The reputation of San Mateo County preceded me once again in Washington DC. Many organizations in states around the U.S. know of the work being done to serve those with mental health and alcohol and drug problems in our county.
It was a privilege for me to represent us at the National Recovery Month Planning Partners Meeting on March 29Th. Even with all the budget cuts SAMHSA is building Recovery Month 2012 and 2013 in a very big way.
Voices of Recovery staff and volunteers participated in the WRAP Facilitators Certification training in March which will be a big support for our new "Flip the Script" support group (Thursday evenings beginning at 6pm). This meeting is open to the community. We live in a great multicultural county it is our goal to serve all cultures as we continue to grow.
On Thursday May 3rd we at VOR are having a Cultural Competence Training at 4pm at the VOR Center, facilitated by Dr. Jei Africa for the staff and volunteers at VORSMC (this training is also open to the community).
As Executive Director I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate, partner with others to serve the needs of the recovery community. In July we have plans in the works to do an event around HIV and HEP-C and their impact on many individuals in recovery. The details are being worked out so please stay tuned for more information.
This year has many new challenges, but for each challenge there is a new reward we thank the community for sharing their voices, concerns and needs with VORSMC and its members as we move forward. - Raymond Mills, VORSMC Executive Director