Welcome to the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community (RLC) supports healing and empowerment for our broader communities and people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme states, homelessness, problems with substances, and other life-interrupting challenges through:
- Peer-to-peer support & genuine human relationships
- Alternative Healing Practices
- Learning Opportunities
- Advocacy
Essential to our work is recognizing and undoing systemic injustices such as racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, transmisogyny, and psychiatric oppression.
The RLC is made up of PEOPLE (not places) and is wherever and however YOU and others from the community may choose to connect. Together, we offer a variety of events, workshops, trainings, advocacy and leadership councils, as well as a peer support line, three resource centers (Springfield, Greenfield, and Holyoke) and a Peer Respite in Northampton. Above all else, we create space for anyone who has a genuine interest in taking part in our community and holding its values to share and find connection, information, ideas and opportunities to make change in their own lives and/or the community around them. Our shared experiences and ‘humanness’ are what unite us. Our stories, collective wisdom and strength are what guide us and our community forward.
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 Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community is funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, the United Way of Franklin County, and a variety of private foundations and donations.
Vote RLC
The RLC is one of five finalists for the Scattergood Innovation Award.
The grand prize is $25,000 and is decided by public vote!
Help us out by CLICKING HERE to vote NOW!
What are we nominated for?: In the last year, the RLC has begun working more and more to integrate peer support and housing/tenancy preservation supports. This work began with the Rainville in Springfield, MA (a 46-unit building providing permanent housing to people who have been homeless), and is now in the process of expanding. The nomination recognizes the innovative and highly impactful nature of this work, as well as the need for additional funds to support its growth! Learn more HERE.
How else can you help?: Since this prize is awarded strictly based on number of votes, it's incredibly important that we reach as many people as possible! You can help not just by voting, but by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and with all of your social networks!
VOTING ENDS ON FRIDAY, MAY 13!!!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!
Please Note: There is a brief survey on the voting page that asks you to identify your priority for 'behavioral health' in the United States. This is just an opinion question, and you can choose any answer you like. It will not effect your vote! Just be sure to enter your name and e-mail address and click 'Submit Vote' at the bottom of the page!
Join us on Patriots' Day!
Pittsfield:
Monday, April 18th at noon on the Commons in Pittsfield
Monday, April 18th
Green River Recreational Area
Meet at 74 Federal Street at 12:15pm, return at 3:30pm.
Potluck and Movie Night in Greenfield
Next Peer Networking Meeting
The next Peer Networking Meeting will be:
12:30pm to 3pm
@ the RLC’s Holyoke Center,
187 High Street, Suite 303
This meeting is open to all individuals working or volunteering in peer roles in Western Mass.
Pizza and salad will be served!
Community Gives On-Line Prize Winners!
Thank you to everyone who donated to during our on-line Community Gives week (and beyond!). A special thank you and congrats to our prize winners:
$50 Amazon Gift Card: Luke P from Great Barrington, MA
$30 Barnes & Noble Gift Card: Audrey H from Somerville, MA
$100 Spafinder Gift Card: Alison B from South Hadley, MA
$50 Bath & Body Works Gift Card: Phyllis S from Granby, MA
$35 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card: Vanessa H from Shrewsbury, MA
$100 Darden Gift Card: Laura C from Northampton, MA
$50 Target Gift Card: Tom R from Hamden, CT
Write for Your Life: A Creative Writing Group
Writing can be a form of therapeutic expression.
We want you to come join us in a new writing group at the Holyoke Center
(no sign-up necessary).
Mondays in February (2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29)
4:30-5:30pm
187 High Street, Room 302, Holyoke
Each group starts with a 10 minute free-write where individuals are encouraged to write non-stop about anything and everything that comes to mind, as a sort of cleansing ritual that readies the participant for the challenges ahead.
The rest of the group is a combination of focused writing prompts and sharing among the group.
The prompts range from creative non-fiction, poetry and group-thinks. All participants are encouraged to share their writing, though no one will be forced if they feel uncomfortable. The ultimate goal of the group is to create an environment where participants feel compelled to write, journal, and share their words outside of the group and within the space of their own lives.
Group led by Lauren Singer
for more info call 413-420-1814
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
