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A twice-weekly electronic news-digest delivered to your inbox dedicated to keeping you informed of mental health recovery news and opportunities across the Commonwealth and the nation.
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New in the Digest Today |
Welcome to New VOCAL Staff Members - Posted 3.13
VOCAL recently had open positions for the REACH Program Director, the CO-OP Program Director, and the Wellness and Recovery Coordinator. We're pleased to announce that Ann Benner has accepted the REACH Program Director position and William Hart has accepted the Wellness and Recovery Coordinator position. Please feel free to visit VOCAL's website at www.vocalvirginia.org to read their bios. Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the VOCAL staff!
Apply to Be a Member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities - Posted 3.13
Applications are open until April 15 but screening will begin before then; appointments are made by the Governor. Candidates must submit a resume and complete the online application through the Secretary of the Commonwealth at https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS.
Or you can click "apply to be a board member" under the site tools at www.VaBoard.org and be sure to check out the categories under the 2014 Appointment Openings...candidates must complete all vetting questions, as well as provide background information, a resume, and explain why they are applying for a specific seat on a board. For more information about Gubernatorial appointments, visit
https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/applications/gubernatorial-appointments/. It would be helpful if you could also send us a copy of your application and resume so that we can follow up. You can send them to Michal Ketner at Michal.ketner@vbpd.virginia.gov.
STAR Center Webinar: The Kind of Leadership We Need When Facilitating Collaboration Across Communities - Posted 3.13
March 18, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
In this era of social and systems change, we are challenged by a diversity of systems, networks and communities that can no longer operate in silos if we are to accomplish our respective aims. There is a need for meaningful collaborative action across communities that can identify our shared vision and goals while addressing the real challenges that often divided us in the past.
https://www307.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001651028/Registration.aspx?pageName=8vx4x3xzbq89s3zx
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Posted 3.13
Even if you're not on Facebook, be sure to check out the Board's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/VABOARD
Timely, relevant information is posted almost daily! During March, share the posts that contain the hashtag #ddAwareness to help educate your social media friends about developmental disabilities. It's easy, fast, and your advocacy helps us improve the lives of people with DD.
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VOCAL News
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VOCAL Welcomes Michael Skinner as Conference Keynote Speaker - Posted 3.6
VOCAL is excited and proud to announce Michael Skinner as our keynote presenter for our annual statewide mental health consumer conference in May!
A musician, public speaker, advocate, and trauma survivor, Mike gives presentations at conferences, training seminars, and events all over the country that have to do with healing from the concerns of trauma, abuse, and mental health.
Mike explains: "As a musician and songwriter, I like to write songs about life, love, loss and hope. And that's important to me, for at the end of the day I do want to leave people with a sense of hope and inspiration."
To read more about Mike, please visit his website at: http://www.mskinnermusic.com
VOCAL Seeking Consumer Experiences with Mandatory Outpatient Treatment - Posted 3.6
In support of our advocacy efforts, VOCAL is compiling information regarding consumer experiences with Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (MOT). If you have been subject to MOT and are willing to share your experiences please contact Jane Ellis at the Network office. Jane@vocalvirginia.org or 804-343-1777.
VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #3 - Posted 3.3
"I've heard the term 'occupational wellness', but what exactly does that mean?"
http://www.seekingwholeness.com/terms-definitions/the-definition-of-occupational-wellness
VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #2 - Posted 2.3
"I know healthy eating is important to my overall health and well-being, but what does that look like and how can I do it?"
For tips on healthy eating, including a downloadable food diary, go to:
This is also available in Spanish.
Call for Workshop Proposals for VOCAL's Statewide MH Consumer Conference - Posted 1.16
VOCAL's Statewide Mental Health Consumer Conference will be held on May 19th, 20th, and 21st on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
We are now accepting workshop proposals from interested presenters. Please email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org with your proposed workshop title and a short paragraph describing your presentation. Workshops are 1.5 hours long. (Please note: Not all workshop proposals may be accepted.)
VOCAL's Advocacy Committee to Meet Weekly - Posted 1.16
Weekly meetings of the Advocacy Committee have begun.
If you would like to join this committee, please email Jane Ellis: jane@vocalvirginia.org , Troy Ark: listening1@gmail.com or Bonnie Neighbour: bonnie@vocalvirginia.org
Virginia's 2014 Legislative Session Open - Posted 1.16
The legislative session opened on January 8th with several mental health bills filed. If you would like to follow VOCAL's legislative advocacy work go to: Vocal.groupsite.com
VOCAL Launches "Whole Health Network" (VWHN) - Posted 1.2
In the first published e-digest each month, VOCAL will offer information about whole health topics. Each month the focus will change as we rotate through topics such as smoking cessation, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, etc. encouraging your capacity to take control over your own total health and wellness.
Please also visit our FB page for our "Wellness Wednesday" tips! https://www.facebook.com/VOCAL.Inc
VWHN Topic #1
Smoking Cessation Help:
"I really want to try to stop smoking but how do I do it?"
Here are some tips:
http://smokefree.gov/
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News Around the Commonwealth
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Programming Change at Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center - Posted 3.10
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 will be changed from "Book Study" to "What is Peer Support?"
Tuesday's focus is on Leadership and Leadership skills. In this ongoing series we will begin looking at the History and values of the Recovery Movement, alternative Peer Support and how we attempt to put into practice these values at Friends 4 Recovery and in our daily lives.
804.308.1366
Mindfulness Meditation Group (University of Virginia's Mindfulness Center) - Posted 3.5
Intended primarily to provide ongoing support for people with some meditation training - such as graduates of the MBSR program - this group is also open to beginners and anyone willing to sit still for 30 minutes.
Each week there is a 30-minute guided meditation followed by open discussion and questions.
Free Ongoing Classes on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Sam Green, PhD
McLeod Hall, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Room #2009
Free parking available in the underground garage at McLeod Hall.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church, Virginia (DBSAFC) Meetings - Posted 3.3
Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Calvary United Methodist Church
2315 South Grant Street, Arlington( 22202)
Contact Mildred Minor, CPSS (703)671-1607
Email: marie12411@live.com
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Springfield Christian Church
5407 Backlick Road., Springfield ( 22151)
Contact: Tammy Washington, CPSS (703)768-9021
Email: tmi.washington@hotmail.com
"Mindfulness and Meditation" at Recovery in Motion (RIM) - Posted 2.27
Wednesdays, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Rappahannock Goodwill Building , 4701 Market St Fredericksburg (22408)
For more information: 540.645.6042
Recovery in Motion (RIM) Offers "Coping with PTSD" - Posted 2.24 Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Rappahannock Goodwill building at 4701 Market St Fredericksburg, (22408). Please check the website, www.recovery-in-motion.org for more information, including course descriptions. |
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Conferences, Trainings, and Webinars |
STAR Center Webinar: The Kind of Leadership We Need When Facilitating Collaboration Across Communities - Posted 3.10
March 18, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Here
In this era of social and systems change, we are challenged by a diversity of systems, networks and communities that can no longer operate in silos if we are to accomplish our respective aims. There is a need for meaningful collaborative action across communities that can identify our shared vision and goals while addressing the real challenges that often divided us in the past.
SAMHSA's Initiatives to Advance Recovery Opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations - Posted 3.10
March 24, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
To register:
Conference number: 4593703
Passcode: 2900380
To register for this event:
1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.
2. Enter the conference number and passcode.
3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.
Participants can register up to an hour prior to the webinar.
"Text, Talk, Act" All Day on April 24- Posted 3.5
The second text-enabled conversation on mental health!
This event is geared toward young people, but people of all ages can participate and benefit from it. It's very simple:
- At any time on April 24th, gather 3-4 of your friends, family, classmates, students, and/or colleagues;
- Text "start" to 89800; and
- Receive polling questions and discussion questions via text messaging while having a face-to-face dialogue with your group.
Across the country, people will get together for one - hour, small group conversations on mental health. Each group will have polling questions, discussion topics and facilitation suggestions delivered to them via text message.
Mental health is one of the most critical and misunderstood public issues we face. Let's have a candid dialogue to think about actions we can each take to strengthen mental health on our campuses and in our communities.
Sign up now: www.bit.ly/texttalkact
Three Upcoming National Conferences - Posted 3.6
Mark your calendars for March, April and June for conferences in Santa Fe (New Mexico), Albany (New York), and Baltimore, respectively. ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership will host its annual summit, "Leading the Future of Health," March 26-28. For more information, click here. The New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) is presenting its 10th Annual Executive Seminar on Systems Transformation - "Managing Care: Managing Change" - April 24-25 at the Hilton Albany in Albany, New York. For more information, click here. And the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is hosting its Recovery Workforce Summit: PRA 2014 Annual Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Baltimore June 22-25. For more information, click here.
BDBHDS Office of Cultural and Linguistic Competence Offers Refugee Suicide Prevention QPR Gatekeeper Workshop - Posted 3.5
Wednesday, March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Drive, Henrico (23229)
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance National Capital Area Chapter's Peer Support Group Facilitator Training - Posted 2.17
Saturday, March 22, from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street NW (16th and P St. NW)
Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle Metro, South Exit)
Led by: Ingrid Deetz , Chapter Relations Director, National DBSA
Registration: includes lunch)
$20.00 - DBSA NCA Chapter Members
$30.00 - Other DBSA Chapter Members
Scholarships are available
For further information, contact: Alvin@dbsanca.org
Location:
Foundry United Methodist Church 1500 16th St. NW (16th & P St NW)
Fellowship Hall Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle Metro, South Exit)
www.dbsanca.org
Link to Virginia Mental Health Conferences and Trainings Calendar for Opportunities to Attend Conferences and Trainings - Posted 4.11
Go to: http://tinyurl.com/VirginiaCalendar
Do you know of other things that could be posted on this calendar?? Email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org
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Veteran's Corner
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Disability Benefits for Veterans Who Have a Veterans Affairs Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent and Total - Posted 2.27
Starting March 17th, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.
Veterans Peer Support Group Offered at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 2.6
Mondays, at 1:00 p.m.
For further information, call: 540.362.0061
DBSA Veteran Peer Specialist Training and Certification - Posted 2.6
March 24th - 29th, Hampton
This Veteran Peer Specialist training course is reserved for individuals who wish to become eligible for employment as a VA peer support specialist. In order to qualify for a VA peer support position, an
individual must be:a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition (including addictions), and certified by a qualifying organization (DBSA is such an organization), or by an
appropriate state mental health department's approved process.
For additional information on VA peer support employment requirements, please visit:
or contact the human resources department at your local VA facility or Dan O'Brien-Mazza, VA National Director of Peer Support Services:
Daniel.O'Brien-Mazza@va.gov,
or call: (800) 826-3632, x164
Veterans' Advisory Council Forming - Posted 1.23
VOCAL is organizing a Veterans' advisory council that will meet by teleconference every other month.
Please call Jane Ellis at the Network office at 804-343-1777 or email: jane@vocalvirginia.org to get involved.
Veterans Crisis Line Availabe to Vets, Service Members, and Their Families - Posted 1.23
Veterans, service members, and their family members who are in emotional distress are urged to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press "1" to be connected directly to a qualified, caring VA professional. All calls are confidential.
To chat online and to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, veterans can visit the Web site: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net .
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Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
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Reston Drop-In Center
Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)
Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)
kakallay@gmail.com
Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm
Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond) http://www.friends4recovery.org/#!calendar
Center for Recovery and Wellness (Lynchburg) http://centerforrecoveryandwellness.org/calendar/
Trillium Drop-In Center (Woodbridge) http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php
On Our Own of Roanoke Valley http://rvonourown.com/Events.aspx
WeCare, Inc (Martinsville) http://wecaremhc.org/?page_id=42
On Our Own of Charlottesville http://wwhttp://www.saara.org/events-calendar.phpw.onourowncville.org/structure.html
84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581
Other Program Information:
Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
http://mhav.org/programs/Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
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Job Opportunities
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Job Opening for Program Driver at PRS (NOVA) - Posted 3.5
PRS, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization in the Virginia and DC area that serves individuals living with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and any combination of these.
The Program Driver will safely transport clients to and from their homes to the DC Recovery Academy in southwest/southeast DC as well as transport clients at the PRS Mt Vernon Recovery Academy to meetings in the Mt Vernon/Alexandria, VA area. In addition, there may be other trips between our Virginia and DC facilities to bring supplies.
This position also ensures that company vehicles have enough gasoline and completes quarterly vehicle safety checklists. This position may be responsible for taking vehicles in for annual inspections and routine maintenance. This position will maintain records of persons transported and maintain mileage logs.
Qualifications:
Must be available between the hours of 8:00am through 4:00pm; possible "split shift" available (example: 8:00am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm)
Clean driving record and valid driver's license
Strong communication skills including mobile phone text communication
High level of empathy for persons with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorder or any combination of these
Excellent understanding of client boundaries in regards to clients with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorders or any combination of these
People with lived experience are encouraged to apply.Interested applicants can apply at www.prsinc.iapplicants.com
Southside Community Services Board Job Openings for Peer Support Specialist - Posted 2.27
PT Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Position at Allegheny Highlands CSB- Posted 2.27
http://ahcsb.org/employment.pl#posting_133
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia Posts Two Open Positions - Posted 2.27
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Other News
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The Recovery Workforce Summit: PRA 2014 Annual Conference - Posted 2.27
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia Hosts Spring Gala - Posted 2.27 The disAbility Law Center of Virginia Hosts Spring Gala - Posted 2.27 Please join the disAbility Law Center in celebrating the birth of a new advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the rights of people with disabilities in Virginia. On March 20th, friends of the disAbility Law Center will gather at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to recognize this dramatic "Season of Change." This is a unique opportunity for you to support people with disabilities as they seek full inclusion in all aspects of today's society. The disAbility Law Center is a new nonprofit, assuming a more effective advocacy vision than its state agency predecessor. The disAbility Law Center seeks a society where the rights of all people with disabilities are respected. Tickets are available for $60 at www.disabilitylawva.org/season-of-change/ or $65 at the door. To become an event sponsor for the "Season of Change" celebration, email: info@dLCV.org or call 804-225-2042.
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I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Yolande Long
Communications and Events Coordinator
804.343.1777
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Dear Reader,
You are receiving the VOCAL Network Digest because you are on our email list. The Network Digest is a twice-weekly update of mental health announcements throughout Virginia and the nation. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this email. Thank you!
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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.
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