VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 3.5.2015

In Today's Digest....

New in the Digest This Week

VOCAL News

News Around the Commonwealth

Veteran's Corner

Conferences, Trainings, Workshops and Webinars

Links to Peer-Run Programs

Other News

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

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.

New in the Digest This Week

Sharon Wise , Keynote Speaker at "Charting the Journey", VOCAL's Annual Recovery Conference- Posted 3.5

VOCAL is pleased to announce Sharon Wise as our keynote speaker for our Annual Mental Health Recovery Conference, "Charting the Journey"! Sharon calls herself a "Surviving Spirit"; she is a trauma expert, consultant, whole health and peer specialist, a certified WRAPŠ facilitator and a visual and performing artist. In addition to the keynote, Ms. Wise will also present a workshop.

The Conference will be held from Monday, May 18th until Wednesday, May 20th on the beautiful James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg.

You can download the Conference registration form here. We are excited about the opportunity to offer help with writing your Advance Directive at our Conference, but you MUST preregister when you fill out our registration form. Please review that section at the bottom of the form. Remember, there are a limited number of scholarships available and those are on a first-come, first served, basis. Please observe all registration deadlines.

If you are interested in presenting a workshop at the Conference, please visit:

http://vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-conference/4534274248

Central Peer Connect Meets Next WEDNESDAY - Posted 3.5

March 11th from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Please note this is a change from our original date.

Our meeting will be held at disAbility Law Center of Virginia

1910 Byrd Avenue, First Floor Conference Room

Jane Ellis, VOCAL's Network Program Director will be our guest speaker.

First Fridays with BRSS TACS Webinar - Posted 3.5

"Shared Decision-Making: Empowered; Informed; Engaged"

TOMORROW! March 6th at 12:00 p.m.

Learn about shared decision-making in behavioral health; the role of SDM in client engagement and activation; a summary of BRSS TACS Training and Technical Assistance activities and upcoming opportunities and submit your questions live.

Lunchtime Series on "Mindful Recovery" - Posted 3.5

Roads to Recovery, 2600 Memorial Avenue, Suite 107, Lynchburg (24501)
April 1, May 13
Call 434.455.0053 for questions/information.

Disability.gov Seeks Participants for It's Third "No Boundaries" Photo Project - Posted 3.5

https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/03/02/disability-gov-seeks-participants-for-its-third-no-boundaries-photo-project/

Salsa Dance Classes at 84 Main, Warsaw - Posted 3.5

Every second and fourth Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Call 804.333.3581 for details.

VOCAL Proposed Bylaws Changes Document - Posted 3.5

The link below will take you to the bylaw changes document, in draft, the final of which will be presented to the membership for a vote at our next annual meeting in May at our Annual Conference in Harrisonburg. We welcome your comments to: network@vocalvirginia.org

http://vocalvirginia.org/#/key-documents/4534481121

VOCAL News

Check Out VOCAL Workshop Offerings: Twenty-Five Topics on Recovery, Peer Support, Advocacy and Peer Run Programs

VOCAL has been a leader in Virginia's mental health recovery movement since 2002. Our workshops and professional trainings uniquely blend the experience of individuals who live with conditions commonly referred to as mental health disorders with an up-to-the-minute understanding of state and national mental health systems, and evidence-based recovery tools.

Developed by people who have personally experienced mental health crisis, VOCAL programs value the worth and dignity of each individual, the right to self-determination, and the important contributions of peer support and self-help.

These workshops are designed for peers, peer support specialists, providers, family and supporters of those in recovery.

We can deliver a one-day conference, half-day workshop, or one presentation, all especially designed for the interests of your group.

Workshops are free to peer-run organizations.

For complete workshop descriptions go to:

http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-events/4533123864

Join VOCAL's State-Wide W.R.A.P. Facilitator Network

If you've trained in facilitating Mental Health Recovery including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) workshops, the program developed by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland, Join VOCAL's network today!

Email Ann Benner, R.E.A.C.H. Program Director:

ann@vocalvirginia.org

Link to VOCAL Board Calendar

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=8n1cslha5ohv0sp6ghf2n25mbc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

News Around the Commonwealth

Virginia Festival of the Book, "How to Be Your Own Hero in Mental Health" - Posted 3.2

Thursday, March 19th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Central JMRL Library

201 East Market Street, Charlottesville (22902)

Hosted by:

Mental Health America, On Our Own and Region Ten, NAMI

Authors Beth Gager (A Rooted Mind: Saying Yes to Beauty, Wellness and Deeply-Rooted Mental Health), Wendy Parmley (Hope After Suicide: One Woman's Journey from Darkness to Light), and Michele Phillips (Happiness is a Habit: Simple Daily Rituals that Increase Energy, Improve Well-Being and Add Joy to Every Day) share with us how to achieve wellness by following the truth of who we really are, conquering our fear to reach for joy and light, and practicing happiness.

Computer Basics Class at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 3.2

Thursdays, beginning 3.12 at 12:00 p.m.

For more information, call 540.362-0061

South County Recovery and Drop-In Center Offers Varied Programming - Posted 2.3

8794-S Sacramento Drive, Alexandria

For information: 703.341.6890

Statewide GAP (Governor's Access Plan) Town Hall Meetings Schedule - Posted 2.28

http://dmasva.dmas.virginia.gov/Content_pgs/GAPTownHalls.aspx

Richmond Latino Mental Health Connection - Posted 2.19

Launchpad Counseling, National Counseling Group, and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services have partnered to create a space where behavioral health providers can collect and share information regarding culturally and linguistically appropriate services for Latinos seeking mental health, substance use, and other behavioral health services. Here we hope to share research, web links, pose questions, and share local resources.

To join: https://groups.google.com/forum/hl=en#!forum/rvalatinomentalhealth

Assertiveness Group at On Our Own of Charlottesville - Posted 2.19

Fridays, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

123 4th Street, Charlottesville

434.979.2440

New WRAPŠ Group in Hampton/ Newport News - Posted 2.5

Every Wednesday in March and April at the HNN CSB, Building 300

Contact Chris Yanez at 757.788.0053 or cyanez@hnncsb.org

Shea's Corner/Healthy Living Group at On Our Own of Roanoke - Posted 2.2

Began Friday, February 6th at 12:30 p.m.

Call 540.262.0061 for more information.

Eleventh Annual "Art of Recovery" Seeks Exhibits - Posted 1.29

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently seeking entries for the Eleventh Annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit. The art show features original artwork by adults with mental health challenges. The show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, RACSBs psychosocial clubhouse for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The exhibit will open Friday, May 1, 2015 at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The opening corresponds with 'First Fridays.' The exhibit runs through May 24, 2015 and coincides with National Mental Health Month.

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.

The RACSB is accepting original drawings, paintings, sculpture, textiles, prints, mixed media, and ceramics. Individuals wishing to submit their work have until April 1, 2015 to contact Helen Conley. Submissions may be in the form of photographs. Visit www.racsb.state.va.us for an entry form and display instructions. Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form with the following requested information: name of the artist; year of completion (if known); locale of the artist; dimensions; medium; and sale price. PONSHOP will apply a reasonable commission on all artwork sold. Selections will be made by April 10, 2015.

To submit artwork or to learn more, contact Helen Conley at 540-373-7737 or artofrecovery@racsb.state.va.us. Submissions may also be mailed to RACSB, attn: Art of Recovery, 600 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

Henrico MH Consumer Recovery Council (CRC) Open to All - Posted 1.22

You don't have to live in Henrico County to get involved! This group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at Henrico Mental Health, 10299 Woodman Road.

For more information contact Kevin Kelley:

kel50@co.henrico.va.us

DMAS and Magellan to Host Weekly GAP Calls - Posted 1.22

DMAS (state Medicaid) and Magellan will host a weekly GAP call just for individuals with mental health issues, family members of individuals with mental health issues, and mental health advocates. This is an opportunity for members, families and advocates to talk with DMAS representatives about the new GAP project. This call will help to address screening concerns and recommendations with the GAP eligibility questions, how to get a screening, covered benefits or other concerns.

Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

1-866-842-5779 (no RSVP required)

Conference Code: 7439901269

"Family Dynamics" Group at On Our Own of Charlottesville - Posted 1.15

Thursdays, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Call 434-979-2440 for details.

"Recovery Among Friends" Support Group Meets at Henrico Mental Health - Posted 1.15

Meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Contact Nancy: ede01@co.henrico.va.us for more information.

Mental Health Recovery Group (Including WRAP) Meets at Lakeside Center (Henrico) - Posted 1.15

A continuing self-paced workshop for people who experience mental health challenges and meets every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Kevin M. Kelly (Copeland Center Certified)

wrapnrecovery@gmail.com or 804-727-8597 for more information.

Veteran's Corner

Veterans Crisis Line

Call: 1-800-273-8255

http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Link

http://www.wearevirginiaveterans.org/

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke

Every Monday at 1 p.m.

540-362-0061

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers

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.

Conferences, Trainings, Workshops and Webinars

Next National TA and Networking Teleconference Scheduled for Monday, March 16^th - Posted 3.2

1:00 p.m.

The call-in number is 866-906-0123; the pass code is 5037195#. The purpose of the calls is for peer movement activists from around the U.S. to get together, share information, and "network."

If you have a topic or topics you would like to see discussed on this call, please write to Susan Rogers: srogers@mhasp.org with the word "Agenda" in the subject line. In addition, if you plan to participate, even if you don't want to suggest an agenda item it would be helpful if you would email Susan as this will make it easier to provide the participants with teleconference minutes.

The April 20th call will feature a presentation on career development for Certified Peer Specialists.

Mental Health America of Virginia's Workforce Re-entry Conference - Posted 2.26

April 13-15 in Lynchburg

For more information and to apply, go to http://mhav.org/event/workforce-re-entry-conference/

WRAP Facilitator Training in Richmond (Ashland) - Posted 2.26

March 9-13
For information

Webinar: "Native American Health and Healing Approaches" - Posted 2.26

March 24th from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join the "Dialogues of Discovery, A Process of Connecting and Sharing Our Collective Wisdom" with Lauren Spiro - Posted 1.22

#3 "Envisioning and Creating the World You Want" on March 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

DBSA Peer Specialist Core Training - Posted 1.29

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_training_peer_specialist_core

Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia

Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery
www.aphpr-rpsva.org

Reston Drop-In Center

restondropincenter.org

Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)

http://consumerwellnesscenter.org/services.html

Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)
www.recovery-in-motion.org

Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services

http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm

Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond)

http://www.friends4recovery.org

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
www.onourowncville.org

84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581

Recovery Resources and Support
http://www.rrs4hope.com/

The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center (Alexandria)

www.lmec.org

Our Family (Winchester)

540.667.8888 or dking@nwcsb.com

Other Program Information:

Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)

http://vpsc.groupsite.com/main/summary

Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)

http://mhav.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com

NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

http://namivirginia.org/

NAMI Central Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://www.namicentralvirginia.org

SAARA of Virginia (Richmond)
http://www.saara.org/events-calendar.php

Spiritworks Foundation Center for Recovery of the Soul (Williamsburg)
http://www.spiritworksfoundation.org/events-calendar/

Roads to Recovery (Lynchburg)
http://roads2recovery.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org/

Other News

"Peers for Progress" - Posted 3.2

Peers for Progress was founded in 2006 to promote peer support as a key part of health, health care, and prevention around the world. The mission of Peers for Progress is to accelerate the availability of best practices in peer support.

Peers for Progress is designed to demonstrate the value of peer support, extend the evidence base for such interventions, help establish peer support as an accepted, core component of health care, and promote peer support programs and networks on a global scale.

For further information, go to: http://peersforprogress.org/

Grant Opportunity: National Consumer and Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Centers - Posted 3.2

Application due date April 27th

http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-15-011

Social Security Expanding Field Offices Nationwide - Posted 2.2

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/news/#!/post/1-2015-1

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

"UNHOLY HELL: A Preacher's Journey Through Depression and Recovery"

Book written by Terry Dow

Available on March 6 on Amazon in print and on Kindle

"Walking in Hope, Living in Grace: The Tapestry"

Book written by Maryalyce Poole, available at Amazon

"A Rooted Mind: Saying Yes to Beauty, Wellness and Deeply-Rooted Mental Health"

Book written by Beth Gager, available at Balboa Press

Dear Reader,

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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.