Independent Perspective #1613

Guest:  Gretchen Vinson

Topic:  "Applauding Recovery" virtual event for National Addiction Recovery month

Duration:  05:46

Published:  September 8, 2020

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Gretchen Vinson, Team Leader and Peer Support Navigator with Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family program, and your host is yours truly, Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Gretchen.

Guest:  Thank you, Ernie, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Host:  And it's our pleasure to have you. You're here because of a particular event that's coming up in the near future. But first, I think that some of our listeners might not be familiar with Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family, of whom does that consist and who does it serve?

Guest:  Well, the program is here to help people that are struggling with substance use disorder addiction. We try to get them help, link them to the services in the community, talk to them about recovery to let them know that it is possible. The Family 2 Family side, we help family members as well to get the support that they need, when they're dealing with somebody who they love is in active addiction.

Host:  That family element distinguishes you from a lot of other organizations that serve people with addiction problems is it not?

Guest:  Yes.

Host:  You've got an observance because this is a particular month, what do you call it, and on what is it based?

Guest:  September is National Addiction Recovery Month and our program, along with a couple others in the community, In His Name Outreach, and For Greater New York which the four actually stands for Friends of Recovery New York, and there are chapters all over the state. We're putting on this event, Applauding Recovery, to honor some individuals in our community who have contributed in different ways, with helping in the community for addiction or families.

Host:  And before we go any further, you should probably explain that this event is a virtual event that people do not have to go to in person to attend. But it still has a date and time, if you could tell us what they are now?

Guest:  Yes, it is a virtual event, and it is Thursday, September 24 from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. They can visit the Addict 2 Addict Facebook page or Mental Health peer Connection Facebook page and find the link, there's a posting there, and they can find the link for that. And that will link them to how to access the event, or they can give me a call here at WNYIL.

Host:  Could you mention your number since you brought it up?

Guest:  716-836-0822 extension 135.

Host:  Terrific. What are some of your particular aims during this event?

Guest:  Hopefully people will you know, come and enjoy. We have a couple people that are now working in the field that have overcame addiction, everybody that is actually participating in this event has overcome addiction or are in recovery. Either family wise or from their own addiction. And we have entertainers, we have two people that are going to, they’re a duo and they're going to play music, and do a couple songs and then like I said we are going to honor a couple of individuals in the community that have done some stuff to help with, you know, the recovery.

Host:  Just to mention again the date, time and your phone number?

Guest:  September 24. Thursday, September 24 from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. And for more information or to get the link to the event, they can call me at WNYIL 716-836-0822 extension 135.

Host:  Thanks so much for being with us, Gretchen.

Guest:  You're welcome. Thanks for having me, Ernie.

Host:  You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a Public Affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Gretchen Vinson, Team Leader and Peer Support Navigator with Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family program, and your host was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.