wdMETRO SUBURBAN RECOVERY NEWS

 

 -February 2010-

 

Welcome to the Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community monthly newsletter.  Your participation in our community is welcomed and highly appreciated.  This newsletter will arrive in your inbox every month with updates on recovery-oriented activities in the Metro Suburban region of Massachusetts.  If you would rather not receive this e-mail, please click on the "SafeUnsubscribe" link at the bottom of the page.  We respect your privacy.  Your e-mail address and all other personal information that we may have will not be shared or sold to other parties. If you have received this newsletter in the mail and would like to view the electronic version please visit us on the web at  http://metrosubrlc.org/.

 If you are receivng this newsletter by mail please be sure to check the back of each page!

Community

Resources

 

METRO COMMUNITY LIBRARY 

 

Do you enjoy reading?  Have questions about your diagnoses? Want more information on your medication and its side effects?  Would you like to read about famous people who are living with a mental health condition, or how to manage your own symptoms holistically? 

 

The Metro Public Library has all of this and more!  Visit us at 460 Quincy Ave., Quincy MA, 02169 or visit our web library at MetroSubRLC.org  

 

 

WARMLINES

Warmlines are a call in service that provides the community with a place to turn if they need someone to talk to.

See the listing below for a WarmLine in your area.

  

 

SOUTH SHORE WARMLINE

 M-TH 4-8PM

 FR  5-9PM

SAT.& SUN

12-4PM  

617-689-1050 or 617-689-1051

For the crisis line call

 800-528-4890

or

  617-774-6036     *open 24 hours*   

 

 MSRLC FRAMINGHAM

 PeerLine

Outgoing calls only

7days/week

617.472.3237x302

to schedule a call

 

 C.A.S.T.L.E WARMLINE

Sun.-Fri. 7PM-11PM  

617-610-7907 

  

*this is not a crisis line*

 

METRO

BOSTON

WARMLINE

TH., FRI. & SAT.

4-8PM

TOLL FREE

877-733-7563

For more information, contact Amy Dwyer

617-414-8341

 

EDINBURG CENTER WARMLINE

 

M-F 5PM-10PM

SAT. & SUN.

1PM-10PM

 

1-800-243-5836

 

CRISIS LINE

 

781-860-0570

*24 HOURS* 

      

 

Quincy Career Center 

 152 Parkingway  Quincy MA 02169    

 617-745-4000

  

 

Marlborough Career Center

 201 Boston Post Rd. West Marlborough MA 01752

 508-786-0928   

 

 Nowood Career Center

275 Prospect St. Norwood MA 02062

 781-769-4120

 

 

 The Career Place Trade Center Park

 100 Sylvan Rd.  Suite G-100 Woburn MA 01801

781-932-5500    

OUR MISSION

The Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community is a peer run organization; promoting trauma informed peer support, advocacy, education and training opportunities for individuals who have lived experience with a mental health condition.  As a community we are taking a proactive approach toward fighting stigma and developing a culture which supports recovery, resiliency and self-empowerment.

 

NEW THIS MONTH

 

Welcome Carol Gapski

Jon Dosick presents: The Five Fundamental Rights/Fresh Air Bill

Resume Writing/Interview Skills Workshop

Presidents Sober Club Center Update

New Member Orientation

Guiding Council Meeting

Friday Night Live

New Group Locations

 

IN EVERY ISSUE

Employment Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Training Opportunities

S.Site Groups Listing - Quincy Area

E. Site Groups Listing - Waltham Area

W. Site Groups Listing - Natick Area

S.W. Site Groups Listing - Norwood Area

Meet Our Staff

Contact Us

 

ANNOUNCMENTS

 

sun1WELCOME CAROL GAPSKI! 

Please join us in welcoming Carol Gapski to the Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community.  As Peer Support Coordinator Carol will support and develop MSRLC Peer Support groups and activities.  Over the past few weeks Carol has been meeting with Group Facilitators and planning for the February Peer Facilitators Training.  We are excited for her arrival and look forward to expanding Peer Support Services throughout the Metro Suburban Region.  Contact Carol Gapksi, Peer Support Coordinator 

Monday through Friday, 10AM-6PM,617.472.3237x304 Email:cgapski@metrosubrlc.org

 

PEER FACILITATOR TRAINING PARTS I & II  Are you dependable? Do you enjoy working with others? Do you have a desire to "give back" to others also on a journey of recovery?  Are you interested in becoming a Peer Facilitator?  The MSRLC is accepting applications now for the next Peer Facilitators Training.  For more information or to request an application call Carol, 617.472.3237x304 or email cgapski@metrosubrlc.org .   

Training Dates: February 27th & 28th (Sat. & Sun.)
Time: 10am - 2pm - Lunch will be provided

Location: 460 Quincy Ave., Quincy MA 02169 2nd Fl., Coffee Shop Room.  RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

 

PEER WORKER SUPPORT GROUP Are you a Peer Specialist, Peer Facilitator or other Peer Worker?  Are you a Peer volunteering in a Peer Run or Provider Agency? If you answered yes then the MSRLC has a group for YOU!  Please join us Saturday, February 13th, 2010 from 11AM to 1PM for the Peer Worker Support Group. This group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 460 Quincy Ave., 2nd Fl., Activity Area B- Quincy MA 02169 *Please bring a brown bag lunch!*

 

THE FIVE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS/FRESH AIR BILL
In Massachusetts, a unique grassroots initiative is being considered, focused on human rights in inpatient psychiatric facilities: enforcement of the "Five Fundamental Rights," a State Law violated constantly, along with the addition of a sixth right - access to the outdoors. A new awareness of our dignity and the law that protects us is long overdue. 
The MSRLC invites you to join us Monday, February 8th at 4:00PM as we welcome guest speaker Jonathan Dosick, Coordinator of the "Five Fundmental Rights/Fresh Air" effort. For more information, or to RSVP contact Liz Pepin at 617.472.3237 x 303

 

RESUME AND INTERVIEW SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOP

On March 1st and March 8th, 2010 from 10AM to 2PM the MSRLC is offering an exciting workshop developed to help you achevie your employment goals. Part one will focus on drafting your cover letter and resume.  Part two will examine the interview process and offer tips on how to interview successfully.  For more information or to register call 617.472.3237.  Space is limited, reserve yours NOW!

 

wdCongratulations Wayne Devine, President of the Quincy Sober Club Center! "Proposed sober club in Quincy

granted nonprofit status..."

The Presidents Sober Club Center is seeking dedicated individuals to join the Events Planning Committee.  If you are interested in volunteering or would like additional information regarding the Sober Club email wdevine38@comcast.net.

 

The above link will re-direct you to our website

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: The Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community invites you to participate in our New Member Orientation

Friday, February 12th, 2:00-4:00PM. 460 Quincy Ave. 2nd Floor - Activity Area B, Quincy MA 02169. To RSVP call  617.472.3237

 

GUIDING COUNCIL: Guiding Council members have vital input and provide supportive guidance on important matters pertaining to the operation of the Resource Connection Center and the Recovery Learning Community. If you are a peer interested in providing feedback on this important mission please contact Rhiannon by phone 617.472.3237 x 302

Next meeting: Wednesday, February 24th 12-2PM.

460 Quincy Ave., Quincy MA 02169,

2nd Floor 'Coffee Shop'

 

METRO CAFE! Join your friends and

warm up this winter at the MSRLC Metro Cafe! Enjoy free coffee, tea and conversation every Monday at 2:30PM.  Beverages and light refreshments provided. Baristas needed!

 

MOVIE NIGHT at THE MSRLC -BI-WEEKLY FRIDAY'S AT 4:00PM. 

Enjoy a pizza dinner with friends, watch a movie or challenge your peers in a variety of games.

...sneak peek 

2/5/10 (Comedy) 'School of Rock'

2/19/10 (Action) 'Holes'

3/5/10 (Sci-Fi) 'Mission to Mars'  

3/19/10 (Drama) 'Whale Rider' 

 

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS!

Do you enjoy scrapbooking, painting or drawing?  Do you have a project that you've been woking on at home?  Let's get crafty!The MSRLC invites you to bring in your materials and express your creativity in the company of your peers.  Materials needed to make  crocheted gifts and handmade jewelry will be provided.  This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 2:30-3:30PM at the MSRLC.  All are welcome. DHOH especially welcome! Upcoming class dates: 2/19/10, 2/24/10, 3/10/10, 3/24/10, 4/14/10, 4/28/10, 5/12/10, 5/19/10, 6/9/10, 6/23/10 *beverages and light refreshments also provided*

 

Do you know that the MSRLC offers Open Computer Hours? Don't have a computer but want to stay connected?  Or maybe you need to revamp your resume?

Well now you can!  The MSRLC offers open computer hours

Monday's 10AM-12PM and Wednesday's 12PM-2PM. Space is limited and time is reserved on a first come first serve basis.

Please understand that we do not have an instructor available during open computer hours.

Recovery Story Outreach Project:Deep within each one of us is a story of hope, inspiration, growth and recovery. The Recovery Story Outreach Project (RSOP) will guide you in telling your personal Recovery Story.  You will learn the differance between an 'illness' and a 'recovery' story and learn to share your story in a way that inspires hope.  As participants RSOP members are agents of change; sharing their recovery stories, reducing stigma and inspiring hope within the Mental Health community.  Please join us bi-weekly Thursday's from 11AM-1PM at the MSRLC for this very important project. Upcoming dates: 2/4/10, 2/18/10, 3/11/10 & 3/25/10 * lunch will be provided*

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Hiring Peer Facilitators - 

The Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community is interviewing experienced peer facilitators. Education and/or Experience:Lived experience with mental health recovery or dual recovery.Group facilitation skills, such as those developed in 12 Step programs, advocacy work or through education.  This is not a full time job.  Groups are usually 1 hour in length. Facilitators may facilitate up to two groups per week. Transportation required. Please contact Carol, 617.472.3237 x304

 

Research Project Coordinator -

CQI is seeking a Community-based Participatory Action Research project involving young adults living with mental health and/or addiction recovery needs (MHARN).  This full-time coordinator will work with the two Principle Investigators, one at CQI and the other at Northeastern, a stakeholder project team, and a team of up to eight young adults with MHARN (research associates) to study the housing support needs of young adults in Boston.  This position has been funded through a recently awarded NIMH grant for at least 15 months. Send resume to Consumer Quality Initiatives, Inc., 132 Kemble Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 (P) 617-427-0505 - www.cqi-mass.org

 

Program Coordinator, Peer Support Program - 

Riverside's Peer Support Program is a unique program that offers opportunities for consumers to provide and receive supports to enhance recovery. The Program Coordinator oversees all aspects of the program's operations. Send resume and cover letter with job code MHPCPS to:Human Resources Office, Riverside Community Care, 450 Washington Street, Suite 201 Dedham, MA 02026 or Fax: 781-320-3603

Recovery Coordinator - The Recovery Coordinator will provide ongoing support for CBFS Recovery Specialists from across the division and take a leadership role in promoting wellness/recovery principles and practices in CLS programs. Send resume and cover letter with job code MHRCV to:Human Resources Office, Riverside Community Care - 450 Washington Street, Suite 201, Dedham, MA 02026 or Fax: 781-320-3603. 

 Click here for details

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES! 

 

Based on suggestions we've received from our community members the MSRLC is considering the following (new) group ideas:

 

WRITERS BLOCK

An informational/instructional group explaining the how to of writing short stories, poems etc. This group would also encourage writers to share their work within the group.

 

MUSICAL DEBUT

Bring your musical instruments, join your peers and create a band!

 

GAMERS UNITE

Choose from a variety of board games and challenge your peers.  Prefer to play solo?  Enjoy the company of your peers and challenge yourself with mind teasers, Suduko or solataire.

 

ALTERNATIVE HEALING

A new group that would explore alternative healing techniques. 

 

At present these groups are only IDEAS!  We need your help to make it happen.  If you would be interested in facilitating or participating in any of the above groups please email info@metrosubrlc.org or call Rhiannon 617.472.3237x302.  Please be sure to include the names of the groups you are interested in and in what capacity (facilitator/participant or both.)   We are always looking for new ideas, please don't hesitate to share yours!

 

THE MSRLC IS ALWAYS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH THE FOLLOWING: 

Newsletter distribution, various administrative tasks, literature assembly, Group/Meeting preparation, Metro Cafe, reception and many more.  If you are interested in volunteering please call 617-472-3237. 

 

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

 

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS?  Classes are FREE and limited to only four individuals at a time so RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! For a class schedule, visit us on the web at MetroSubRLC.org  RSVP BY PHONE: 617-472-3237 OR EMAIL info@metrosubrlc.org

 

PEER FACILITATOR TRAINING:

Are you dependable? Do you enjoy working with others? Do you have a desire to "give back" to others also on a journey of recovery?  Are you interested in becoming a Peer Facilitator? Peer Facilitators are unique. They possess the "lived experience" of recovery.   They have, openly and without shame, begun their journey of recovery. They model an openness that encourages others to share their journeys. THE METRO SUBURBAN RLC IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW! 

 

BACK TO WORK FINANCES TRAINING:

Are you currently on SSI or SSDI?  Do you want to go back to work and keep your benefits? Do you dream of cleaning up your credit?   YOU CAN! Join us for this fun five week training and we'll show you how!  For more information and to register contact: Liz Pepin at:1-617-472-3237  or email: lpepin@metrosubrlc.org

 

WELLNESS RECOVERY ACTION PLAN: (WRAP) helps us learn more about what we need to do on a daily basis to maintain or regain our wellness.  Register now for this 10 week training.  For more information or to register please call (617) 472-3237x302.

 

 GROUPS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES LISTED BY SITE

 

The Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community Supports Peer Support groups, trainings, activities and events in the following muncipalities: 

Acton, Arlington, Ashland, Bedford, Belmont, Boxborough, Braintree, Burlington, Canton, Carlisle, Cohasset, Concord, Dedham, Dover, Foxborough, Framingham, Hingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield,  Millis, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Plainville, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, Sharon, Sherborn, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston, Westwood, Weymouth, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn, Wrentham. 

 

If you are interested in attending or facilitating a Peer Support Group but don't see anything listed in your hometown please contact Carol Gapski, Peer Support Coordinator 617.472.3237x304 for information about starting a group in your area.

 

South Suburban Site - Quincy Area

Location: Recovery Learning Community,  460 Quincy Ave, Quincy MA, 2nd Floor, Activity Area B 

-Metro Cafe: Monday's 2:30-3:30PM

-The Recovery Story Outreach Project: every other Thursday 11-1 pm.

-Creative Expressions:2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. 2:30-3:30. 

-Peer Support Worker Feedback Group: 2nd Saturday of each month

11-1 pm, 2nd floor Activity Area B   

-Peer Advocacy Support Group: Weekly Monday's 4-5PM

-Dual Recovery Peer Support Group: Weekly, Thursdays 7-8 pm (ASL Interpreter Provided).

 

Location: Baystate Community Services Building, Blue Chair Room-2nd Floor.  13 Temple St., Quincy MA.   

-Mental Health Peer Support: Weekly Tuesdays 10:30-11:30AM.  

-Parent Peer Support group: Bi- Weekly Thursday's 10-11AM beginning October 8th.

 

 

The following groups are NOT sponsored by the RLC.  Please take note of the contact information provided below:

 

Location: QMHC, 460 Quincy Ave, Quincy MA

-(NAMI) Support Group National Alliance on Mental Illness.   For More information please contact Fanny Zambuto @ 781-878-4400 or Barbara Sullivan

617-773-6440 

-Clay Room: Thursdays 2:30 - 4 pm, 2nd floor, Activity Area B.  For more information, please contact Jackie Gates 617-626-9072 

  

For Young Adults, age 16 to 25 (also at QMHC):
-Clay Studio: Open to Young Adults, 1st Monday of each month, 3:30-5 pm.
-Young Adult Peer Support Group: every other Thursday, 4-5 pm, 3rd floor large group room (# 311).  For more information contact Michelle 617-689-2537.


Location:  Quincy Medical Center, 114 Whitwell St., Quincy, MA 

- "Safe Place" Peer Support Group for loss from suicide: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 7-9 pm.  For more information, contact Kim Kates (617) 536-2460

 

 East Suburban Site - Waltham Area

 

Location:McLean Hospital. 15 Mill St., Belmont MA.
-DBSA: every Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 1:30-3:30 pm., Weds. 7-9 pm, and Lectures from 7-8 pm on 2nd & 4th Weds. of each month. For more information contact us at 617-855-2795  

 

Location: Advocates, Inc., 675 Main St., Waltham MA
-Peer Support Group, Fridays 5-6 pm

 

-Location: C.W. Potter Place, 15 Vernon St., Waltham MA

-5 Fundamental Rights Work Group, every other Tuesday starting July 7th from 6-8PM.  For more information, contact Jonathan Dosick (617) 947-6624 

 

Location:  Advocates Inc, 1 Clarks Hill Rd., Suite 305 Framingham MA

-Peer Worker Support/Feedback Group: Monthly.  3rd Friday of each month from 10AM-12Noon

 

Location: The Asperger's Association of New England,  85 Main St., Suite 101, Watertown MA 02472.  The Asperger's Association of New England is offering numerous support groups, an ongoing Book Club, Film Series, Speaker Series and Anime Club, as well as a variety of pizza and game nights and weekly strolls.  Additionally, the Asperger's Association of New England will try to offer events and activities that appeal to all individuals of the Asperger's community.  For more information, please call Max Sederer, Coordinator of Adult Services, Asperger's Association of New England at (617) 393-3824 x 302 85

 

West Suburban Site - Natick Area

Location: 2 East Central Street, Natick, MA (First Congregational Church)

-DBSA, 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 7-9 pm, Contact: Diane at (508) 820-4352 for more information.    

Location: 237 Highland Ave., Needham, MA (Second Floor)

-Rainbow Support Group GLBT, 3rd Friday of each month 7-8:30PM. Contact:Sandra, 781-762-8539
or email GLBT.RainbowSupport@gmail.com

Location: Metro West Supported Housing, 340 Maple St. 4th Floor, Marlborough MA

Call Chip Wilder, Director of Family Options, to register at 508-485-5051, x240.

 

Southwest Suburban Site - Norwood Area 

Location: Riverside Community Care, 190 Lennox St., Norwood  

-Young Adult Peer Support Group, every other Thursday, 4-5PM, For more information, contact Michelle 617-689-2537

 

MEET OUR STAFF 

 

Rhiannon Kimball - Assistant Director- 617-472-3237 x 302 info@metrosubrlc.org    

 

Liz Pepin - Project Assistant- 617-472-3237 x 303 lpepin@metrosubrlc.org  

 

Carol Gapski - Peer Support Coordinator -617-472-3237 x 304 cgapski@metrosubrlc.org             

                      

Norah Tower - Peer Advocate - 617-472-3237 x 305 ntower@metrosubrlc.org   

 

Rebecca Howe - Outreach Coordinator - 617-472-3237 x 305 rhowe@metrosubrlc.org

 

Jonathan Bowen-Leopold - Webmaster -617-472-3237 jbowen-leopold@metrosubrlc.org 

 

CONTACT US

 

Metro Suburban Recovery Learnining Community 

460 Quincy Ave.,2nd Floor,Activity Area B,

Quincy MA. 02169. (P) 617-472-3237 (F) 617-786-7513

email info@metrosubrlc.org or visit us on the web

MetroSubRLC.org

 

LIGHT BULB (NEW LIFE)THIS IS YOUR RLC!  

You're feedback is always appreciated.  Please leave your comments or suggestions in our guest book by visiting us on the web at www.MetroSubRLC.org or on our blog www.MetroSuburbanRLCblog.com! 

 

 

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Recovery Learning Community | Quincy Mental Health Center | 2nd floor, Resource Connection Center | 460 Quincy Avenue | Quincy | MA | 02169