Recent grant awards and funding are allowing the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) to continue and expand its services. Among the recent grants MHA has received are:
- A facilities grant from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, which has enabled purchasing air conditioning units for its Dunkirk recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church at 601 Eagle Street.
- Funding from the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, which is making it possible for the MHA to have a full-time peer in Family Court. It's also enabling peer specialists Buddy Carlson and Jessica Crooks (pictured) to work in the Chautauqua County Jail two mornings a week. Because of their personal struggles with addiction, both are excited to be helping others through the same experiences they had. Certified in SMART Recovery -- a global, science-based peer support program for overcoming addictions and problematic behaviors -- their work is with individuals and groups.
- A grant from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County will support the 2026 Art in Recovery Exhibit.
MHA is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way. Everyone is welcome to MHA recovery luncheons on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00 PM. Like all MHA services, the luncheons are free.
Photo by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County
