At the recent Recovery Walk and Jam at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, three local residents were recognized for their support of the recovery movement. From left, they are Laurie Keller, Sheridan Smith, and Krista Camarata.

JAMESTOWN – National Recovery Month was celebrated in Jamestown recently with a Recovery Walk and the honoring of three individuals for their substantial contributions to the recovery movement locally.

The Walk began and ended at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) in the Gateway Center on Water Street.

MHA Associate Director Steven Cobb recognized Krista Camarata, Director of Community Impact at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. Camarata was praised as a strong advocate for prevention, treatment and recovery and for her work with Chautauqua Bright Spots that supports and promotes all the positive things happening in Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council (CASAC) Associate Director Laurie Reynolds applauded Lauri Keller for the third successful memorial walk to benefit A Fresh Start. Keller organizes the Walks in remembrance of her daughter, McKenzie Paulson, and others who have suffered from substance use disorders.

CASAC Executive Director Melanie Witkowski commended Sheridan Smith for his work with the youth development program Awareness Theatre. Smith is creator of the video Recover Jamestown and has an ongoing commitment to Refuge Recovery groups at the MHA and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Presentations to the honorees were made by State Senator Andrew Goodell and by Katrina Fuller on behalf of Assemblyman Tom Reed.

Chautauqua County Adult, Child & Family Services Deputy Commissioner Leanna Luka-Conley presented a proclamation on behalf of County Executive George Borello.

Jamestown City Council President Marie Carrubba read a proclamation of National Recovery Month by Mayor Sam Teresi.

UPMC Chautauqua provided refreshments and information for the event that was free and open to the public.

The Recovery Walk was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, Chautauqua Tapestry, Evergreen Health Services, HOPE Chautauqua, Mental Health Association, and United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

An MHA Recovery Jam followed the Recovery Walk. Presentations included poetry, stories, a violin solo, and appreciations for help supporting a variety of recovery stories.

The MHA is a peer recovery support center offering recovery coaching, peer support services, peer support groups, advocacy, veterans support, employment and job support, trainings, and family support. The MHA provides linkages to mental health and substance use treatment, primary care doctors, health and human services, and is available to assist adult individuals in identifying community resources for healthier living.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Jamestown. Hours are Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the MHA, call (716) 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.

Tony Dolce, JHS student organization advisor, said, “The classes had a difficult decision to make this year, as there were numerous great organizations to support. But, with the ongoing epidemic of addiction and chemical dependency increasing, they saw the need to support this worthy cause and hopefully make a change for the future.”

JHS started its 38th year of battle over a month-long fundraising effort by the school, which culminates in a festive competition between all JHS classes in fun events. The event was open to the public.

A Fresh Start fund was started by local resident Kim Carlson in honor of her late son Alex Faulk and is dedicated to helping those affected by addiction and chemical dependency.

For more information about A Fresh Start Fund or the foundation call (716) 664-8423.

(Pictured left to right: Rev. Luke Fodor, Dorothy Carlson, Kim Carlson)

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WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with Rev. Luke Fodor about Alex House, a supported recovery house that will be opening in the city of Jamestown. A community shower is scheduled for Saturday, March. 4 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Community members are asked to bring donations of basic household items to help resource the house. Celebratory food will be served, and information from other community agencies that deal with addiction and recovery will be available. There will be a special presentation at 4:15 p.m.

The Alex House is an Oxford House – a democratically run, self-supporting drug and alcohol free home. First established in 1975, the Oxford House concept has proven to be a “remarkably effective and low cost method of preventing relapse.” Oxford Houses provide a time-tested, solid foundation for all aspects of recovery.

The Jamestown house is named in memory of Alex Foulk, a young community member who died last year of a heroin overdose. The opening of the first Oxford House in Jamestown is the work of Alex’s mother and recovery advocate, Kim Carlson and ‘A Fresh Start’, a local nonprofit organization designed to promote awareness and encouragement based on personal experiences.

Working directly with UPMC Chautauqua WCA, the Mental Health Association, CASAC and other organizations, the group’s goal is to help people get comfortable with conversations about addiction and alcoholism so that they can get the help they need. A Fresh Start is also open to assist family members who have lost loved ones to addiction or who currently suffer with the disease.

“Our goal is to help people open up to and talk about substance abuse disorders, addiction and alcoholism. So many people don’t get the help they need because of stigma and not knowing where to go,” Carlson says. “Alex had a zest for life. He was hard working, well mannered, physically fit, and by all accounts a happy and healthy 26-year-old man. I knew that if this could happen to my son, our family, that it could happen to anyone. I had to take a stand to find a way to bring light to this situation. Losing a child is the most horrific pain a parent will ever feel. I say that I talk about my child so people can talk to their children. Through our experience, communication, knowledge, open minds and open hearts we can bring change so that others might not feel our pain.”

St. Luke’s has collaborated with A Fresh Start to serve as an operational base by offering meeting spaces at its 410 North Main Street location. The shower and presentations are the first of many expected to be held there.  The purpose of the shower is not only to help resource the home to be ready to support the daily needs of the residents, it is also to help educate the community about the Oxford House program and how it can help the area.

“We are thrilled to assist the work of recovery. We are a non-judgmental community that welcomes and supports people in recovery, helping them to grow into their best selves.”   says the Rev. Luke Fodor, Rector of St. Luke’s.

“Kim’s work is a manifestation of resurrection in action—she has turned death into life We are honored to assist with the establishment of the Alex House; a timely celebration of new birth almost one year after his death.”