HOPE Times Sping Issue 2012
Welcome to the Spring Issue of the HOPE Times. This is certainly a challenging time with the looming budget cuts in Behavioral Health and IDS services in the foreground. The members and staff of HOPE have been advocating in behalf of these very much needed services which are not only a crucial safety net for many, but also a vital support helping to propel many participants forward with their recovery.
In this issue there are several articles that address this important concern. These include the NAMI Walk and the Harrisburg Rally where participants in other COMHAR programs have joined forces with the HOPE program including the Open Door Clubhouse, MH Residential Services, and the Community Living Room.
Despite the challenges regarding upcoming budget cuts, “HOPE continues to spring eternal”. We are committed to promoting recovery and resiliency and to help support the hopes and dreams of participants in living their lives to their fullest capacity. Participants from the HOPE Program and several other COMHAR programs attended the PAPSRS conference in April. The article in this issue presents information about this important annual conference where individuals had an opportunity to connect with others throughout the state of Pennsylvania and to receive training and education on various areas of psychiatric rehabilitation.
You will also read about the other feature stories that include volunteering at Rubye’s Kids, a Black History Month presentation, an interview with HOPE Beginnings graduate, Richard Olivo, a Family Night Event at HOPE Beginnings, and the Family Resource Network Family Recognition Celebration.
In the area of art and recovery, the HOPE Program has truly prospered with articles about the Art Museum trip to the Vincent Van Gogh exhibition; the first HOPE Program Art Show at both Allegheny and Lehigh Aves. including the HOPE Poetry exhibition; and the debut of the brand new “Blessed Recovery Band” which had its first performance at the HOPE Program Art Show on April 11th.
This band has become the hottest new rave at COMHAR and is comprised of participants from several programs including HOPE, the Open Door Clubhouse, and SIL. This band will be going places including showcasing Recovery Idol in September at Penns Landing at the Recovery Walk.
Last, but not least, are articles about the fantastic Spring Dance where participants from HOPE had an opportunity to shine, mingle, and dance with others and be amongst the “Hollywood Stars” of COMHAR, and the “Week of Wellness” where participants had an opportunity to experience activities such as cooking, flower arrangements, yoga, and belly dancing.
Happy Spring!
