A place where members make friends and a difference!
The A.W.A.R.E. Center (formerly known as the Rainbow Center) is a peer run drop-in center where members of mental health services can find an accepting community, purpose, and empowerment. Our services are rooted in the belief that people can, and do recover, and that empowerment is a critical aspect of recovery.


 Activities Calendar

Check out all the fun things we have put together for you to enjoy this month.
Groups @ THE A.W.A.R.E. CENTER
Check out our group flyers to learn more about them!
Anthony G.
How does the A.W.A.R.E. Center enhance your recovery?
"It gives me positive opportunities to distract from negative mental problems. I spend my time here being an active member in daily groups and activities for my mental health. I learn social skills, build friendships, and teach resiliency to others.

I have been going to A.W.A.R.E. (formerly Rainbow) for 10 years. Coming here has given me confidence and helped me learn life skills. I love all the staff and members that come here. I am grateful to have the opportunity to come here and share my personal life with others."


 Member Favorite
Recipe of the Month

Cindy H. shares her favorite meal: Sloppy Joes!

"Using only 3 ingredients, this quick meal is not only delicious, but very easy to make at home."
View the recipe here and enjoy!
T his month's featured A.W.A.R.E. Center artist is Sonny G.

"I want to show that, regardless of your beliefs and understanding, we can unite together."
PEER CORNER
Q: What is a Peer Specialist?
 
A: As Peer Specialists, we are providers with our own lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery. This lived experience combined with specialized training allow us to be uniquely useful in walking with you on your journey. At the A.W.A.R.E Center, we are happy to have several Peer Specialists available to support you in navigating transitions and challenges in your life, as well as to celebrate your success .
 
Q: How can you, as a Peer Specialist, help me?
 
A: We believe that recovery is possible for everyone and are here to empower you in achieving your own definition of recovery. We are here to support in many ways, including exploring wellness planning, coping skills, self-advocacy, and problem solving. 
A Word from A.W.A.R.E. Center Staff
 
We know that these are strange and scary times as we all adjust to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of sheltering-in-place is a healthy strategy for most folks. But for folks with mental health challenges, maintaining social connections and support plays a HUGE role in their recovery. As long as you're feeling healthy, in other words no cough or fever, please continue coming to the A.W.A.R.E. Center. With some minor adjustments, such as keeping a healthy distance from each other, you'll enjoy the same fun activities and helpful resources as you always have! We hope to see you soon.


 Meet the Staff

Brennen - pronouns they/them/their
Brennen is a peer specialist that has worked for the A.W.A.R.E. Center for 4 years. Here are some fun facts about them! 

What is your favorite dessert?
“I love carrot cake. My Grandma used to make my favorite carrot cake.”

Favorite hobby?
“In my spare time, I engage in recovery meetings and spiritual/church communities. I am also an activist in the trans community advocating for healthcare equality.”

Best thing about working at the A.W.A.R.E Center?
“Having a job where I get to explore, not only challenges, but joy.” Brennen expressed that they enjoy practicing their coping skills, such as dancing and singing. “These things are beautiful and enrich my own recovery as well.”

What has helped you most in your recovery?
“No surprise, community has been the most beneficial tool in my recovery. Connecting with others who have the same lived experience has helped me normalize my fears and challenges. My chosen recovery family has also been there to support my successes. Success is the most challenging part of recovery.”










In need of food?
Check out Adams County Food Banks
Q&A
for Case Managers


A: The role of a case manager is to undertake assessment, monitoring, planning, advocacy, and linking of the member with community resources and support services.

Q: How do I get connected with a case manager at the A.W.A.R.E. Center and when are they available?

A: Case managers are available on a drop-in basis Mondays-Thursdays from 8:30am-4:00pm and Fridays from 10:30am-4:00pm. Speak with the front desk to get connected.
Happiness Happens Month!

August 8 is Happiness Happens Day, but was extended to the whole month of August to encourage people to think about things that make them happy and share that joy with others.

Here are some ways to celebrate this happy month:

-Do something nice for yourself. Allow yourself to feel happy and have self-compassion.

-Do something nice for others. Giving up your seat on the bus to someone else or volunteering your time to a charity of your choice are some examples.
What makes you happy?
Some benefits of being happy:

Strengthens our immune system
Helps combat stress
Lengthens our lives
August Inspiration
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
-former President Barack Obama
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