SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, August 2012

This meeting was held on August 10, 2012. Participants received a map of the Dallas rail system along with information about how to use public transportation. SDC staffer Anna Salazar presented session four (Let's Get Moving) of the Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery Curriculum. She also reviewed information from the first three sessions of this curriculum as part of a game. Everyone enjoyed a taco salad for lunch, followed by a drawing for prizes. Finally, SDC Program Director Walter Norris gave a presentation on "Eating Right When Money is Tight."

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, July 2012

This meeting was held on July 13, 2012. A representative from Mental Health American of Greater Dallas presented information about Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). A guest from the Literacy Volunteer Organization (LIFT) discussed ways to improve reading skills and suggestions for continuing their education through GED classes or college. The menu followed a "healthy picnic" theme including turkey hot dogs with whole wheat buns for lunch. Director Walter Norris ended the meeting with a presentation about getting organized.

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, May 2012

The SDC Learning Community meeting took place on May 18, 2012 with approximately 18 people in attendance. The program began with a presentation by Julian Mensah of Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT).  The presentation addressed GED preparation, basic reading improvement, and job-readiness practice. As a result, several participants signed up for classes and one signed up for GED training. A presentation on healthy eating by SDC Advisors Cheryl Gayles and Anna Salazar addressed how to read food labels and practice portion control. The wellness focus continued with a healthy lunch of tuna fish and chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, and multi grain bread. Ricardo Aguilar from Mental Health American of Dallas discussed recovery issues at the end of the meeting.

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, April 2012

The SDC program met for its monthly SDC Learning Community meeting on April 20, 2012.  A picnic had been planned for this meeting, but because of rain it was moved to Mental Health America of Greater Dallas located six blocks away. After moving to MHA, 15 participants enjoyed their picnic lunch and played the game Pictionary.  Despite the weather, everyone had a great time, including SDC participants and staff. 

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, February 2012

The second Learning Community Meeting of the year was held on February 21, 2012 at the Urban League of Greater Dallas. Over forty participants were in attendance, along with the SDC program director and advisors. Guest speakers included Ricardo Aguilar, Director of Consumer Programs at Mental Health America of Great Dallas (MHA), who spoke about recovery and different types of recovery education and support offered at MHA such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Recovery International, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and Schizophrenics Anonymous. Anna Salazar, SDC staffer, led the group through Session 2 of the Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery Curriculum. She talked about the ABC’s of healthier eating, and introduced the “My Plate” way to create an individualized plan for healthy food choices by selecting proper proportions of food from different food groups. Tzivia Stein-Barrett, licensed massage therapist and LCSW, talked about the benefits of yoga and massage and how they can enhance a person’s recovery. She also led the group through some yoga poses, which were lots of fun. Participants shared their own experiences and engaged in lively discussion. A healthy lunch was enjoyed by all in attendance. The program is grateful to the Urban League of Greater Dallas for continuing to provide a meeting space so convenient to the DART Blue Line.

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, April 2010

The fifth Learning Community Meeting for SDC program participants was held on April 13, 2010 at the Urban League of Greater Dallas. Thirty participants were in attendance, along with the SDC program director and advisors. Guest speakers included Jenice Ross, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, who spoke about the various programs she provides through ASAP (Alcohol Substance Abuse Programs). Classes include DWI Basic, life skills, anti-theft, and anger management classes. Chiropractors from the Parker Chiropractic clinic spoke about their practices, and how they promote wellness. One of the SDC participants, who has been seeing a chiropractor at the clinic, spoke about how it has helped his recovery. Ricardo Aguilar spoke about the various supports groups at Mental Health America, and about the Wellness Recovery Action Planning classes that he will be teaching. Certified Peer Specialist, Janice Myrlin introduced herself as an SDC Program provider and described the services that she is able to provide. SDC Advisor, Jamie Cook, spoke about the NAMI walk, which is May 1st. At this time, thirty people are signed up to walk. Time was made for participants to ask questions and give feedback, and pizza was enjoyed by all. Special thanks goes to the Urban League of Greater Dallas for providing the meeting space.

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, February, 2010

The third Learning Community Meeting for SDC program participants was held on February 9, 2010 at the Urban League of Greater Dallas. Fifteen participants were in attendance, along with the SDC program director and advisors. Guest speakers included Josh Pulis from the Well Community. Josh is the program director for the Well and a licensed therapist. Bill Sowers, the director of computer training at the Urban League, spoke about the computer training they have available. SDC program participant Jack Lougheed shared his personal story, along with discussing the participant blog. The final speaker was SDC program director Walter Norris, who spoke about wellness. Time was made for participants to ask questions and give feedback, and pizza was enjoyed by all. Special thanks goes to the Urban League of Greater Dallas for providing the meeting space.

SDC Participant Learning Community Meeting, November 2009

The second Learning Community meeting for SDC program participants was held on November 18, 2009 at Mental Health America (MHA) of Greater Dallas. Sixteen participants were in attendance, along with the SDC advisors and the SDC program director. Guest speakers included Dr. Susan Mendez of Homeward Bound, Joe Powell of the Association of Persons Affected by Addiction (APAA), Kinike Bermudez of DBSA, and Ricardo Aguilar of MHA. Topics included alternate treatments, substance abuse, and recovery. Participants were able to give feedback, ask questions, and socialize with other participants. Deli sandwiches, soft drinks, and dessert were enjoyed by all. Special thanks go out to John Dornheim and Green Oaks Hospital for providing lunch and to MHA for providing the meeting space.

SDC Participant Learning Community, October 2009

The first Learning Community meeting for SDC program participants was held on October 7, 2009 at Mental Health America (MHA) of Greater Dallas. Fifteen participants were in attendance, along with the SDC advisors and the SDC program director. Guest speakers included Ricardo Aguilar of MHA, Mike Katz of the Consumer and Family Alliance Committee, Matt Roberts of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Jim Knauss of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Brandy Ruckdeschel of North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, and Anna Salazar of MHA. Topics included recovery, substance abuse, community resources, and services and supports that are available to SDC participants. The SDC advisors described the program and how it works in detail. Participants were able to give feedback, ask questions, and socialize with other participants. Deli sandwiches, soft drinks, and dessert were enjoyed by all. Special thanks go out to NAMI for providing lunch and to MHA for providing the meeting space.