Author: dbsawvorganization

DBSA WV co-sponsored the 3^rd annual Kickin’ it for Katy 5K race and 1.3 mile walk for suicide prevention awareness, along with raising money for the Kaitlynn Jade Forensics Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday April 27, 2024. The event took place on the campus of Fairmont State University. Representing DBSA WV were Board President Lynne Vespoint, Board Vice-President Olivia Shuttleworth, Executive Director Stacie Weaver, and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman. DBSA WV along with the other sponsors and organizations in attendance were located on the quad of FSU’s campus, where an after party to Stomp Out the Stigma was held. During the after party there was live music, free food, free drinks, several raffle items, and the announcement of the race winners. They also had a memory table where you could add a picture or story of a loved one you lost to addiction or suicide.

DBSA WV had donated pamphlets on Suicide in America and DBSA Support Groups to be added to the swag bags that were handed out to everyone who registered for the race/ walk. We also included the same pamphlets on our table along with the pamphlets Suicide in College Students and Depression in College Students. We gave out DBSA WV ink pens, 988 magnets, and stickers. Our display included information on DBSA WV and the “Mood Crew” which can be found on DBSA National’s website. We spoke with many people about DBSA WV and our support groups. There is interest in getting a group started at the college also. Kickin’ it for Katy/ Stomp Out the Stigma did a wonderful job on this event and they were able to exceed their goal for the scholarship fund. The scholarship will go to two students in memory of Katy.

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DBSA WV’s Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman were invited to attend a Mental Health Fair that was held on the Mileground in Morgantown, WV on April 20, 2024. We had a variety of DBSA pamphlets as well as pamphlets on other mood disorders to hand out to the public that stopped by. We also gave out DBSA WV ink pens, flyers, 988 magnets and stickers. We were able to speak with community members about the free support groups for adults provided by DBSA WV and available resources on DBSA National Headquarters website for teens and children.

The Mental Health Fair provided an opportunity for community members to stop in and learn about Mental Health services in the Morgantown, WV area. Many other organizations joined and gave out information about their services. They are hoping they can continue to hold a Mental Health Fair annually in Morgantown or surrounding areas. It gave DBSA WV the opportunity to make connections with other organizations who also want to provide support to fellow West Virginians.

On April 20, 2024, DBSA WV joined RDVIC for their event Walking with Survivors. Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman represented DBSA WV during the event that took place at the Spruce Street Farmers Market in Morgantown. We had a table with a variety of pamphlets to hand out to those attending along with DBSA WV ink pens, DBSA WV flyers, 988 stickers and magnets. Many survivors and supporters joined in on the walk that went through downtown Morgantown. RDVIC provided music, food, and drinks for everyone during the event.

     Although we didn’t have a big display that day, due to fighting with the wind, we were able to speak with many people who were interested in attending a support group. Also, we had people sign up on DBSA WV’s contact list to receive more information and/or to stay connected with DBSA WV to hear about upcoming events and support groups. RDVIC had a great turn out for the walk and it is amazing to see community members joining together to show their support for one another.

A peer specialist is an individual with lived recovery experience who has been trained and certified to help their peers gain hope and move forward in their own recovery. As someone who has traveled a similar path, a peer specialist fosters hope and serves as a valuable role model for those who are walking the road to wellness. DBSA’s four-week course can give you the skills you need to become a certified peer specialist.

2024 Public Course Schedule

• Winter: February 5 to March 1, 2024
• Spring: April 1 to April 24, 2024
• Summer:
  • June 3 to June 28, 2024
  • August 5 to August 30, 2024
• Fall: October 7 to November 1, 2024

Course Components

Independent Learning Weeks 1, 2, and 4 (about 13 hours)
Assignments to be completed based on students’ individual schedules

Remote Group Learning Weeks 2 & 4 via Zoom
Calls for Weeks 2 & 4 are typically Tues and Thurs during CT afternoon hours

Third Week Virtual or In-Person Workshop is from Monday through Friday 
From 9 AM to 5 PM CST

Who Can Participate?

Individuals age 18 or older with personal lived experience in recovery from a mental health, trauma, or substance use condition who wish to use this experience to assist others. Those willing to publicly identify as a person in recovery.

Fees

• Veterans & Non-Veterans: $1,500 per Attendee
• Non-refundable processing fee required at the time of submitting the application: $75
• Eligible Veterans and family members can apply to use VHA Chapter 31 benefits to cover the expenses involved in receiving a certificate of course completion. We recommend you contact your local VHA facility to learn more.

Please Note:

• The registration and enrollment process is on a first-come, first-served basis, and in order we receive full course tuition payments.
• Upon acceptance into the program, the $75 processing fee will be applied toward the $1,500 tuition.
• If the accepted candidate cancels participation in the four-week training, they will forfeit the $75 fee.
• Registration fee includes course fee, all course materials, and testing.

Questions? View some frequently asked questions or contact Training@DBSAlliance.org or Lgoduco@DBSAlliance.org.

Apply now by clicking the link below: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/62847a9ca5844f0ca2ffbdd3cfb24c28

On Thursday, January 18, 2024, DBSA WV’s Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman attended the Community Engagement Expo at West Virginia University’s Mountainlair.  Our table had a variety of pamphlets and other resources for visitors to choose from along with DBSA WV pens. Students and representatives from other agencies and organizations at the event received DBSA WV flyers that contained a link to our support groups. We were able to speak with many wonderful WVU students about volunteering with DBSA WV. Also, we were able to network with other organizations to help spread awareness of DBSA WV’s mission.  The Expo not only provides students with volunteer options within our organization, but also serves as a gateway to additional opportunities for DBSA WV to build relationships with other agencies in the future.

DBSA WV was invited to attend the Peer Recovery Retreat hosted by First Choice Services at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV that took place November 12^th through November 14^th of 2023. DBSA WV served as a vendor for the event. DBSA pamphlets, ink pens, 988 stickers and magnets, along with DBSA WV t-shirts were distributed to participants. We also sponsored a raffle for a basket filled with items for relaxation and stress relief, drawing the winning ticket on the last day of the event.

Several attendees provided information on a contact sheet for anyone who wanted to join DBSA WV’s mailing list. First Choice Services had speakers throughout each day of the retreat covering many topics regarding mental health and addiction.  It was an amazing learning opportunity as well as a great venue through which we could network with many other wonderful organizations dedicated to helping West Virginians with mental health and/or addiction issues. Our Executive Director and Administrative Assistant were able to speak with many people about DBSA WV’s peer-led support groups for those living with depression or bipolar disorder. We look forward to attending many more events and conferences in 2024 to help spread the word about DBSA throughout the state.

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, DBSA WV co-sponsored the second annual “Kickin’ It for Katy” 5k run/1.2 mile Walk for suicide prevention.  The event took place on the campus of Fairmont State University, where the goal was to raise $25,000 towards the Kaitlynn Jade Forensic Memorial Scholarship at the university.  For our silver level sponsorship, we received a medium size banner at the race, mention at the podium following the race, our logo with DBSA on all event t-shirts, a listing on the “Kickin’ It for Katy” website and Facebook page, plus two free race/walk entries.  We provided DBSA Support Group pamphlets and Suicide in America brochures for every racer and walker’s swag bags to increase awareness about our organization, and about the suicide epidemic in this country.  Several participants visited our table following the race/walk during the “Stomp out the Stigma event which included live music, food, door prizes, and lots of raffles.  DBSA provided information about who we are and what we do, especially through our support groups throughout the state and online via Zoom.  Our display included literature on depression, depression in college students, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder and suicide.  $10,400 was raised towards the scholarship, and we’re looking forward to the third annual event next year.

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, The Monongalia County Commission held a food drive at Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown, WV.  Recipients drove their vehicles to the rear of the mall where food was distributed, and a variety of other free items were available.  President Lynne Vespoint and Vice President Olivia Shuttleworth represented DBSA WV distributing DBSA pamphlets and DBSA WV pens to each driver while telling them about DBSA, including who we are and what we do.  Information was shared about DBSA Mountaineer, our group at the office that meets the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of the month at 2:00.  Many people expressed an interest in knowing more about our organization, plus the rain held off throughout the event.

The West Virginia Chapter of DBSA (DBSA WV) co-sponsored the WV NASW Conference that took place in Charleston, WV, May 3^rd through 5^th.  President Lynne Vespoint, Vice President Olivia Shuttleworth, and Peer Facilitator for DBSA Charleston, Joe Belcher represented our organization at the event.  Our theme was, ‘When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.”  Our booth had mini lemon trees, mini lemon truck, lemon stickers on the tablecloth and vases of Lemonheads candy and lemon stress balls.  Over the course of the three-day event, we told social workers located throughout the state about our organization and resources available on National’s website.  We had a poster with colorful Mood Crew characters on display so that social workers would know that there are resources for every age on the website.  Every visitor at our booth received the DBSA Support Group brochure and a DBSA WV pen.  There is interest in starting three more support groups in our state.  We believe that this outreach project will be beneficial to the future of DBSA WV.

DBSA WV staff and volunteers participated in The American Society for Suicide Prevention Walk on October 8th.  Held at Krepps Park in Morgantown for the 5th year, the event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and network. Pictured in the photos below from the event is Vance Soinski.