Our Mission Statement: MHAAO is an inclusive peer-run organization dedicated to self-direction honoring the voice of lived experience |
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Congrats to Thomas Hooks for the birth of his first granddaughter on 4/3/2021!
Congrats to Brenda Mitchell on her engagement to her partner, TiTi!
Congrats to Grace Jo for adopting her adorable Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Bear! Grace shared, "Owning a puppy is a lot of work.. but he has changed my routine for the better, he gives me hope and more purpose."
Congrats to Grace Jo, who celebrated her two year work anniversary with MHAAO on 4/9!
Congrats to Celina Burns, who will celebrate 14 years in recovery on 4/23!!
Congrats to Terry Leckron-Myers, who will celebrate 26 years in recovery on 4/22!
Congrats to Sadie Campbell, who will celebrate 7 years in recovery on 4/17!
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Luka Russo
EVOLVE Multnomah County COVID Outreach PSS
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What drew you to the peer movement?
My own personal path led me to place where I did not believe that my own choices deemed me worthy of a life I could even be happy in. It took someone just like me to prove me wrong and change it completely. This organization really sees that no matter where a person is coming from, or where they are headed, they deserve to travel there with support and dignity, like anyone in this world.
Why are peer services so crucial, especially right now?
This last year we have had more disconnect than ever, and the impact it has had in our community has shown in ways we cant even see yet. We need connection with others more than we ever have. All of us.
What do you do for self-care?
Honestly, I hang out with my dog, currently attempting to learn to cook and sometimes listen to bad 90s pop music.
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Kenneth Prescott Jr.
EVOLVE PSS for Blanchet House
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What drew you to the peer movement?
Giving back has always been a priority to me because I've been supported also. My life would literally be in shambles if it wasn't for a dedicated group of people to ensure that my life wasn't over. MAAHO works with Blanchet House which is the organization that boosted me to recovery. When I discovered the open position I applied because supporting my peers and showing gratitude is essential for success.
Why are peer services so crucial, especially right now?
Peer Services are really important right now because we're living through a pandemic. Life throws you a curveball at times and the support from your peers motivates you to hit a homerun. Assistance with finding and obtaining community resources can be classified as essential work during these times. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the MHAAO team.
What do you do for self-care?
My personal self care includes attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings in addition to being physically active. Whenever I'm feeling anxious I think about the people who supported me. What would they think if I let them down? Addiction recovery mentoring and wellness coaching also enhances my self care on a day today basis.
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Corbett Edwards
Peer Support Specialist for OHSU Impact Team
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What drew you to the peer movement?
Being able to connect with people on the basis of shared experience is what drew me to the peer movement, and the people who interviewed me for this position were what sealed the deal - they were (& are) awesome.
Why are peer services so crucial, especially right now?
Human connection is a basic human need, and to be able to meet that need for those who are transitional phases in their lives, is an essential service. I feel honored to be doing this work.
What do you do for self-care?
My self-care tool belt is lengthy and continues to grow, but some of my favorites are mindful movement & exercise, meditation, and cooking delicious food for myself.
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Organization-Wide Updates |
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Human Resources:
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Standout and Survey Monkey Results: MHAAO recently completed the second quarter Engagement Pulse (both through StandOut and Jotform). In the coming weeks, the Engagement Pulse results will be shared with Managers, and Directors. Afterwards the results will be shared with staff members. Thank you for taking the time to complete the Engagement Pulse!!
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Manager Training Development: Over the last few weeks, Human Resources conducted interviews with Managers and Directors to find out what they wish they have known before becoming a manager at MHAAO. Thank you Managers, and Director's for great feedback! The Human Resources department will compile this information over the coming weeks, and create a training outline. The outline will then be shared with the Managers, and Directors for feedback.
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MHAAO Employee Handbook: The Human Resources Department has completed a review of the MHAAO Employee Handbook. The updated handbook will be distributed to all staff members in the coming weeks.
Admin:
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The Clothing Closet is nearly ready, however, if you have requests for clothing, please connect with Jacqueline. If you would like to donate clothing or housewares, please connect with Jacqueline who will issue you a donation letter and pick up donations.
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Annual Audit is nearly completed.
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Marketing:
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Affirmation Cards: If you want to participate, you can submit quotes here.
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#PeerSupportStrong: Are you active on social media? Use #PeerSupportStrong and tag us @mhaoforegon on Instagram and LinkedIn! Use this hashtag to share peer support moments, or use it to share how you're coping during this time! We'll spread the love and feature your post on our Instagram and Facebook Stories!
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Follow us on social media:
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative Update:
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There is an opening on the DEI Committee - please submit your application if you’re interested in joining! Applications are due by Friday, April 16th. Apply here.
- Scored OSA Scholarships
- Collecting DEI evaluation resources to measure impact of the committee
- If you have any book suggestions relating to DEI, please let Sunny know as we are starting a DEI Library for staff to access resources
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- We are in need of volunteers to fold shirts and boxes. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Sunny.
- OCA Scholarship Recipients will be announced this month.
- Peerpocalypse hosted a meeting for volunteers and will also host a meeting for keynote speakers.
- Peerpocalypse website will go live later this month.
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- New hires to March:
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Kenneth Prescott, Blanchett House graveyard shift
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Luka Russo, Multnomah County Covid outreach peer
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Re-established all Evolve Team monthly meetings to focus on peer fidelity, documentation, reporting, shared experience, resource sharing, and collaboration to keep the magic of peer support.
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Marianne O'Neill-Tutor is the new Supervisor for the VIMOS shelter program! You Rock Marianne!
- Clackamas County Choice position is on the MHAAO careers website and will be open for 1 more week. Please share this job posting with all of your contacts in the community!!
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- The Pathway Home Program continues to plan for program implementation beginning on July 1, 2021.
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Safe & Strong:
- The Safe and Strong team has been working hard building community connections and outreaching to various communities.
- The team has already exceeded their total number of engagements for last quarter!
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Emily and Molly started a new PWS cohort on April 6th, after completing the February/March cohort! Congratulations, trainers and graduates!
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PWS trainings are scheduled out through the summer. Registration information available here: https://www.mhaoforegon.org/current-trainings
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OHA Peer Pain Training:
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Have lived experience with chronic pain or opioids? Please reach out to Adrienne (ascavera@mhaoforegon.org)! We will be working on gathering a group of peers to provide valuable input on the training.
- Updates are being made to the online Peer Pain Training and we hope to launch it in spring.
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PeerZone
- We held our monthly PeerZone North American facilitator catch-up on 4/6. Join us on the first Tuesday of the month from 12:00 – 1:00 PM PDT!
- PeerZone toolkit workshops – led by Molly – are now being offered every Wednesday from 3 – 4:30 PM online!
- Molly is supporting NAMI Washington County to host new PeerZone groups, and will also be offering PeerZone for Peer Supporters groups shortly!
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University of Washington Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) |
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OHA Peer Workforce Needs Assessment (OPDSCo):
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Please help get the word out: the final needs assessment report and executive summary are live at https://www.mhaoforegon.org/needs-assessment
- Our workshop with data consultants Comagine has been accepted at Peerpocalypse 2021!
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Who Do I Hurt?
by Thomas Hooks
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Who do I hurt? When I am off on a spree, thinking only of me, who do I hurt? Is it the mother whose eyes are wet, with guilt and regret, with little sleep, wondering if her child is safe and will eat and has shoes on its feet, or will meet it's defeat. Who do I hurt?
I mean who do I hurt? When life gets hard and I rub my thumb across these scars, I must snort, shoot, drink, smoke, ingest, just to change the welling in my chest, and just, trying to feel normal I've died, in the ambulance and my wishes defied, as they have revived me… who have I hurt?
Is it the baby I laid down and made, or the laws in which I've disobeyed, both depending on me to find my way, but I wander not knowing which day is today, claiming the victim when I suspect I am actually the victimizer, the self destructor, the great divider, the devisor, between love and hate and refuses to do anything great and still wants credit this isn't a debate… I'm asking.. who do I hurt?
Who do I REALLY hurt? Is it YOU, who believes in me, while I prove you to be a fool, breaking the 62nd rule, taking myself way too seriously, always ready to duel, the internal battle between bad and demonic, using meth and chronic, with a lighter as my only tool. Who then is hurt by me?
Who do I hurt? Is it I who's perception, since conception, has always dark and glum and the only exception, is external reception, and when I DO like me, it's only deception, placed there by inception, only to be removed by eruption, is this my preception? Is it I really who's the one hurting myself.
Who do I hurt? The answer eludes me, I am blinded to the truth, that when I use and I give in I hurt much more than my lungs or liver, I deliver, a blow to anyone who can't save, who stays prayed, and begs God for me to be brave and behave, and change the label, who cross the line of " I do this because I'm able" and enable, a God who feels disabled, because of free will but because of love is forced to bring 100% of everything to the table. THEM I hurt!!!
The next question is… where do I get help? Because if it is you that I hurt, I don't do it on purpose, I am too dumb or ignorant to see my purpose, there's no use of trying if I can't get it perfect, and you think I'm doing great cause it appears so on the surface, but deep down I just feel worthless, is it worth this?
TO… NOT… FEEL… HURT.
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