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.
The Western Mass RLC will be returning to First Night in Northampton for the 4th year in a row! From the First Night website:
On Saturday, December 31st, the Center for the Arts and PeoplesBank invite you to a city-wide celebration of creative community. For the 27th time, we host a 12-hour family-friendly festival of the arts that culminates in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. We look forward to gathering with friends, neighbors and visitors at 20 downtown venues for an incredible array of entertainment presented by a wealth of talented performers and supported by generous local sponsors.
The RLC community will join in on the festivities with a meeting time of 5:45pm just in time for the annual fireworks show (which begins at 6:15pm) and will choose from the menu of other entertainment options as a group.
We will be able to offer a limited number of free buttons providing admittance to the event, as well as some transportation support.
Space is very limited, so please sign up early! Call (413) 539-5941 ext. 301
Thursday, December 22nd, from 3 to 6pm at the RLC’s Pittsfield Center 152 North Street, Suite 230
“The Winter Solstice is unique among days of the year — the time of the longest night and the shortest day. For the Solstice is also a turning point. From now on, the nights grow shorter and the days grow longer… the feasting and merriment of the midwinter season is therefore in order to combat the forces of gloom.” ~Waverly Fitzgerald
An annual tradition in our Pittsfield Center is upon us once again! So many of us struggle during the holiday season…stress, obligations, loneliness, loss and sometimes just being blue and not really knowing why, are all too common during this hectic time. The Solstice Celebration is a chance to step away from all of that, a time to slow down (as much as we can) to acknowledge the influence nature has upon us, to ask the dark to leave us, to share as a community our wishes for a bright future as the sun begins to become more prominent once more in our daily lives.
As we have done in the past, we will celebrate with food and ask that you bring both food and friends if you are able. Our community boasts some truly talented cooks who annually showcase their talents (Yum!) and this is a great opportunity to introduce new people to the RLC!
There will be food, music, crafts, friends, community and time for reflection!
For more information, call the Pittsfield Center at (413) 236-5888. If you plan to bring something yummy…it would be great to hear from you so we have an idea what the table is going to look like!
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 Transformation Center has announced the location and dates for the Fall 2011 Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) classes.
Two classes will be held - one in Lawrence, MA and one in Framingham, MA - beginning in September and running into November with individuals throughout Massachusetts eligible to apply to either.
If you are interested in learning more, visit the Transformation Center's websiteor download the CPS application here!
Requests for interviews (where you will turn in your completed application) will begin to be accepted as of July 11th, with the deadline for requests falling on July 29th!
Please Note: The Western Mass RLC does not sponsor this training, so plesae be sure to contact the Transformation Center with any questions or to apply!
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 Western Mass RLC will be returning to First Night in Northampton for the 4th year in a row!
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?
