but applications must be complete when submitted. Funding decisions will be made based on the merit of the proposed project, the demonstrated financial need of the organization, and the quality of the application considered in the context of the strategic priorities of DBHDS and the publicly-funded system of behavioral health services.  A decision to award funding to an applicant organization will be communicated to the Executive Director or equivalent as soon as possible after the January 31 deadline.

·        Additional Requirements: One-time CMHS and SAPT Block Grant funds received through this process may only be used for purposes consistent with existing federal Block Grant requirements regarding persons served, allowable expenditures, and other requirements of these Block Grants.

·        DBHDS Retains Full Discretion and Authority Over Funding: DBHDS has full discretion and final authority to determine amounts of one-time Block Grant funds that may be available at any time for distribution to CSBs and other applicant organizations through this process.  

Thank you for your interest in this important endeavor. If you have questions, please contact Jim Martinez at jim.martinez@dbhds.virginia.gov (804-371-0767) or Mellie Randall at mellie.randall@dbhds.virginia.gov (804-371-2135).

**************************************

VAULT Advertising Executive Director Position
**************************************

During 2010, a group of 13 leaders from Virginia disability groups and organizations came together to form a statewide,cross-disability non-profit organization to bring people with disabilities together for public policy decision-making at  local,state and regional levels. People with disabilities, groups and organizations make up the board of directors for VAULT, including:

·         Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

·         Hearing Loss Association

·         People First

·         Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL)

·         Virginia Association of DeafBlind

·         Virginia Organization of Consumers Asserting Leadership (VOCAL)

·         Youth Leadership Forum alumni 

The successful candidate must have experience, skills, abilities and/or working knowledge of:

·         disabilities and disability systems change activities at the local, state, or national level;

·         interpreting and implementing policies;

·         generally accepted administrative management and personnel;

·         writing reports;

·         general accounting, financial and procurement functions;

·         budget development and monitoring;

·         fundraising and/or grant writing; and

·         Microsoft Office Suite and other related programs 

Preferred qualifications for the Executive Director are:

·         the ability to travel;

·         a Bachelors degree in a human service field or 2 - 5 years of related experience in the disability field;

·         at least 2 - 5 years in a leadership position of a non-profit;

·         supervisory experience of staff; training experience/ public speaking; and

·         a working knowledge of administrative and legislative processes. 

Priority consideration will be given to a candidate with a disability. 

This position is grant funded for 30 hours per week. 

The salary range is $29,000 - $35,000 with no health benefits.  VAULT's office is located in Richmond, Virginia. The position is open until filled. 

If interested, please submit a cover letter and a resume to:

Ann Benner

1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 111

Richmond, VA. 23230

Or Email:  ann@vocalvirginia.org

************************************************

The Laurie Mitchell Employment Center Announces a Free

Employment Workshop: "It's All About Self"
************************************************

Presented by Jerry Brown, Employment Services Director

Wednesday, January 11^th from 6-7 p.m.

       Self-Esteem: the value you place on your worth as a person in relation to the value you place on others.

       Self-Image: the way we view ourselves.

       Self-Evaluation: allows you to take an honest, objective look at yourself and make changes when necessary.

       Self-Determination: is what separates the winners from the losers. It is the ingredient that propels you to success.

For directions, call: 703. 461. 3886

6295 Edsall Road, Suite 175

Alexandria, VA 22312

*************************************************************
Part-time Peer Support Specialist: Southwestern VA Mental Health Institute
*************************************************************

Needed to provide psychiatric rehabilitation and role recovery groups and activities, including the development of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and associated activities. Must be certified or trained as a Peer Support Specialist in the recovery process for mental health consumers. Prefer successful completion of WRAP Facilitator training. Prefer previous experience providing therapeutic activities, social, or leisure services to a population of adults or adolescents diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, developmental delay, and/or substance abuse.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be certified or trained as a Peer Support Specialist in the recovery process for mental health consumers. High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Qualifications

1.Prefer a mental health consumer who has been specially trained as a Peer Support Specialist to assist others with the recovery process

2.Prefer successful completion of WRAP Facilitator training curriculum.

3.Prefer previous experience providing therapeutic activity, social or leisure services to a population of adults or adolescents diagnosed with severe or persistent mental illness, developmental delay, and/or substance abuse.

4. Prefer experience in planning and implementing Recovery based sessions.

Special Requirements

A fingerprint-based criminal history check along with a check with the Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services, and drug testing (for safety-sensitive positions) will be conducted on finalist candidates for positions.

After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=605089

*********************************************
Webinar Tomorrow: WRAP as an Evidence-Based
Practice with Judith Cook, PhD, and Matthew Federici
********************************************* 
Tuesday, January 10^th from 2:00 -3:00 p.m. 

Please join us for this FREE webinar which will describe a rigorous research study of WRAP participant outcomes that has been accomplished through collaboration between university researchers and WRAP advocates/facilitators in Ohio. Judith A. Cook is Professor, PhD, will present this webinar along with Matthew Federici, Executive Director of the Copeland Center.

It will be helpful for anyone interested in implementing or evaluating WRAP at the individual, group, community, or statewide levels, as well as those who are interested in using research results to improve the quality of WRAP facilitation. Also discussed will be ways the research results can be used to improve WRAP and advocate for increasing WRAP funding. Along with information on WRAP as an evidence-based practices, Matthew Federici will give practice tips for implementing WRAP to adhere to the evidence base.

To Register:

 https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/155018081  

****************************************************************

An Informational Alert Prepared by Fifth Freedom: Information Courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration: Transportation Security Administration Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities
*****************************************************************

After numerous, troubling stories from travelers with disabilities experiencing difficulties with airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched "TSA Cares". "TSA Cares" is toll-free a phone number designed to provide information about security procedures for people with disabilities.

A few days before heading to the airport, travelers with disabilities can call "TSA Cares" at 1-855-787-2227 for information about airport security procedures and any special procedures relating to their specific disability or medical equipment. TSA recommends calling 72 hours ahead of travel so that "TSA Cares" can coordinate with TSA at the airport when necessary.

The "TSA Cares" phone line is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm EST, excluding federal holidays.

More information on security procedures is available at TSA's website, http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm . Travelers can also contact the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov .

*****************************************
Free Third Thursdays Gathering in Charlottesville
*****************************************

Thursday, January 19th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The topic will be "FACE YOUR FEAR: And Make the Change You Want"  

Invite a friend for an informal evening of discussion and interactive activities.

Orange Hill Wellness Center, 401 Orange Street, Charlottesville     

If you would like to register or would like more information, call 434-977-6918 or Workshop@CareerWithHeart.com

*****************************************************************
An Informational Alert Prepared by Fifth Freedom: Information Courtesy of Disability.gov and the US Department of Labor: "New Hiring Rules Could Increase Employment for People with Disabilities" - Comments Due February 7
*****************************************************************

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed some new hiring rules that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to have seven percent of their workforces be people with disabilities. Current regulations require nondiscrimination and recruiting efforts directed at people with disabilities, but this rule would add an official hiring goal.

DOL is collecting comments on the proposed seven percent hiring goal, and is also interested in comments on a possible "sub-goal" of hiring two percent of people with certain "particularly severe disabilities". Currently, this list includes "total deafness, blindness, missing extremities (hand, foot, arm or leg), partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability, and dwarfism". DOL is interested in comments on the concept of the sub-goal, which disabilities should be included in the sub-goal, and any data or research pointing at the need for a sub-goal for specific disabilities.

Comments are due February 7. If this issue is of interest to you, you can read the proposed regulations and comment online at Regulations.gov here: http://fifthfreedom.org/u/dq .

You can also mail your comments to:

Debra A. Carr, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
Room C-3325
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20210

Be sure to mention "RIN number 1250-AA02" so that they know to which regulations you are referring.

************************************************
Project Evolve: Comment on the New SAMHSA.gov Design
************************************************

SAMHSA has posted a prototype of the new SAMHSA.gov homepage and is seeking feedback on this draft design. The proposed changes reflect SAMHSA's commitment-via Project Evolve-to include our stakeholders in the web development process. Based on feedback we've received so far from visitors to the SAMHSA site, this draft reflects our focus on improving navigation, organizing information by topic and audience, and streamlining the information on the homepage.

Tell Us What You Think

We are asking everyone to take a look at the new SAMHSA.gov homepage and answer the question, "What is missing?" on our feedback forum site. We want to know what is most important to you when you come to SAMHSA.gov. This information will be invaluable as we continue along the development process and begin to consider where and how information or services should be emphasized on the site.

Learn More About the New Design  |  Give Us Your Feedback

*********************************************
From Bonnie Neighbour, VOCAL Advocacy Coordinator
*********************************************

In recognition of the importance of employment opportunities in a person's recovery, Virginia has begun to talk in terms of "Employment First," meaning that people receiving services will be asked about their interest in integrated and community based employment as the first choice among available day service options offered to individuals receiving mental health, developmental, or substance abuse services.  Read more about it  below and take a moment to send your comments regarding the new draft policy to the Department of Behavioral Heath and Developmental Services.

The information below can be found at this link:  http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm#sb3

(To access the information from directly from the links from the email below, right click on the link and choose 'open hyperlink.')

REQUEST FOR COMMENT on State Board Policies by February 29, 2012

I.   Field Review of a Draft New Policy   At its last meeting, the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services approved an initial first draft of the following proposed NEW policy:   * DRAFT Policy 1044 (SYS) 12-1 Employment First

To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider the proposed policy and forward your comments about the need for the policy or any suggestions for edits. 

II.  Scheduled Field Review of Three Current Policies   At its last meeting, the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services initiated a scheduled field review of:
* Policy 1016 (SYS) 86-23 Policy Goal of the Commonwealth for a Comprehensive, Community-Based System of Services
* Policy 1034 (SYS) 05-1 Partnership Agreement
* Policy 1036 (SYS) 05-3 Vision Statement

To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider these current policies and forward your comments about the continued need for these policies and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.

Please provide your comments on all of the above by February 29. 2012 to:   ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov or by mailing: State Board of BHDS, 1220 Bank Street, Room 1323, Richmond, VA 23219. Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee on April 19, 2012 at Catawba Hospital in Salem, VA.

The next scheduled meeting of the Policy and Evaluation Committee of the State Board is mid-April, in Salem.  These policies, and any recommendations for further edits, are expected to be taken up at that meeting.  Please contact me if you have any questions via this email address or the phone number listed below.