The Writer Within: Meet Lagos Peer Recovery Coach and poet, Lydia Theon Ware i

The Writer Within: Meet Lagos Peer Recovery Coach and poet, Lydia Theon Ware i

To kick off Mental Health Month, we are thrilled to highlight the writing of a Peer Recovery Coach at 色中色 Lagos, Lydia Theon Ware i. Lydia recently published a piece in the Press-Enterprise titled, 鈥淧oetry has the power to defeat depression.鈥 Read more about Lydia鈥檚 writing pursuits inside this post!

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RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Empathy

RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Empathy

In meeting with and listening to staff, clients, and members, we hear that many individuals at 色中色 programs seem to be alone in life. Making and building strong, supportive connections takes time. Past hurts and trauma can make it hard for clients and members to engage and trust others. Individuals need to re-learn skills and practice. In the video to the right, one 色中色 HOMES member illustrates the power of connection through their story.

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RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Past Friends

RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Past Friends

In meeting with and listening to staff, clients, and members, we hear that many individuals at 色中色 programs seem to be alone in life. Making and building strong, supportive connections takes time. Past hurts and trauma can make it hard for clients and members to engage and trust others. Individuals need to re-learn skills and practice. In the video to the right, one 色中色 HOMES member illustrates the power of connection through their story.

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RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Recovery-Oriented Language

RCCS Tidbit Of The Month: Recovery-Oriented Language

Do you remember when you were growing up being taught the phrase, 鈥淪ticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me鈥? We were taught that so we could remain strong when we were bullied or disrespected by others. However, you might also remember that while you weren鈥檛 physically harmed by another person鈥檚 words, their hurtful language left an invisible wound that sometimes took longer to heal than a physical wound might have.

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色中色 + NAMI Oregon Honor Senator Ron Wyden

The has chosen as the recipient of the 11th Annual Gordon and Sharon Smith New Freedom Award.

SENATOR RON WYDEN (COURTESY OF WWW.WYDEN.SENATE.GOV)

SENATOR RON WYDEN (COURTESY OF WWW.WYDEN.SENATE.GOV)

Created by NAMI Oregon in 2009 to honor the mental health advocacy efforts of former United States Senator Gordon Smith and his wife, Sharon, the New Freedom Award is presented annually and recognizes an individual or individuals for their leadership on mental health issues.

色中色 and NAMI Oregon leaders were present at Senator Wyden鈥檚 award ceremony on October 1 at the Portland Downtown Waterfront Marriott.

鈥淪enator Wyden has been a champion for mental health for many years,鈥 Jim Sechrist, Regional Director of Operations for 色中色鈥檚 Oregon programs, said.

As an organization, 色中色 is a proud supporter of NAMI and its programs in the communities we serve. Together, we want to continue to raise awareness of the importance of mental health advocacy, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, and provide resources for those who may be in need of services.

To find your local NAMI chapter, click .

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Shown in Photograph:

Back row from left to right:

  • David Ochoa, Clinical Director, CATC

  • Janet Bardossi, Floating Administrator, Northwest
    Chris Bouneff, Executive Director,

  • Jim Sechrist- 色中色 Regional Director of Operations

  • Megan Chaloupka, Administrator, Gresham Recovery Center


Front row from left to right:

  • Lisa Naito, Lobbyist

  • Linda Reese, Vice President of Operations, Northwest, 色中色

  • Melinda Howard, Administrator, CATC

  • Jamie DeRuyter, Administrator, Woodburn Recover Center

California Launches Statewide Peer-Staffed Warm Line

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, October 10, the state of California debuted a statewide mental health phone line to help those who need help, but aren't in crisis.

Most counties already run a suicide prevention hotline, however, only a few have a 鈥渨arm line.鈥 Warm lines, which offer emotional support and resource referrals for people who are experiencing depression, anxiety and other symptoms, are considered a lower level of care. They鈥檙e ideal for those who may need someone to talk to and are not suicidal.

During its initial launch, the warm line will be staffed for most of the day. Staffed by peers, individuals can choose to either call or text the line.

  • 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

  • 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. (Saturday)

  • 7 a.m. through 9 p.m. (Sunday)

By the end of the year, the call center is expected to operate 24/7.

The line is funded by $10.8 million from Gov. Gavin Newsom鈥檚 first budget to expand the line statewide and operate it for the next three years.

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