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.
Spanish Speaking Peer Support Forum
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Fecha: 4/27/2018 ¿Estás buscando algún apoyo pero te da miedo como vayan a interpretar tus palabras? Aquí en el RLC ya tenemos un tremendo grupo de apoyo en ingles que corre los lunes, donde no se hace excepción de persona ni sera juzgado por lo que dice. Así que estamos haciendo un llamado a nuestra comunidad hispana para mejor servila. Queremos medir el interés y el deseo de empezar un grupo de apoyo en español en el Centro de Holyoke. Rafael y Chachi estarán escuchando a los que quieran dar su ideas. Rafael y Chachi trabajan en el Centro como interpretes hispanos. Esperamos verlos pronto! ¡Se servirán pizza y refrigerios! Date: 4/27/2018 Have you ever found yourself in need of some support but are afraid of how your words will be perceived? Here at the RLC we already have a wonderful peer support group that runs on Mondays. Big emotion is not frowned upon, no judgement is passed, and no one is going to treat you as a fragile individual. So we are making a call to our community to help us better serve our Spanish speaking community. We would like to hear your input and gauge the interest in adding a Spanish speaking peer support group here at our Holyoke center. The forum will be facilitated by Rafael and Chachi, Spanish speaking advocates at the Holyoke center. We hope to see you there! |
Closures for Today, March 13th
Due to the storm, some of our centers will be closed, and some groups won't be meeting.
Check our Facebook page (click here) or call 413.539.5941 ext. 314, or toll free 866.641.2853 ext. 314, for our cancellations and closures phone line.
So far, our Bowen Center will be closed today, including all groups.
Our IPS training is also cancelled for the day.
The Holyoke Center is also closed, and groups are cancelled, including Hearing Voices.
Film Screening - Cause of Death: Unknown
Made over a ten-year period, this film follows Anniken Hoel as she embarks on an investigation of the pharmaceutical industry after her sister died suddenly while taking prescription neuroleptics. It is simultaneously a personal and investigation journey that begins in a small town in Norway and travels through Scandinavia, Europe and the United States.
Wednesday, March 28, 6:30pm to 9:00pm @ Smith College, Stoddard G2, Northampton
Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm to 8:30pm @ Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham
Friday, March 30, 5:30pm to 8:00pm @ RPX, 1 Osgood Street, Greenfield
Each screening will be followed by a Q&A led by the film’s producer, Andrew Grant
Coming to us all the way from Norway!
Free & open to the public.
RSVP encouraged but not required by clicking This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Continuing Ed Credits requested for LCSWs and LMHCs.
Co-sponsored by the Western Mass RLC & Advocates
POSTPONED: Holyoke Grand Opening
Due to the incoming storm, the Grand Opening for Please join us for this celebration!
We'll have finger foods from Holyoke Hummus Company, and home-made desserts from Erin Levesque and Barbara Torres.
Crazywise Screening & Discussion
Friday, January 19th, 5:00pm-7:00pm