Our less-recent past conferences, open houses, and other events…

2024 DBSA WV Annual Conference: Grow Through What You Go Through

DBSA WV’s Annual Conference took place on August 17, 2024, at Hilton Garden Inn in Clarksburg, WV. The theme this year was Grow Through What You Go Through. The line-up of Guest Speakers this year was top tier, and many attendees really enjoyed having multiple presentations that included hands-on activities. Guest Speakers included Dr. Brenda Everett Ph.D., MA, LPC, NCC, ALPS and Kayla Grogg Meador LICSW, Dr. Ahmed Aboraya MD, Dr.PH, DBSA WV’s own Carole Hoffman BA, MA, Burt Price Retired LICSW, CADC, and Margie Diekman Fiesler MA. The conference room was decorated with plants, vines, and other greenery to go along with the theme, but also Margie Diekman Fiesler tied in a planting activity to her presentation so everyone who wanted got to start their own plant and take it home with them. Along with getting to start their own plants from seeds, attendees were offered DBSA WV t-shirts, stickers, ink pens, goody boxes, and stress balls. We had a good turnout at this year’s conference and a lot of positive feedback. Looking forward to next year’s conference and hoping it will be even bigger and better!

    

DBSA WV Open House Spring 2024

On May 4, 2024, DBSA WV hosted an Open House in our office located inside the Mountaineer Mall on Greenbag Road. We had a good turnout with people filling the office to show their support for DBSA WV. It was a fun day getting to talk with people who have been coming to support groups for years as well as new people who were interested in joining the support groups. We had a 50/50 drawing along with a drawing on items that were generously donated by either businesses or people who made the items themselves, and door prizes. Everyone who stopped by got a ticket for a chance to win a door prize. There were refreshments for everyone to enjoy. We all at DBSA WV want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Open House successful, from those who came, those who donated in some way, those who worked on getting everything ready, and those who helped spread the word. We truly appreciate it all! We hope future events will be just as successful if not more.

WV NASW Annual Spring Conference 2024

Support Makes a World of Difference

DBSA WV co-sponsored the WV NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Annual Spring Conference that was held at the Charleston, WV Convention Center. The three-day conference took place from April 17, 2024, to April 19, 2024. Representing DBSA WV were Board Treasurer and Peer Facilitator for our Charleston Support Group Joe Belcher, Executive Director Stacie Weaver, and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman.

The theme for our booth was “Support Makes a World of Difference”. The table was decorated with small globes, along with globe stress balls and little suitcases filled with candy to hand out. Also, on our table we had a variety of DBSA pamphlets, flyers about DBSA WV and our Open House happening on May 4th, DBSA WV ink pens, and 988 stickers and magnets to hand out.      

The conference provided the opportunity for DBSA WV to meet and speak with many Social Workers across the state about our organization and the free peer-led support groups we provide. Many were also interested in the services provided on DBSA National’s website for children and teens once they saw our display board that had print outs of the “Mood Crew” on it along with other information about DBSA. We had many people sign up on our contact sheet to stay in touch with DBSA WV and to hear about future happenings. We look forward to attending the conference next year as it is a great way to make contacts and spread the word about DBSA WV.   

DBSA WV 2023 Annual Conference at Euro-suites

DBSAWV ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023 was held at Euro-suites August 19th. The line-up of speakers ended up being so much for the room that it was busting at the seams with presenter knowledge & audience inclusion. It truly was a WONDERFUL event!!!

“When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade” – DBSA WV Conference

Ted Glance presenting “Forensic Mental Health”
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade..”
Dr. Walter Byrd presenting “Treatment Resistant Depression”
DBSA WV board member Marylou Neidig overseeing conference tech operations
Yoga instructor, Deborah Layton presenting “Yoga for Depression and Anxiety”
Mental Health Advocate and former Olympic athlete, Amy Gamble speaking about her personal story of mental health recovery after being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

DBSA WV Conference – Dr. Chandran’s Overview of Bipolar Disorder and Current Treatments

Sylvia Chico Introduces Dr. Chandran
Dr. Chandran

Fall 2021 Mystic Mountain DBSA WV Retreat

Last fall folks from DBSA WV were privileged to participate in an Equine Immersion Experience at Mystic Mountain.  Horses Ellie, Shaq, and Issac, along with Judy the donkey, were assisted by Diane Gaston-Market and Jeanne Phillips in helping our group members learn more about more about ourselves and each other.  Horses, being prey animals, have the built-in ability to read energy and invisible intentions of humans.  Through walking, feeding, and grooming our new four-legged friends, DBSA WV participants strengthened communication skills, experienced empowerment, and explored a higher connection to self.  If you ever have the opportunity to be part of an equine experience, take it!  You will have so much fun while learning so much about yourself!

DBSA WV at the NIH Conference Center

DBSA WV Facilitator Training Conference

Jill Burgos, Chapter Relations Manager from DBSA National & Olivia Shuttlesworth, President DBSA WV
Dave Sanders presenting for Mental Health First Aid
Presenter James Matney and role play group