The Recovery Steering Committee held its annual Mental Health Awareness Month event on Wednesday, May 12th. This event, titled “Hopes, Dreams, and Recovery are Real,” was held at the Worcester Public Library and was held in partnership with the Recovery Learning Community of Worcester.

The purpose of this event was to raise community awareness around mental health and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone who struggles with a psychiatric disability. The event showcased artwork created by people receiving supports from Alternatives, as well as Hammond House nursing home of Worcester and its sister nursing homes. People were asked to contribute artwork that represented their own personal recovery journey and their hopes and dreams. Between the three Mental Health networks, over 50 pieces of creativity were put on display, ranging from photographs and paintings/drawings to poetry and sculptures. People in the northern CBFS component created “Snapshots of Recovery,” which was a collaborative effort displaying 27 inspiring pieces of artwork.

Guests at this event, approximately 100 attendees, enjoyed snacks, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee as they enjoyed some acoustic music and singing by Bryan Perron, and a lineup of courageous speakers shared their personal stories of recovery and wellness.