At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s March luncheon, Brandon Griggs, left, was recognized for his volunteer work and completing his GED. He is pictured with Student Activities Director Ken Yergens, who congratulated him on his accomplishments.

As a peer recovery center, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County holds a monthly luncheon to recognize participants’ progress.

At the March luncheon, Executive Director Michael Nordin awarded certificates to a returning volunteer and a participant who had gained employment.

Brandon Griggs also received a certificate for his accomplishments. In addition to co-facilitating MHA’s Art in Recovery group that presents annual exhibits, Griggs has volunteered for the past couple years to clean at the Jamestown recovery center, all while going to classes and recently earning his GED. The equivalent of a high school diploma, a GED requires passing a series of tests that focus on reasoning skills and the core subjects of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.

“Without the MHA, I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” Griggs said. “The MHA gave me courage and hope.”

He is also grateful to his GED teacher and to STEL (Southern Tier Environments for Living), where he has a side job cleaning offices, for their support. With the goal of becoming an art teacher, Griggs has begun exploring how he can get started at Jamestown Community College.

Longtime volunteer Buddy Carlson was introduced as a new MHA peer specialist. Medicaid Screener/Navigator Kelli Rogalski is new to the staff as well.

The meal featuring pulled pork sandwiches was prepared and served by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Brian Kearney offered the blessing before the meal and was assisted in the serving by Sandy Harle, Sandra Kearney and Linda McCallum.

The Jamestown recovery center will be closed Wednesday, April 2, for maintenance work.

All are welcome to the recovery luncheons at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. The luncheon and all MHA services are free.

The MHA invites local businesses, churches, organizations and individuals to assist in providing these lunches. To help by making a meal or sharing its cost, contact Dianne Valvo at 716-720-8098 or Dianne.Valvo@MHAChautauqua.org.

The Jamestown recovery center in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 31 Water St. is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information 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.