Representatives from the Salvation Army and Goodskills Career Builder participated in the Mental Health Association’s November holiday recovery luncheon and described the services their programs offer. Pictured from left are Salvation Army staffers Jennifer Rolfe, Asia Leonard, Joathylet (JoJo) Ruedas, and Scotlynn Fegley and Goodskills’ Francisca Wallen and Jackie Greene.

The Mental Health Association’s November holiday recovery luncheon had a number of highlights.

Michael Nordin, acting executive director, welcomed Gordy Frederes as a staff member after his year of volunteering at the front desk, welcoming participants and manning the phone. Nordin also had certificates for a participant who has maintained her sobriety despite personal struggles and another for successfully completing the anger management group.

Staff from the Salvation Army – Scotlynn Fegley, Asia Leonard, Jennifer Rolfe and Joathylet (JoJo) Ruedas – described some of the services they provide including providing shelter, working with sexual assault victims, court advocacy, assistance finding housing, referrals and more. For more information, call 716-661-3897.

Francisca Wallen and Jackie Greene, Goodskills Career Builder community outreach liaisons, described their four-week program at Jamestown Community College that pays students while they prepare for a job in manufacturing. With a 95% placement rate for those completing the program, they can be reached at 716-854-3494.

MHA officials expressed excited about a new group that began recently. All Addictions Anonymous (AAA) is an all-inclusive, 12-step program based in the teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous but geared toward any addiction: alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, or any personal compulsion that has had a negative impact on a person’s well being.

No topic or addiction is taboo at AAA meetings, as all experiences have the potential to make a difference in another person’s recovery. Together those in the group help each other to better understand their own struggles and find a positive way to cope while becoming a happier and mentally healthier individual.

Assisted by Joshua Christ, volunteer Rob Bruyer leads the AAA group that meets at the Jamestown recovery center on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate and learn the tools AAA offers to help with whatever their personal addiction struggles may be.

Bonnie Weber of Be The Change You Want to See in Jamestown organized the preparation of the turkey dinner. Volunteers Diana Bloom, April Trotman and Diane Lamber and MHA staffers Michelle Colaiacovo and Jessica Crooks served the meal.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

The MHA commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.

MHA’s Jamestown recovery center in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 31 Water St., is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours for the north county center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.

To receive MHA newsletters and communications, send an email to MHAChautauqua.org/email.