Our Mission Statement: MHAAO is an inclusive peer-run organization dedicated to self-direction honoring the voice of lived experience |
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Join Us For Hands Across the Bridge 2021! |
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National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) increases awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery Month celebrates individuals living lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that help make recovery possible.
The 2021 National Recovery Month theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that recovery belongs to all of us. We are all called to end gatekeeping and welcome everyone to recovery by lowering barriers to recovery support, creating inclusive spaces and programs, and broadening our understanding of what recovery means for people with different experiences.
Kick off National Recovery Month by joining us for Hands Across The Bridge 2021 on Monday, September 6th, 2021 at 10am! This recovery event brings people in recovery and their families together in challenging the stigma of addiction. There will be a ceremony of remembrance, a talent show, and fun for the whole family!
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Through EVOLVE Peer Delivered Services MHAAO’s peer support specialists work in collaboration with Housing Authority of Clackamas County to assist residents in achieving housing stability by providing help in navigating systems and advocating on their behalf.
Peer supports engage residents in a number of activities, including community gardening classes and other community-building events! Below is the group responsible for organizing and running the community garden, including MHAAO Peer Support Specialists Amy Brinkley (center), and Tiffanie Kearney (far right).
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New Virtual Training Coming Soon: Understanding Pain for Peer Support Specialists
The Peer Pain Training was developed through funding from the Injury and Violence Prevention Program at Oregon Health Authority. Collaboratively developed by experts in pain science, people with lived experience, and peer support specialists, this training provides a foundation for understanding pain and how to effectively support people who live with pain. Additionally, we highlight the Pain Education Toolkit, a helpful, self-directed resource that provides pain management education on how to improve health and better manage pain.
Stay tuned for information on how to access the training!
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MHAAO's Peer Wellness Specialist training is now nationally-certified!
Our training is now credentialed through Mental Health America as a National Certified Peer Specialist-approved training. Additionally, we hold certification from NAADAC, the association for addiction professionals, as a continuing education training.
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Conference Workshop Proposals |
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We are now seeking presentation proposals for Peerpocalypse 2022 workshop sessions. Peerpocalypse 2022 will be held in person in Seaside, Oregon, however, we will also offer virtual participation. Presenters have the option of presenting in person or virtually.
- The 2022 Conference theme is "Celebration!"
- The sessions are 90 minutes long and should include more than one method of sharing information (i.e. facilitated conversation, interactive exercises, visuals, handouts).
- Since this is a conference for and by peers, at least one presenter will need to identify as having lived experience of mental health and/or addiction recovery.
- Deadline for Proposals: 11:45 PM PST, September 30th, 2021. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of peers.
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Peer Support Impact Stories |
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"I am excited to say that one of the youths I work with graduated high school! She is the first in her family! It was an absolute pleasure for me that she asked if I could take her to get her cap and gown. To just share in her excitement around being the first and in her family and helping her navigate the stress of getting what she needed was another moment of this work I was blessed to experience." - Jesse Maxwell, Peer Support Specialist with the EVOLVE Washington County Juvenile program
"This is the beauty of peer support. It does not matter how long, or how short, we are there no matter what to pick up where we left off with no judgment. I had a peer recently tell me, its nice having someone to call and to have them support me unconditionally." - Grace Jo, Peer Support Specialist with the EVOLVE Clackamas County HOPE program
"A peer that I have been working with just surpassed their self-directed goal of having 3 months of sobriety. This is a huge accomplishment! This peer has persevered through a lot of changes in their life since I first met them and it's really been amazing to watch them grow and progress during the tough early stages of recovery. This peer continues to be an inspiring peer to connect with. I'm really looking forward to where we go next in our peer relationship!" - Geoffrey Moser, Peer Support Specialist with the EVOLVE Kaiser COVID program
"I have a peer who was struggling to find a a job due to barriers with their record. After putting in application after application, they recently got a job and just started training" - Luka Russo, Peer Support Specialist with the EVOLVE Multnomah County program
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Are you passionate about peer services? Consider organizing a fundraiser on behalf of MHAAO and our peers!
On July 10th, Sarah's Pottery hosted a pop-up-sale on behalf of MHAAO and raised over $500! This donation was earmarked for the Brunold Fund, MHAAO's emergency peer relief fund, meaning that every dollar raised went directly to peers in need!
If you are interested in organizing a fundraiser on MHAAO's behalf and would like assistance in promoting the event, contact Kaity Riordan, MHAAO's Marketing, Communications & PR Coordinator, or call 503-922-2377 ext. 1021.
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Are you a peer seeking employment for an organization you believe in? Look no further! Our job board is here to help you find your dream job. We post both internal positions, as well as open positions with some of our community partners. Apply today! |
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October is approaching, which means it's almost time for our annual peer makeover event, Recovery Is Beautiful!
Two years ago, award-winning Portland hairstylist, Allie Martinez, was moved to donate her time and talents to give mental health & addiction peers a fresh new look deserving of the hard work they’ve put into their recovery! Since then, this has become an annual event.
Watch the short video above to witness their transformation (4.5 minutes).
#RecoveryLooksGoodOnYou
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Daily Mindfulness Prompts |
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It's always a good time to start a new mindfulness practice!
Order your physical copy of MHAAO's classic UnCalendar! This is a perpetual calendar with daily mindfulness prompts, meant to draw your attention back to the present and help you find the magic in everyday moments. Printed in heavy-weight card stock, with a durable wooden stand, you can enjoy this item for years to come!
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Show us how've become #PeerSupportStrong!
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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