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The "Network News"
The "Network News" is a publication by the VOCAL Network, 1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 111, Richmond, Virginia 23230. Call us toll free at 1-877-VOCLNET (862-5638) Email: yolande@vocalvirginia.org.
"Our Mission is to bring Virginia mental
health
consumers together in a statewide network, to
celebrate our strengths and courage,and to
support each other in recovery through
hope,learning,
and empowerment."
From Brian Parrish
VOCAL Executive Director
Dear VOCAL Members,
I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge that while in some ways this has been a time of transition for VOCAL, the organization remains dedicated to our work of creating broad-scale social change, as well as change in the lives of individuals, by transforming the mental health system -and creating alternatives to the system- by promoting recovery, self-determination, and peer leadership.
We have been thankful for Debra Knighton's strong and faithful leadership as President of the VOCAL Board of Directors. While we regret Debra's leaving VOCAL as Board member, we fully support her in her decision to step back in order to be better focus on her personal needs and the needs of her family. We are grateful for all she has given to VOCAL over the years, and wish her luck in her continuing endeavors.
Prior to Debra's departure, VOCAL had already been working on creating a leadership team with greater depth and breadth than we've previously had in the past. VOCAL is focusing on facilitating the changes and improvements necessary for VOCAL to achieve its goals and building strong infrastructure as we grow into a midsized nonprofit. The VOCAL Executive Office is in the process of restructuring, with the Board of Directors leading the strategic planning process.
As always, VOCAL continues the work of advancing our mission and vision. A small sampling of our recent accomplishments include: the development of increased outreach to young adults through the VOCAL Youth Create Wholeness campaign, a collaborative dialog with the Monacan Native American Community, a new Firewalkers Anthology project and a new Firewalkers class for doctoral students at James Madison University, the development of group-WRAP Facilitation services, regional VOCAL one-day conferences, and increased outreach to our peers at Western State Hospital through WRAP facilitation and consultation services for advance directives.
VOCAL is honored to serve the peers of Virginia and we thank you for your continued support, guidance, and input during this time of transition.
In Health and Wellness,
Brian Parrish
The Firewalkers Project is Looking for Writers
Do you have a story to tell?
The Firewalkers Project is looking for well-written, authentic writing for an upcoming Anthology that focuses on the following themes:
Emotional turbulence
Altered states
Spiritual breakthroughs
Visionary meltdowns
Ecstatic visions
Crazy blessings
Mad gifts
What we are seeking is accessible, enjoyable, surprising pieces that relate to the themes listed above. We are interested in creative nonfiction and essays that show insight, humor, the quality of writing, and diversity of experience.
Submissions can be emailed as an attachment to malaina@vocalvirginia.org. Submissions must be in 12pt Times Roman font, double-spaced, with numbered pages (max 20). All submissions should be accompanied by a one paragraph author biography. Only one submission per person. No poetry please.
Writers will retain all rights to their work. Previously published work will be considered. There is no payment except for a copy of the book. This is most definitely a labor of love and a chance to define this experience that may be labeled as "mental illness" in our own terms. The anthology is being planned as a self-published book.
From Where I Sit...
Creative Offerings from Members and Friends
Melencholy John
Whenever March flowers are in bloom
John blames them for his allergies
When in truth, he cries because
He knows they will drown in April rain
John awakens in tears at night
The lover in his arms was only his pillow
"If only she would come back," he whispered.
Her bright eyes would be his night light.
"She will return, " his hopeful heart tells him
"So save your band of gold for her finger
Don't tarnish it with your tears.
And I promise...the rest of spring will be warm."
Ann Catherine Braxton, Hampton
VOCAL'S Annual Statewide Conference Is Coming Next Month!
Join us on May 21-23 on the campus of James Madison University for three days of conference fun!
Download the registration form from our website, print out, fill it in, and return to the VOCAL Network office!
Go to: http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-conference/4534274248
Registration deadline is April 26th.
R.E.A.C.H. News
by Anna Clay Mendez, R.E.A.C.H. Program Director
As VOCAL's Recovery Educator I get requests from community groups, peer-run organization, college classes, professional societies, and consumer-led support groups to speak about recovery on a regular basis. I readily accept these invitations and usually say, "Recovery is a big topic. Is there a specific component of recovery you want me to address?" The response is sometimes: "Um. No. Not really. You know - recovery. Just talk about it!"
In these cases I usually take the opportunity to introduce my audience to the Five Key Concepts of Recovery as summarized by Mary Ellen Copeland's WRAP curriculum (© Mary Ellen Copeland, www.mentalhealthrecovery.com). As you may know, Mary Ellen Copeland's research has shown that people in mental health recovery often talk about the same five concepts as being key to their long-term wellness: hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support.
I believe that not only is it important for VOCAL's Recovery Education Program to speak about these concepts in our WRAP groups and Facilitator Trainings, but to incorporate them into all we do. Along with the values and ethics of WRAP that stress the of self-determination, equality, a "no-limits" approach to recovery , and the importance of a fully voluntary health and wellness practice, the five key concepts as outlined in WRAP have been crucial to the sustained recovery of countless peers.
VOCAL's Recovery Education Program is about more than WRAP, but the values and ethics and five key concepts guide and influence all we do. These are ideals we embrace and strive to embody in all our efforts. If you would like to learn more about REACH and discuss ways we could bring a wide variety of recovery education programming to your group or community please contact me at anna@vocalvirginia.org or 540.908.6392.
From the Advocacy Desk
by Bonnie Neighbour, Advocacy Director
I'm honored to be the Advocacy Coordinator at VOCAL. I get the opportunity to listen to VOCAL members about what's important to them. I get the opportunity to share what's happening in Virginia's mental health care delivery system including what's happening with our legislature. I get the opportunity to talk about effective advocacy skills with VOCAL members who have an interest in advocacy. I get the opportunity to meet with our legislators and educate them about what's important to VOCAL members.
This year there were eight VOCAL members with me at the legislature, advocating for more fair and effective treatment for those individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. We continue to face a challenge to get Virginia law makers to understand what VOCAL members value and in our mental health care. Specifically, at this time, I need to hear from VOCAL members about their experiences with the TDO and commitment process.
VOCAL bases its advocacy decisions on our organizational values. Here are our values from our bylaws: (1) We value and work for the full human rights and self-determination of every individual, regardless of their mental state or diagnosis. (2) We believe in the right of each member and member center to self-direction, and value all centers regardless of agency size, services, or programs. (3) We encourage individual input and operate by an inclusive process with open and honest communication. (4) We value each person's individual process of recovery. (5) We value the worth and dignity of all people.
Based on those specific values, I also use some other general statements to help start the discussion with VOCAL staff, Board and members about where we, as an organization, stand on an issue. Some of those other statements include: (1) Mental health services should be delivered in the least restrictive environment possible. (2) "nothing about us without us." (3) We believe recovery is accessible to everyone. (4) Healthy community is essential. (5) Appropriate, accessible housing, volunteer and employment opportunities in areas that utilize a person's skills and interests, and educational opportunities are vital elements in recovery. (6) Self-Determination. (7) Empowering relationships. (8) Meaningful roles in society (9) Eliminating stigma and discrimination.
With those values (both our stated ones and the ones I use in starting discussion) in mind, we are facing a challenge next year with the legislature around involuntary treatment - or commitment. If you've experienced a TDO or mental health commitment in Virginia, I'd like to talk to you about your experience. What I learn from you about what worked and didn't work for you will help VOCAL's advocacy efforts. If you are interested in taking part of your story to a specific legislator, I'd like to talk to you about who needs to hear from you (via snail mail, email, phone call or in-person visit).
More R.E.A.C.H. News!
Have questions about mental health recovery? Want to learn more about recovery education opportunities in Virginia? Want to know what great things VOCAL's REACH Program is up to? Interested in serving on the REACH Advisory Council? If you answered yes to any of these questions we hope you'll stop by the VOCAL Charlottesville Office from 3-5pm on Friday, April 20th for the first annual REACH Open House.
Questions? Call the REACH office at 540.908.6392
How Do You Define Recovery?
by Bonnie Neighbour, VOCAL Advocacy Coordinator
In 2003 the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health used this definition of recovery: "The process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in the community of their choice. "
SAMHSA (the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) has a new working definition of recovery which follows: "A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential."
SAMHSA's new guiding principles now state that recovery: (1) emerges from hope; (2) is person-driven; (3) occurs through many pathways; (4) is holistic; (5) is supported by peers and allies; (6) is supported through relationships and social networks; (7) is culturally based; (8) is supported by addressing trauma; (9) involves the individual, family, and community; and (10) is based on respect.
How do you define recovery?
News from the Regions
Valley Association of Support and Empowerment (VASE) is meeting on Wednesday evenings 7:00 -8:30 at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg. Group members share recovery experiences and struggles and will learn new skills and techniques to use in their everyday lives.
Central Peer Connect meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 12:30-2 p.m. in central Virginia.
For information please call the Network office at 804.343.1777 for details.
"Living the Dimensions of Recovery" Conference in NOVA on June 7th
Regional Community Support Center will offer this year's conference on Thursday, June 7th, at the Ernst Community Center on Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dr. Dan Fischer will be the keynote speaker.
We will have music during lunch, and some great, info on system transformation as well as updates from the consumer-operated programs. Good things are happening and this promises to be another important event in celebrating positive changes.
Please email Lauren Davis, with "RCSC Registration Form Request" in the subject area of your email. (lauren.davis@dbhds.virginia.org) for a registration form, they will be available a little later on this month. If you don't have an email, call Violet Taylor at 703.207.7147.
Mental Health Support Groups in NOVA
(Affiliated with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church, Virginia and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Northern Virginia)
For individuals with depression and bipolar disorders:
Thursday Evenings 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 6165 Leesburg Pike, in Falls Church, Virginia 22044
For more information contact: Muna Jazrawi
703-532-8012 or email: munajaz@hotmail.com
For individuals with any mental health diagnosis:
Saturdays from 3:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, 3302 Gallows Road in Falls Church, Virginia 22042
For more information contact: Jaimie White 703-521-8555 or email: jwhite8@cox.net
"Recovery Among Friends" Support Group Meets in Central Virginia (Ashland)
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., at the Thomas
Hale Center, 203 S. Taylor Street in Ashland
For questions: Betsy Brown at 804-798-4587
Trauma Recovery Group Meets Each Wednesday in RIC (Chesterfield County)
2:00 - 4:00 p.m., at Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center, 9511 Hull Street Road, Suite A. For further information, call 804-308-1366
Richmond Mental Health Group Meets in Fan District
The Richmond Mental Health Group meets for support, encouragement and mental health conversation the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.
The meetings are held at First English Lutheran Church, 1603 Monument Avenue, Richmond 23220. This is at the intersection of Monument Avenue and Lombardy Street, also known as Stuart Circle. Parking is available behind the church, on the first level of the up-ramp in the parking deck. To find the room, enter the building under the awning in back of the church and follow the signs.
For questions, contact Bryan Tunnell at nausns@gmail.com or (804) 641-6164.
"Recovery Among Friends" Support Group Meets in Central Virginia (Ashland)
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., at the Thomas
Hale Center, 203 S. Taylor Street in Ashland
For questions: Contact Patrick at 804.317.1255.or pebruckart@inbox.com or Betsy Brown: 804.798.4587
From the Newsletter Editor
by Yolande Long, Communications and Events Coordinator
Great news! We are now publishing the newsletter six times per year in February, April, June, August, October and December!
Thank you to those that sent in creative submissions
and news from the regions! The deadline for the
June - July 2012 newsletter is May 15, 2012.
Please contact me at the VOCAL Network office if you
have any questions. Submissions may be sent in via
email or postal mail.
Our new mailing address is 1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 111, Richmond, Virginia 23230
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