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Register for the "WRAP and Loneliness" Webinar- December 5th
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 Sherri Rushman, Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, will guide attendees through the process of identifying support related Wellness Tools and then using those tools to build a powerful WRAP during the WRAP and Loneliness webinar on December 5th.

"Everyone needs friends we can talk to, pals to share activities with, and people we can depend on. This training is based on Mary Ellen Copeland's "The Loneliness Workbook" and we will explore: definitions of loneliness, images of loneliness, what loneliness means to you, why people may avoid you, how to use wellness tools to relieve loneliness, how to enjoy time alone, looking at your strengths, and how to have mutual relationships."

Sherri Rushman is Consumer Education Specialist at Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority in Michigan. Sherri brought WRAP to her organization after seeing Mary Ellen Copeland speak at a conference and just knowing it would help so many. She became a WRAP Facilitator in 2004 and trained as an Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator in 2007.

Register now for the Dec 5 Webinar.

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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance National Capital
Area Chapter Speaker Program
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Book Discussion and Reading

"More Than Bipolar: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope "by Lizabeth D. Schuch

Thursday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m.

George Washington University Hospital Auditorium (lower level of hospital)

900 Twenty-Third Street, N.W.

Next to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station

Parking Garage: I St., between 21st and 22nd Sts.

Books will be available for sale ($17.95) and signing by the author.

www.dbsanca.org  

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Northwest Peer Connect Announces Holiday/Christmas Party
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Wednesday, December 12th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Region Ten's Old Lynchburg Road offices.   

502 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville (22903)
Room 502 A

Join your peers for some holiday  fun! 

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"Ticket to Work: Exploring Community Service as a Pathway to Employment"
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Some people with disabilities may be able to work and continue receiving disability benefits. On December 5, tune in to a free webinar from the Social Security Administration to learn about the Social Security administration's Ticket to Work program and other work incentives. In this session, you will also learn about a variety of community service opportunities and benefits:

• The Corporation for National and Community Service
• Serve America Act
• Service leading to work
• How to connect with service opportunities

December 5 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m,

Register here: http://fifthfreedom.org/u/he 

Never taken part in a Ticket to Work webinar before? Check out the archive of all their past webinars here: http://fifthfreedom.org/u/hf 

For questions or more information, email support@chooseworkttw.net or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).

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Two Job Opportunities: Virginia Supportive Housing
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Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) is seeking 2 experienced case managers to join its Richmond service programs serving formerly homeless single adults. Supportive services include case management, skills training, counseling, and crisis intervention. The VSH HomeLink Case Manager serves individuals in scattered site apartments in the Richmond community and the Case Manager - PSH Sites provides services on-site in apartment buildings owned and operated by VSH.

Both positions require:
* Bachelor's degree and at least one year of direct service experience with individuals with low-incomes, mental health and/or substance abuse disorders and/or histories of homelessness required. Master's degree in human services preferred.
* Certifications in CPR and First Aid or a dedication and commitment to obtaining them within 3 months of hire.
* Excellent computer skills, with working knowledge of the primary Microsoft Office Suite programs.
* Ability to successfully pass a background check and other pre-employment screening.

Position: Full Time
Salary: $35,000 - $45,000/Annually
Benefits: Full Benefits Package
Open Until Position Filled

How to Apply:

Interested applicants, please email resume and cover letter with: "Case Manager (PSH Sites)" or "Case Manager (HomeLink)" in subject line to: jobs@virginiasupportivehousing.org

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State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Meeting on December 4^th
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The next meeting of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 13th Floor Large Conference Room, 1220 Bank Street, Richmond (23219).  

·         The 29-page packet is posted online at this link http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm#meet and is attached as a PDF file.  

·         Directions to the Central Office are on the inside back page of the packet.  There are planned events for Monday evening at Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, but meetings start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. 

·         At every regular Board meeting, there is a period for Public Comment.

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Paper Federal Benefit Checks To Stop In 2013
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By March 1, 2013, all federal benefit payments will be electronic only. If you receive Social Security, SSI, Veterans or other federal government benefits by check in the mail, you will have the option of having the money deposited directly in your savings or checking account, or onto a Direct Express debit Mastercard.

If you would like the debit card, do nothing. After March 1, you will automatically receive your payments on the card. If you prefer direct deposit, sign up at your local bank or credit union, or by calling (800) 333-1795. You can also sign up online at https://www.godirect.gov/gpw/index.gd  

Learn more about this change in your benefits at http://www.godirect.org/ .

DISCLAIMER: This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes.  We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.