Won't you take the VOCAL member survey? 

VOCAL has designed a survey to better understand our members' needs. We are excited to have your voice shape our programming!

Please go to: surveymonkey.com/s/B7N78M3 and give us your input! Thank you!

Job Opportunity for FT Peer Support Mentor: Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (Troy, NY) - Posted 6.16

The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) is a self-help and peer support agency that was organized in 1988 to develop and strengthen self-help and mutual support activities throughout the United States.   The Peer Support Mentor position is based at The Empowerment Exchange in Troy, New York. The Empowerment Exchange is a peer support program dedicated to offering strategies that encourage people throughout Rensselaer County to use their personal power and the power of peer support to move forward in their lives.

*         Helping people to establish creative community connections that assist them to develop natural supports;

*       Providing individualized peer-to-peer outreach and support to people who may find it difficult to reach out and connect to their communities;

*       Offering individualized advocacy and support services to help a person learn and protect their rights and interests. This may include assisting people to work through system processes and procedures; researching information, preparing documents, role-playing situations and attending meetings as needed;

*        Establishing connections to community based activities that may enhance wellness, recovery and social engagement.

*       Engaging people in one on one recovery planning, using tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning and Intentional Peer Support;   Assisting people to choose, record and achieve wellness goals;

*       Mentoring volunteers.

*       Organizing and coordinating wellness/recovery events and activities

*       Any duties deemed appropriate to achieve the goals of the project.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have direct, personal experience using mental health services and modeling principles of recovery and wellness. They will be an active team member, offering support and assistance to ongoing projects. Basic computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office are required. Additionally, this person will be able to work independently on projects and meet deadlines. The ability to demonstrate knowledge of job duties through follow-up and accurate record keeping is also important. A clean, NYS Drivers License and reliable transportation is also required.

MHEP is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit and hire qualified people who may have disabilities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or sexual orientation. 

To express interest in this position, please email, fax or send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: 

Pam Maxim, Administrative Director,  Mental Health Empowerment Project

3 Atrium Drive, Suite 205 
Albany, NY 12205 

Fax:     518.434.3823
Email: mhepinc@aol.com 

No phone calls, please. 
Resumes must be received by August 8th

Alternatives 2014: October 22-26^th in Orlando, Florida - Posted 6.16

 
The Alternatives 2014 website is in development and more information - including about registration and hotel reservations - will be available soon.
 
Here is the link to the Call for Presentations:
http://alternatives2014.mhasp.org/callforpresentations
 
The deadline for submitting workshop and institute proposals is June 30.
 
Questions? Contact:
Susan Rogers, Director
National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
srogers@mhasp.org  

267.507.3812 or 800.553.4539 ext 3812

5th Annual Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Suicide Forum - Posted 6.16 

Trauma Informed Care Training Opportunity, Sponsored by the Regional Training Committee - Posted 6.16

July 9th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Henrico Theater

305 E 9 Mile Rd, Highland Springs (23075)

With nationally known speaker John Gillece, Ph.D., Project Manager for the National Association of State MH Program Directors on Trauma Informed Care  

Lunch on your own.  

On Our Own of Roanoke Valley Offers Peer Support Groups - Posted 6.16

For information, call: 540.362.0061   

"Nothing Changes If I Don't Change" - Posted 6.16

http://www.mentalhealth.gov/blog/2014/04/nothing-changes-if-i-dont-change.html   

Fellowship Coffee on Saturdays at "84 Main", Warsaw - Posted 6.16

804.333.3581 for information 

VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #6 - Posted 6.5

"What does spiritual wellness mean?"

SAMHSA defines spiritual wellness as: 

"expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life" by making time for practices that enhance our sense of connection to self, nature, or others and finding a community that shares our spiritual outlook. 

VOCAL'S Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #5 - Posted 5.5

"Taking a Look at What Makes Up Environmental Wellness"

SAMHSA defines environmental wellness as: "Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being". Does where you live and/or work fit this definition? Do you find that your overall well-being is supported there?

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke - Posted 6.2

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers - Posted 5.5

The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org.