Issue 1 | July 2023
It's a great day at the WRA!
Greetings! In this issue, we are thrilled to share highlights from Recovery Day at the Mariners, SAMHSA BCOR news, coalition fundraising support, a t-shirt design contest, upcoming events and more. Remember, we are here for you, so if you have a story or an event you would like to publish in future editions, please submit your content to newsletter@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.
Root, Root, Root for Recovery!
Recovery Day at the Mariners 2023
Recovery Day at the Mariners was a tremendous success, bringing together individuals from across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest to celebrate recovery. The event was marked by several highlights, including a pre-game rally and march of approximately 200 recovery champions, the sale of more than 2,000 tickets, two King-5 media spots, representation from 22 community partners, visits from King County Councilmembers, Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry, and a public-facing outreach table on the first floor of T-Mobile Park.
Special thanks to the planning team working tirelessly on meetings, promotions, volunteer orientations, and related tasks to make this event one we will remember. Thanks to everyone, especially our amazing sponsors who supported, helped, and contributed to this amazing event!
WRA Works with SAMHSA to Build Communities of Recovery in Washington State
Last quarter, the WRA started work on a 3-year grant with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to Build Communities of Recovery (BCOR) across Washington State.
This community-centric approach to advancing systemic change for those impacted by substance use disorder relies on the WRA's relationships within the greater SUD, Mental Health, Peer and Recovery communities. Four major bodies of work include:
Expanding access to PRSS by increasing access to SUD PRSS for all Washingtonians, regardless of insurance coverage
Increasing accessibility of recovery housing in Washington through capital investments and expanded early recovery housing voucher programs
Expand employment opportunities for individuals in recovery
Improve public understanding about recovery and erode stigma associated with substance use disorders
We are so grateful for the various community members locking arms with us to deliver such vital work, especially Recovery Café Skagit, Peer Washington and WRA regional coalitions.
Stay tuned for updates in future newsletters about our work with SAMHSA. If you would like to get involved or learn more please email us at: hello@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.
FREE Overdose Prevention and Response Training
The WRA is now offering FREE Overdose Prevention and Response Training to groups working to end overdose in their communities. Individuals who are interested in receiving the training are encouraged to attend an existing event. For more information email: hello@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.
WRA Provides Coalitions Access to Classy Donor Platform for Fundraising and Event Activities
The season of giving us upon us and the WRA has coalitions covered. Recently, the WRA made a three-year investment in the Classy Donor and Events platform to support fundraising and event management for regional coalitions. If you haven't heard of Classy, it is a software product that supports a host of web-based fund development tools such as,
Donation Websites
Peer-to-Peer Campaigns
Recurring Donations
Crowdfunding
Fundraising Events and Ticketing
Virtual Event Platform
Auctions and Mobile Bidding
WRA is always here to help coalitions with fundraising and event planning. If you want to learn more about these tools or take the next step with your development plan, schedule a call today.
Community News
Welcome to the Alliance:
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition
Late in September, E.V. Velez, along with a team of 40 volunteers, launched the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition (SCRC)—a critical addition to a community deeply impacted by the consequences of substance use disorder. Velez, SCRC Lead and WRA MSW Intern, was interviewed by Sophia Gates of the Everett Herald and shared that the coalition's initial priorities are recovery housing and removing barriers to employment. You can read more about the SCRC launch here.
For more information on the SCRC or to get involved you can connect with the coalition through their Facebook page.
Experience the Magic of Candlelight: A Celebration of Hope, Recovery and Unity
The warm glow of Candlelight returns to Kirkland, Washington, to shine brighter than ever for women in recovery. The cherished celebration began more than 40 years ago at the Residence XII Treatment Center for Women and continues to thrive as a symbol of hope, unity and strength.
In 1981, Residence XII Treatment Center for Women opened its doors to women seeking recovery. Over the years, it became an established nonprofit dedicated to helping thousands of women and their families.
Candlelight was initially a small gathering of women coming together during the holiday season. Residence XII counselors and in-patient residents gathered for a 12-step meeting, followed by the women forming a circle and lighting the candles as a symbol of light and hope.
The yearly December tradition grew into a huge celebration with Residence XII alumnae, speakers, and a much-beloved staff and alum skit for the audience.
By 2019, Candlelight welcomed more than 300 women in recovery who came from all over Western Washington and other states. That year, Residence XII was sold, and the Residence XII Foundation emerged to continue the mission of recovery for women.
Now, after a pause due to the pandemic, Candlelight 2023 returns stronger and better than ever - A night for women in sobriety to come together to celebrate not just their individual journeys but the collective strength that binds us. We gather to shine a light on recovery, to remind us we are not alone, and to always remember to let the power of the circle do for us what we cannot do alone.
Find out more about registration for Candlelight 2023 in the Events section of the newsletter.
Community Events
Calling all Artists:
Recovery Art T-shirt Contest
We have opened our online store and, now you can purchase items to rock your #recoverystyle at all times. In addition to offering some WRA and Coalition branded merchandise, we are excited to offer special edition pieces highlighting work from our diverse and talented recovery community. Now through November 19, we are asking artists to submit a t-shirt design to include in our winter 2023 collection. The selected artist will receive a $250 digital gift card - just in time for the holidays!
You can submit your entry to communications@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org
WRA Overdose Prevention and Response Training
November 4 from 1-3 pm in the meeting room at Renton Highlands Library. This free training will teach participants how to identify and respond to an overdose, discuss local substance use and overdose trends, harm reduction and recovery resources, and provide naloxone to participants at no cost. Registration link: tinyurl.com/oprtraining
King County is excited to announce its annual Behavioral Health Legislative Forum will be held in person once again!
Join us on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:30pm at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. The event is free and open to everyone.
The forum will include:
Remarks from King County Executive Dow Constantine.
King County's proposed behavioral health legislative priorities for 2024.
Stories from people in recovery.
Opportunities to connect with legislators and county council members before the program.
Perspectives and priorities of legislators and county council members.
Legendary pre-event hosted by our partners WRA and KCRC.
We’re looking forward to once again joining in person with our partners, provider agencies, legislators, advocates, and community members!
Join us for Recovery in Action, Forum Pre-event
November 20, 2023 WRA and KCRC will be hosting a Forum Pre-event, Recovery in Action, from 4:30-6:00pm.
The pre-event will include food and refreshments, pro-recovery activities, networking opportunities, and so much more. Please register today.
Residence XII Foundation:
Candlelight 2023
Candlelight 2023 is Friday, December 1, 2023, at Mobius Hall, Cascadia College, 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA, 98011. The program runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments, raffles, and fun! Carrie Bates will be sharing her story.
This event is open to ALL women in recovery and those exploring a sober life. The event is free, but folks are being asked to register for Candlelight 2023.
Eleva Training (Eleva Capacitación para la Defensa de Nuestros
Derechos)
WRA and KCRC will host a virtual Eleva training on December 3. This training will be offered entirely in Spanish and we will help participants learn how to develop skills in telling one's own behavioral health story, legislative and media advocacy, public speaking, encouragement, and motivation. Eleva trainings are offered free of charge. For information email: hello@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org
Call for Recovery Stories and Behavioral Health Experts!
We are looking for people like you — let's talk about recovery.
Join the Director of the King County Recovery Coalition, Heather Venegas, as she hosts a podcast sharing conversations of personal experiences, resources, and supports available for those seeking to overcome substance use and mental health challenges.
For questions or to participate in the podcast, please contact Heather Venegas heather@kcrecovery.org
Look for new content every other Monday on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, Youtube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Special thanks to the King County Department of Community and Human Services Behavioral Health Recovery Division for making this project possible.
Benton-Franklin Coalition
Leap to Recovery Breakfast
Support the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery. There will be speakers, updates on the Center and more. Thursday, February 29, at 7:30 am at the HAPO Center, Pasco, WA.
Contact 509recovery@gmail.com for more information
Happy Halloween from the WRA!
Unicorn, Phantoms and Goth Girls oh my… On October 22, we hosted a volunteer appreciation event (costumes and bowling) at Spin Alley Shoreline to express our gratitude for all the beautiful gifts of time and talent from our amazing volunteer community. Kudos to WRA staff, Heather and Tristan, for going above and beyond to make sure a fun time was had by all! If you are a volunteer and could not join us - do not fret. We look forward to welcoming you at future events. Until then, have a happy and safe Spooky Season!
SAMHSA 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
New additions to the partner tool kit recently released
Remember to share widely; 988 is a free resource designed to save lives. Access your partner toolkit materials here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
No matter why you need support, the #988Lifeline is there for you. 988 provides free, confidential #MentalHealth support anytime — day or night. Call or text: 988. Chat: 988lifeline.org.