October 4, 2024: Issue 19
Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in
Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
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"Exhibit, Celebration Mark National Recovery Month"
Greenfield Recorder (9/26/24)
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Recovering from a substance abuse disorder is a journey that takes people on many different paths. To recognize that journey and the various resources that are available to help people during National Recovery Month, The RECOVER Project organized two events. The first, a Recovery Celebration, was held at Energy Park on Friday, Sept. 20. The second, an exhibit called “The Art of Recovery,” will have a reception at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
The RECOVER Project is a peer-led recovery center at 68 Federal St. for people struggling with addiction. Director Abbi Cushing explained that the center offers numerous weekly programs ranging from support groups to activities such as art, yoga and games. These programs are led by volunteers who reached sobriety. The RECOVER Project also offers individual peer recovery coaching and special events, such as last week’s celebration at Energy Park.
“We’re a community trying to create a safe space for each other to grow in our recovery,” Cushing explained. “It’s a different experience for everyone who comes in.”
September is National Recovery Month. Cushing said the occasion celebrates the recovery community and promotes the treatments and resources available.
“It’s just a time for us to get together and celebrate our community,” said Sarah Rashad, a peer support coach with The RECOVER Project. Friday’s Recovery Celebration included music, yard games, hot dogs, hamburgers and cake. Volunteers, peer leaders and participants danced and socialized throughout the afternoon.
“I’m 62 years old and I’ve never in my entire life felt like I belonged anywhere until I came here,” said participant Richard Connor, who staffed the grill. “I love the people here with The RECOVER Project. It saved me.” Connor said he moved to Greenfield just over eight months ago from Boston and he has found the community to be very welcoming and helpful in his recovery journey.
While National Recovery Month is nearing its end, The RECOVER Project has more events in store. The second annual art show is now on display at The LAVA Center.
The exhibit, “The Art of Recovery,” features art made by members of The RECOVER Project’s weekly group, The Art Guild. The group meets on Mondays and provides participants with a space to explore art as a way to share their thoughts and feelings about their recovery journey.
A reception will be held at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. All are invited to peruse the art and meet the artists. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be on display through October.
(STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
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"Salasin Project Showcases New Location"
Greenfield Recorder (9/21/24)
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The Salasin Project invited the community to check out its new digs inside the Riddell Medical Building during an open house on Wednesday.
The nonprofit works closely with entities such as Stone Soup Cafe and the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, which set up tables in the new space to greet guests and provide information to anyone interested. Becky Lockwood, who has been director of the Salasin Project since 2020, said the move from Main Street to 33 Riddell
St. came with several complications, but she and he rest of the staff are settling in well.
“It’s so nice to be in a beautiful … freshly painted space and have all the rooms that we need,” Lockwood said. “We work with individuals, so people can come here and have meetings or we go out to their homes and meet with them. And then we have groups, so we’ll have an art group, we’ll have a yoga group. We have a weekly meeting called Nurturing Families, for families that are in recovery.”
Some of the various programs offered by the Salasin Project include “Healing Trauma,” a confidential support and discussion group that explores the impact of interpersonal violence and trauma on individuals; an in-person writing group for women; and “Breaking Barriers Group for Women,” for female-identified people who have experience with the legal system.
Stone Soup Cafe offers pay-what-you-can meals on Saturdays, a free store and a culinary institute program.
The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, based in Holyoke, consists of at least 11 programs to assist communities facing marginalization and oppression. One of those programs is the People’s Medicine Project, which had a table at the open house. It is a small grassroots health justice organization offering programs and resources to increase access to complimentary and alternative health care and plant medicine.
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"Naloxone Seen as 'Key' in Combatting Opioid Crisis "
Greenfield Recorder (9/27/24)
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With National Recovery Month coming to a close, local agencies and community organizations gathered Thursday to discuss how access to naloxone is one of the keys to addressing the opioid crisis.
In a virtual discussion hosted by the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region, folks from Tapestry, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the North Quabbin Community Coalition celebrated the 43 public access naloxone boxes in the region and laid out how those, as well as the community partnerships needed to implement them, can help the region continue to combat the opioid epidemic.
“We’re going to draw upon our history of relationships and culture of collaboration to knit together a comprehensive response that’s region- wide,” said Opioid Task Force Coordinator Debra McLaughlin. “Our goal is to ensure every community has at least two ‘naloxboxes.’”
The naloxone boxes are distributed along the Route 2 corridor from Monroe — the first town to sign on — to Athol. Boxes also exist in Ashfield and Whately.
“It’s this great thing of bringing more people in and I think that’s a step of local empowerment to address the opioid crisis,” said Maureen O’Reilly, a health educator and epidemiologist with FRCOG.
“Increasing naloxone access is increasing access to lifesaving medication,” she added. “It really is the tip of the pyramid [to addressing the crisis]. … All of that is working to reduce stigma, which we all know saves lives.”
While naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is commonplace when discussing overdose response and prevention today, Tapestry Harm Reduction Program Director Liz Whynott emphasized that was not always the case. In 2007, the state Department of Public Health launched a “novel and forward-thinking pilot program” to begin the distribution of naloxone to communities, opening the door to training agencies on its use.
Prior to that move, “it was almost impossible” to provide naloxone training to external agencies, let alone the general public as is seen today, according to Whynott.
“All of that history of naloxone not being acceptable is rooted deep in stigma, discrimination and thoughts about how people use drugs,” she said. “It’s been amazing over the past 15 years to see the evolvement of that.”
North Quabbin Community Coalition Executive Director Heather Bialecki-Canning added that the network of agencies’ goal is to have naloxone training and access available in the “same way you would get CPR training or the same way you would approach any other public health issue.”
The initiative to have Narcan be accessible in seven of the nine North Quabbin communities has also led to further partnerships and discussions. New Salem and Warwick are the two remaining communities without one. “Narcan will always be recognized, at least by the North Quabbin Community Coalition, as this wonderful jumping- off tool that’s allowed us to have these community conversations,” Bialecki-Canning said. “It’s been a really wonderful tool to have Narcan available.”
The evolution of the response is continuing in Franklin County and the North Quabbin with the introduction of CONNECT’s mobile outreach van. CONNECT stands for the Community Opportunity Network, Navigation, Exploration and Connection Team. It is a 24/7 response team that works with people and their families in the aftermath of an overdose.
With the help of grant funding, CONNECT has been able to distribute 3,592 naloxone kits to first responders and community members for first aid use since July 1, 2021. It has already distributed 431 kits since July 1 of this year.
“The mobile outreach program’s goal is to provide resources, prevention items and services,” said CONNECT Outreach Manager Nicole St. Hilaire, adding they want to “get the message of recovery out there.”
When the program launches, the van, which will have two peer recovery coaches staffing it, will be stationed outside designated locations for 90 minutes to conduct outreach. Naloxone, standard first aid and health products, as well as backpacks with items such as cold weather gear, blankets and other products for homeless individuals will be available.
Planned sites for the van include Charlemont’s and Ashfield’s food pantries, the South County Senior Center, the First Church of Deerfield, the Athol Salvation Army and the Wendell Country Store/the Good Neighbors Food Pantry. It will also be at community events.
The key, St. Hilaire added, is to bring this van to events to reduce the stigma of addiction and recovery.
“We’ve heard about that from everyone here, that’s such a need and it will go a long way in order to help people live better,” she said. “We hope to reach folks before they overdose and keep them safe and help them out.”
For more information about the Opioid Task Force and its partners, visit opioidtaskforce.org.
(STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ)
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UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS | |
Virtual: Treatment & Recovery Committee
October 4, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee
October 7, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee
October 8, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: CAM Workgroup
October 8, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Methadone Workgroup
October 10, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee
October 11, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Building a Resilient Community Workgroup
October 16, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force
October 21, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup
October 21, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup
November 1, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee
November 8, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 Noon
Zoom details here.
Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!
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FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
CONNECT: Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services | |
Time Sensitive Announcements | |
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 Story Time | |
October 5 Stone Soup Menu | |
October 5 Third Annual Battle of the Badges | |
October 5 Decorate a Magic Hat | |
October 5 15th Annual Word Festival - Human Error | |
October 6 Shadow Puppet Workhshop | |
October 6 A Halloween Harvest | |
October 6 Furniture for a Sustainable World Artist Reception | |
October 7 Greenfield Healing Clinic/Clinica de curacion en Greenfield | |
October 7 Virtual Policy, Systems, and Environment Change Training | |
October 8 Lake Pleasant Spiritualists | |
October 8 Grandparents Raising Teens | |
October 8 Montague MVP 2.0 Community Meeting | |
October 9 Hidden in Plain Sight: For Adults Concerned About Youth Substance Misuse ZOOM Link is here.
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October 10 United Way Campaign 2024-25 Kick-Off Breakfast | |
October 10 Meeting People Where They Are At:
CONNECT's Mobile Outreach Program
Register here
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October 17 Family Center Pajama Party | |
October 17 A Cultural Community Potluck | |
October 18 Communities That Care Coalition 2024 Student Health Survey Data Release | |
October 19 Franklin County Fall Food Festival | |
October 19 Slow-Stitched Journal Covers | |
October 19 Art Garden Celebration | |
October 19 Create Your Own Grapevine Wreath | |
October 19 Traces of the Trade | |
October 19 Celebrate Kirsten! | |
October 20 Tote Bag Workshop | |
October 21 IEP Binder Workshop | |
October 22 Understanding Disability History & Culture | |
October 24 Evidence-Based Practices to Prevent Overdose with
Alexander J. Walley, MD. MSC
You can register for this free event here
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October 24 Montague Center Library Book Club | |
October 26 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | |
October 27 Halloween Extravaganza | |
October 29 All-Abilities Social Halloween Dance Party | |
October 30 Office of Northwestern Distract Attorney David E. Sullivan 10th Safe and Healthy School Summit | |
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MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS | |
October at The Art Garden | |
October at The Brick House
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October Community Action Family Center Calendar
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October Events at the Erving Senior Center | |
October Programs at Franklin County Reentry Center | |
October Programs - Great Falls Discovery Center | |
October Montague Public Library Programs | |
October Events at Sunderland Public Library | |
October Union 28 Community Network for Children Program Calendar | |
LifePath Healthy Living 2024 Fall Workshops | |
2024 Seeds of Solidarity Calendar of Events | |
SNAP Application Assistance | |
Parenting Well When You Are Not Feeling Well | |
Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield | |
What's Happening at The NQRC | |
RECOVER Project Groups At a Glance | |
Weekdays All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project | |
Mondays September 9 - October 28 Functional Training Fitness Class for Adults | |
Mondays September 9 - November 11 Lasting Lifestyles | |
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center
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Monday - Friday
Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders
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Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council | |
Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Mondays Art Guild Meetings | |
Mondays Advanced Manufacturing Info Sessions | |
Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin | |
Mondays Community Yoga at Wildflower Alliance | |
Mondays at FCSO Reentry Center - Recovery Through Creativity | |
Mondays CNC Playgroup at the Erving Public Library | |
Second Mondays of the Month - North Quabbin B.R.A.V.E. Task Force Meetings | |
Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group | |
2nd and 4th Mondays Parenting Together at the Brick House | |
Third Monday Alphabet & Allies | |
Third Monday Parenting With Pride | |
Mondays and Thursdays Hygiene Supplies Pick Up at the Brick House | |
Mondays and Thursdays The Brick House Food Pantry | |
Tuesdays September 10 - October 15 Introduction to Genealogical Research | |
Tuesdays September 10 - October 29 Healing Trauma | |
Tuesdays Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery | |
Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle | |
Every Other Tuesday - Housing Support Drop In Hours | |
First Tuesday - Dads' Group at Valuing Our Children | |
Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In | |
Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour | |
Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group | |
First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force | |
Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions | |
2nd Tuesdays New Member Orientation at the RECOVER Project | |
Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups | |
Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group
Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group
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Wednesdays September 11 - October 30 Women's Writing Group | |
Wednesdays September 18 - December 11 Nurturing Fathers Group | |
Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia | |
Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian | |
Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC | |
First Wednesday of the month Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jennifer | |
Whatever Wednesday's on the Second Wednesday of every month | |
Free Food - Every Third Wednesday | |
Last Wednesdays of Every month Office Hours With An Attorney | |
Thursdays October 3 - December 12 Virtual Parenting Journey | |
First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group | |
Thursdays Dungeons and Dragons | |
Thursdays Mens Group in the RPX | |
Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House | |
Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish | |
Second Thursdays -Peer Grief Support After Overdose Death | |
Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County | |
Friday Writing Group at the RP | |
First Friday of Every Month: Open Mic at the RP | |
Every Friday - The Garden Path | |
MassHealth Navigation Support
First Friday of the month 9am-12pm and Third Friday of the month 1pm - 3pm
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Every First & Third Friday Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group | |
Every Second Friday Chosen Family Night | |
Every Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project | |
Last Friday of the Month: Gardening in Recovery | |
Re-entry Workforce Program | |
Homeshare Program with LifePath | |
Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing | |
Specialized HVAC Training | |
Specialized Information Technology Training | |
SafeSpot Virtual Overdose Spotting Hotline | |
CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information | |
Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall | |
Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program | |
Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available | |
Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages | |
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MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.
You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.
What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.
An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.
The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.
A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case.
A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.
How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.
If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.
How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.
How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.
How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.
How to ask the court to pay for court costs.
How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!
How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.
A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.
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Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change |
The Greenfield Court Service Center is located at 43 Hope St., 1st Floor, Greenfield, MA.
They offer in-person services on Tuesdays & Thursdays, ONLY, from 8:30 am-1 pm, and 2 pm-4 pm. Remote services (email, phone, Zoom) are available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
For an intake, contact the Virtual Court Service Center, Mon. thru Fri. 9 am-12 pm by telephone: 1-646-828-7666, press #, #, then enter meeting ID: 161 526 1140 or by video: www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140.
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COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | |
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org
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