Summer! What wonderful images that six-letter word conjures up; don’t you think? We hope you are enjoying yours so far with the extreme warmth and gloriously sunny days. 

Please take the time to appreciate the importance of this time of year when most of us vacation for some rest and relaxation (R&R). Taking time off, whether you are heading to the beach for some ‘toes in sand’ action or enjoying a more sedate ‘staycation’ away from it all, is incredibly important for your mental (and overall) health.

Did you know ‘down time’ is like a ‘mental reboot’ for your brain and positively impacts your mood no matter what you are facing? It allows you to form a new perspective. It can also be a lot of fun! Take advantage of this warm and wonderful time of year! You deserve it.

At RPSV this summer, we have been focusing on empowering participants (as always) and our staff (through professional development and training opportunities). For RPSV staff, our collective daily ‘mental reboot’ is centered around being as effective as possible to support those we serve―and it’s working.

Our participants are making breakthroughs every day and our staff is bonding around each experience and every success! Thanks again for your support of our efforts. We value you.

A special success story from MK, in their own words:

“My name is MK. I am a mental health patient. I have been coming to the CWC for almost eight years. Most recently, I have been staying at the Bailey’s Crossroads Homeless Shelter and come to CWC daily for meals and to stay out of the cold. The support groups and everything they have to offer has been incredibly helpful.”

“I am excited because the staff at CWC have recently helped me secure housing! Further, I am currently working for a cleaning company on Leesburg Pike and taking my medication regularly.”

“I am grateful to be here today to share my story, but the most deserved success story is CWC. I want to thank them, especially the staff here at CWC -- Mr. Joe, Mrs. Smith, Jesse, and all the others who helped me out with my new housing, and with encouraging me to take care of my health!”

A note of appreciation from a former CSB staff member and long-time supporter of CWC:

“CWC will always be a part of my heart! As a former County employee, I remember the humble beginnings of CWC and how beneficial it was for the community. I wanted to stop by to donate and keep the fire going.”

“CWC staff is warm and engaging so I know participants must feel the same when they enter the building. Keep up the great work!” – MM

Thank you, MM. We will continue to work hard to keep the fire going!

Individuals and businesses in Arlington continue to support our center with love and concern! Case in point – recently one of our participants, KS, received a beautiful bicycle, helmet, and accessories from Emily Gage, Executive Director, and Liam Vincent of Phoenix Bikes of Arlington. 

Phoenix Bikes is an awesome Arlington-based nonprofit that uniquely combines youth educational programs with a full-service professional bike shop and retail store.

KS was so overwhelmed by all the warmth and kindness he received from the team at the nonprofit and LOVES his new bike. Thank you, Phoenix Bikes, for caring for those we serve!  

A very special note of celebration! 

KS just secured a new job and uses his new bike to get to and from work! #SimplySpectacular!!

Center staff recently said goodbye to their intern, Michael. Everyone misses him already! Great job, Big Mike! We wish you the best in life!

At MPRC, participants continue to demonstrate their creativity through words and art. Everyone is so positive and happy. Recently participants created beautiful suncatchers that now adorn the windows of the center! #gorgeous

One of MPRC’s participants was recently paired with a job coach who helped him secure a volunteer position. He is so excited by the possibilities ahead! #nice

In June, MPRC’s famous ‘window’ focused on the special importance of Juneteenth and Pride with quotes from leaders in the Black and LGBTIQ+ plus communities. RPSV is an inclusive environment where all are welcome!

From participant, LP, in her own words:

"The Peer Resource Center is a vital part of my wellness. When it reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown I was very happy. We have the best groups! The new program coordinator and I have a great rapport. Welcome aboard, Bailey!"

Special thanks to Mark and Erick Dorsey of The Hand of Christ Ministries in Springfield for the recent and very generous donation of a new pool table for the SCRDIC. It is the ‘perfect gift’ for the center because many of our participants rally around the table for their R&R. It is also a catalyst for helping us engage them in taking advantage of the other services we provide.

The old one was a testament to how much the table was loved. It was well worn. We appreciate your kindness tremendously! The center hosted a pool tournament in mid-July to ‘break in’ the new table. Many participants signed up to take part in the fun.

Pictured: SCRDIC Program Coordinator Gary Workman (left) and one of the kind Pastors who donated the pool table to the center! 

Another success story at SCRDIC!

Mrs. J. has been coming to SCRDIC for several years. We are excited to report she has recently secured a job and has started working! We are very excited for her for a whole host of reasons!

You might remember we announced earlier this year that she and her husband had moved into their first apartment after being homeless for several years. 

Words cannot express the joy and pride of SCRDIC staff for this special couple and the role the team played in helping them move forward! We wish them all the success in the world! Mrs. J. and her husband participated in SCRDIC’s exciting pool tourney too. #yea!