The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC) creates conditions that support recovery at both the individual and community level through trauma-sensitive peer supports and the development of a regional network. We believe that human relationships are at the center of what heal people who have experienced extreme emotional states, trauma, mental health diagnoses and a variety of other challenges in life. Our lived experience and ‘humanness’ is what unites us. Our stories, collective wisdom and strength are what guide us and our community to wellness.
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is PEOPLE (not places) and is wherever YOU and others from the community are. Together, we offer a variety of events, workshops and trainings as well as four resource centers in Springfield, Greenfield, Holyoke and Pittsfield. Above all else, we offer each other opportunities to find support, connection and valued roles as a part of a growing community.
The Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is a peer-run project providing supports to individuals with lived experience.One of the founding concepts behind the RLC is that human relationships with people are healing, particularly when those people have similar experiences.And so, above all else, the RLC strives to create forums through which human relationships, community and a regional network of supports can develop.On a day-to-day basis, that effort may take the form of a community meeting, a support group, a computer workshop and/or simply offering a safe space where people can communicate with others or simply be.The RLC also acts a clearing house for information about other resources in the community.
We are pleased to announce the Western Mass RLC has now officially been awarded a Peer Respite contract through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
As you may know, peer respites are quite different then the traditional respites. Peer Respites are 100% Peer Run and focus on one-to-one intentional interaction as a means of support. No clinical services are provided. Instead, it’s about you directing your time while you’re at the respite, and getting your needs met whatever you feel they may be. Statistics show that, not only are peer respites more cost effective, they WORK!, reducing hospital admissions and increasing satisfaction and empowerment.
In the coming months, the RLC will be working feverishly to open the peer respite's doors for July 1, 2012. A house, located in Northampton, will be renovated and decorated to create a homey and inviting space. It will have room for three guests at a time, be wheelchair accessible, and house the Western Mass Warmline during several days per week. The respite, itself, will operate 24/7.
This is an exciting time for us but, more over, for everyone in the Recovery Movement! Help out by reading through the job descriptions and seeing if you might be who we’re looking for or if you know someone who is. Spread the word! Get in on the ground floor of creating something truly unique to Massachusetts and on the cutting edge of recovery supports!
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community is proud to host a display of the GlassBook Project. This collection of eight books of glass is the creative result of a collaboration between survivors of self harm and art students. The GlassBooks will be on display at:
The Western Mass RLC's Pittsfield Center 152 North St., Suite 230 Mon & Tues, April 2nd and 3rd from 12:00pm – 4:00pm A reception from 3:00pm – 6:00pm (light fare and discussion) will be held on April 3rd
The Western Mass RLC's Holyoke Center 187 High St., Suite 303 Wednesday, April 4th from 12:00pm - 7:00pm A reception from 3:00pm—6:00pm (light fare and discussion) will be held on April 4th Thursday, April 5th from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
The GlassBook Project is a mysterious and evolving artwork that also seeks to make systems and programs more responsive and helpful to survivors of trauma. Evocative and innovative, books of glass build understanding of how people might respond to trauma (e.g. self injury, issues with body image and food, anger/aggression, substance use, changes in relationships and careers, thrill seeking, etc.) - and in so doing, the project hopes to lessen the stigma and discrimination that often keeps people disconnected from community and their support networks.
During the GlassBook Project, survivors met with students to share their trauma experiences and explain how certain behaviors helped them cope. These behaviors (frequently labeled as symptoms of mental or other illness) are often a means of survival. Through this educational experience, students were guided to shift perspectives from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" and away from blaming the victims. Students then researched and created books on a particular topic, reflecting a survivor’s point of view.
Provocative and beautiful, the GlassBooks are a must see!
Leadership, Employment, Advocacy and Development (LEAD) is pleased to announce the opening of this year's Career Initativies Grant process! This is a great opportunity for people who identify as having lived experience with psychiatric diagnoses, extreme states and/or trauma to consider ways to move forward ideas for small businesses or independent projects. Some of the types of business and projects that have been funded in the past include creation of artwork, book writing and publication, a karaoke business, a pet sitting business and more.
Download the LEAD application here and consider attending one of the six available technical assistance sessions where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and get support on how to move forward:
HOLYOKE
March 13, 1- 3pm @ The Consortium, 187 High Street, Suite 302
SPRINGFIELD
March 19, @ the RLC's Springfield Center, Bowen Resource Center, 340 Main Street
GREENFIELD
March 21, 1 - 3pm @ RECOVER Project Extension, One Osgood Street
WESTFIELD
March 27, 2 - 4pm @ The Forum House, 55 Broad Street
PITTSFIELD
April 4, 1 - 3pm @ the RLC's Pittsfield Center, 152 North Street, Suite 230
NORTHAMPTON
April 5, 10 - 12pm @ Starlight Clubhouse, 251 Nonotuck Street
Over the course of twelve weeks, a group of young adults connected to Leadership, Employment, Advocacy and Development (LEAD) workshopped with a professional filmmaker (PJ Moynihan of Digital Eyes Film) at the Western Mass RLC's Bowen Center in Springfield, and produced their very own movie set to premier on:
Monday, February 6th
5:30pm to 7:30pm
@ the Bowen Resource Center
340 Main Street, Springfield
FEELINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY features interviews with local individuals and was fully conceived, filmed, edited, and produced by young adults in the LEAD Filmmaking Workshop series. The film is a commentary on some issues facing Springfield, and a message of hope for all to hear.
Screening is free, open to the public. Light food and refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 6:00. The film will begin at 6:00 followed by Q & A session.
Friday, December 2nd, 12-3pm At the Western Mass RLC's Greenfield Center 74 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA
Are you a person who has experienced the depth of despair? Are you willing to share the skills that have helped you overcome difficult times?
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC), with support from Tapestry Health, is offering an Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support Group (Alt2Su) Facilitator Training for community members who share the struggle of feeling suicidal and who wish to support others who do as well. Learn the myths and misconceptions about suicide, the relationship to self-inflicted injury, the history of and various approaches to our groups, and the incorporation of a self-care tools list. This training is geared toward people who have had some facilitation experience, although the basics for running an Alt2Su group will be reviewed. Space is limited, sign up today!!! 413-561-3268
Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support Groups have been developed because we believe that empathic talking about suicide decreases suicide. These groups are spaces where people can talk about their experience of feeling suicidal, without being judged. People in the group share their struggles, provide peer support for one another, and strategize about alternatives to help one another best cope with difficult life circumstances. The Western Mass RLC aspires to be fragrance free. Please avoid wearing scented products.
We are excited to share that the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community has been chosen to be a Charity Partner for the 33rd Annual Bridge of Flowers Road Race to take place on August 13, in Shelburne Falls! Please consider joining Janice Sorensen (The Western Mass RLC's Franklin County Coordinator) in the 10k race or you can particpate in the 3k charity run or walk. To register, visit the
Bridge of Flower's registration prage at runreg.com. Please be sure to select the RLC as your Charity Partner of choice when you register!
Watch Janice's Video About Running & Recovery:
If you do not wish to run or walk, please consider sponsoring Janice on her run! To pledge your support for Janice, please click here.
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is PEOPLE (not places) and is wherever YOU and others from the community are. Together, we offer a variety of events, workshops and trainings as well as four resource centers in Springfield, Greenfield, Holyoke and Pittsfield. Above all else, we offer each other opportunities to find support, connection and valued roles as a part of a growing community. 
Are you a person who has experienced the depth of despair? Are you willing to share the skills that have helped you overcome difficult times?
