February 2021 Volume 13, Issue 2 Recovery Happens

Illuminating pathways toward opportunity, possibility, wellness and independence.

Restoration Society, Inc., 66 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214 www.rsiwny.org (716) 832-2141 Fax (716) 832-0021

IT HAPPENED IN BUFFALO article by Anita H. and Rosario P.

Mary Burnett Talbert was born in Oberlin Ohio and worked for a time in Little Rock Arkansas, although Buffalo is where she would make her name.

An active participant in the Michigan Street Baptist Church Congregation (which both still exists and counts Restoration Societies Anita H. as one of their members), Talbert enacted change both in her surrounding community and her country. Through her connections Talbert helped organize the first meeting of the Niagara Movement, a predecessor group to the NAACP. Talbert was also an ardent Anti-Lyncher calling for all people to come together and unite against injustices faced by communities throughout the United States. Talbert is remembered as a woman of faith, a teacher and most prominently a leader and community organizer. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York. BLACK HISTORY MONTH PLAYLIST article by Carolyn B.

In observation of Black History Month, I've made a playlist of some of my favorite songs recorded by black musicians during my favorite years in music history. Knowing how winter is often dark and dreary, I hope that listening to these songs will spark the same happiness in you as they do in me.

1. Tell Him- The Exciters, 1962: I love the energy of this song. The lyrics don't hold up in 2021, but a song is much more than its lyrics. 2. Doodlin'- Baby Washington, 1963: Baby Washington is a lesser-known singer, so this might be the first time you listen. Please enjoy. It feels good. 3. Spanish Harlem- Ben E. King, 1960: My struggle with relaxation is so strong that I believe relaxation might be a myth, but this song is the sound of relaxation. I love the groove, the instrumentation, and the saxophone solo. It gives me chills and sounds like a hug at the same time. 4. You've Really Got a Hold On Me- Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, 1962: From the opening piano riff to the fade out, this song is a perfect example of why Motown was so popular in the 1960s. It is soulful and sensual, and it feels good to listen to. Pro Tip: if someone treats you badly, please don't love them madly. Self respect. 5. Blue Moon- The Marcels, 1961: Doo-wop feels good. Enjoy it. 6. Goody Goody- Frankie Lymon, 1958: Who doesn't love a little bit of spite now and then? Frankie Lymon really sticks it to 'em in "Goody Goody." This song is inspiring, empowering, uplifting, and just a lot of fun. Especially for those who identify with its message. 7. Keep a Knockin- Little Richard, 1957: Little Richard's energy is so intense that he can hardly contain himself. And that energy has been contagious for the last 64 years. 8. Think- Aretha Franklin, 1968: Similar to "Goody Goody," "Think" has an empowering message with inspiring energy. Aretha Franklin has a special place in Black History Month, because she toured with Martin Luther King, Jr. and sang at his funeral. 9. He's a Rebel- the Crystals, 1962: In the early 1960s, girl groups like the Crystals dominated American pop music charts. "He's a Rebel" is one of my favorite girl group songs. It feels good and makes me happy. 10. Be My Baby- The Ronettes, 1963: I love this song from start to finish. Starting with a heartbeat rhythm that returns throughout the song, "Be My Baby" musically harnesses the feeling of new love. 11. What a Lovely Day- Ella Fitzgerald, 1958: If you struggle with starting your day, try listening to this when you wake up. It's a lovely way to turn a regular day into a lovely day. Plus- listen to the lyrics. They're refreshingly reasonable. 12. Do You Know the Way to San Jose- Dionne Warwick, 1968: I have always loved this song. The instrumentation feels good. The lyrics are somewhat different from the average pop song. February is Black History Month!

To celebrate, we wanted to highlight some of the black artists in our own city.

Four of Hearts is by Iris Kirkwood and is part of a series of large cards made by the artist. With these cards, Iris re-interprets familiar myths and symbols.

For more information about Iris Kirkwood, check out this post by the Burchfield Penny Art Center: Four of Hearts by Iris https://www.burchfieldpenney.org/artists/artist:iris-kirkwood/ Kirkwood

Other local artists create poems and performances.

Annette Daniels Taylor is a local artist, writer, poet, and performer. You can see her perform her piece "We Be Lovely" (https://vimeo.com/230060082) Annette Daniels Taylor on our Facebook page.

Robert Harris is another local painter whose work is vibrant and expressive, using thick layers of paint.

You can see more of his work on his Instagram @paintingmachine

(https://www.instagram.com/paintingmachine/

Join our phone groups for extra support! Our Empowerment is open for business @ 327 Elm Street, but if you can't make it out, just call in!

We're here for you! It's easy: - Pick your Group (see EA Calendar below for mes) - Call 716-884-5216 x 901 and enter pin 1234

CODE BLUE CONTINUES When the temperature drops, the shelters open! Code Blue (15°F) and Code Blue (32°F) will be in effect throughout the winter. Please encourage anyone experiencing homelessness to call 211 to be picked up and provided shelter and/or stop in for assistance at Harbor House at 241 Genesee St. (during the day) Downtown NFTA Metro 181 Ellicott St.(beginning at 6PM)

BE IN THE KNOW Receive Text Alerts When it is a Code Blue Night!! Simply Text: "CodeBlueBuffalo" to 989-211 or Follow "Code Blue Buffalo" on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/codebluebuffalo

WINTER IS HERE Do you need to winterize your boots or shoes? Stop by to waterproof them for FREE! @327 Elm Street 2nd Floor, Buffalo (716) 884-5216 ext. 498

Peer-Spective: Help is Available Now! by Kira M. and Kate P.

Those of us who have needed help with our mental health know how hard it can be to find that help. The good news is that Empowerment Academy (EA) and other local facilities have been creating more walk-in opportunities for individuals to receive fast assistance. Here are a few you might not know about!

ECMC's Help Center at 462 Grider St. (in their Outpatient Clinic, to the left of the main hospital building) is an urgent care service for walk-in mental health treatment of adults in crisis who do not require psychiatric emergency treatment or inpatient care. Walk-in hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am-10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm, and Holidays 10:00am - 6:00pm. Virtual appointments are also available. Call 716-898-1594 for more information.

The FREE Private Telemental Health Booth at EA (327 Elm Street) offers you the chance to connect to mental health services in a safe, virtual environment. Even if you've never had mental health treatment before, our Empowerment Academy staff can get you in touch with professionals who can help.

Need help getting linked with mental or physical health providers? We connect the disconnected! Call our Empowerment Academy today at (716) 884-5216 x 498

Peer-Spective: The Hows and Whys of Self-Care Article by Amarilys G. There is no one way to self-care. What works for one person is not likely to work for another. At the same time, we can probably all agree that self-care is important. Therefore, it's important for people to find out what means of self-care work for them. 30 minutes in the gym might sound like bliss to one person and pure torture to the next. 3 hours curled up with a book? One person might get lost in the story while another person puts the book down after 3 minutes in boredom. One other thing to keep in mind about self-care is that it should not (cannot) be harmful. While eating a gallon of ice cream or 20 tacos might sound like a great end to a bad day, it may be a decision you come to regret a day or two later. There are different types of self-care. The number of types vary depending on what site / source you use. As a recovering academic, I went with Bustle. Their 8 categories of self-care align perfectly with the 8 dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, professional, financial, spiritual, social, environmental, and emotional. Am I going to define each type and provide an example for each one?

No. Am I going to be a good researcher and a lazy human and provide the link to the article I am talking about so you can read it. Yup: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/types-of-self-care- how-to-practice-experts You do not necessarily need at least one form of self-care for each type, although the above article defines them so broadly you might be checking off boxes you did not expect to check off. Take Spiritual for instance. I thought for sure I'd keep that box unchecked, but the article included helping others in its discussion of this type so yup, box checked.

If you're the organized, likes-to-plan type, google "self care plan template" and you should find some format that works for you. If you're the anything goes type, then think about what you do when you need a mental pick-me-up and voila, you've starting making your self-care plan. There's no one or right way to plan self-care just like there's no one or right way to self- care.

Peer-Spective: Are you SAD? by Valerie M.

10-20% of people experience seasonal symptoms of low mood or decreased energy.

When symptoms are more severe, it's often called SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Common Seasonal Symptoms:

Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed Having low energy, feeling sluggish Trouble concentrating Changes in appetite or weight Feeling sad, irritable or agitated Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

It's important to meet with a health professional if you are experiencing these symptoms. Along with their guidance, you may find it helpful to try things like:

Getting outside more on days when the sun is out or try light therapy Sticking to a routine or building habits around winding down to sleep and charging up to wake Exercise - activity helps boost serotonin production and helps your mood Healthy food choices Participate in activities - get out there and do stuff! February 2021 Empowerment Academy Calendar ALL workshops are being held In-Person AND via Phone (unless otherwise indicated) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 Happy Groundhog Day! 3 4 5 10am Let’s get to know one 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Staying Connected with 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am ***Collaboration another With Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with Renee 1pm WRAP with Betty Meeting 1pm Learn How-To TeleHealth! Trinton 1pm Benefits with Renee 2pm Calendar Planning with Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with Trinton 2pm Kitchen Planning with Betty 7pm What’s on your Mind with Erik with Renee 2pm Open discussion 2pm Open discussion with Trinton 7pm Depression & Anxiety Group 2pm Open discussion 7pm Lets Chat with Sametra 7pm What’s on your Mind with Tony with Tony 7pm Coping during COVID with Tony

8 9 10 11 12 10am Let’s get to know one 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Staying Connected with 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Staying Connected with another With Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with Renee 1pm WRAP with Betty Renee 1pm Learn How-To TeleHealth! Trinton 1pm Benefits with Renee 2pm Calendar Planning with Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with Renee 2pm Open discussion 2pm Kitchen Planning with Betty 7pm What’s on your Mind with Erik with Renee 2pm Open discussion 7pm What’s on your Mind with Tony 7pm Depression & Anxiety Group 2pm Coping with Addiction 7pm Lets Chat with Sametra with Tony with Betty 7pm Coping during COVID with Erik 15 16 17 18 19 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Staying Connected with 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Stay Connected! with President’s Day 11am ACE Orientation (call-in) Renee 1pm WRAP with Renee Betty 1pm Connecting with Others with 1pm Benefits with Renee 2pm Calendar Planning with Sally 1pm Connecting with Others EA is OPEN Trinton 2pm Kitchen Planning with Betty 7pm What’s on your Mind with Erik with Renee 10am – 2pm 2pm Open discussion 7pm Depression & Anxiety Group 2pm Coping with Addiction 7pm What’s on your Mind with Tony with Tony with Betty 7pm Coping during COVID with Sametra 22 23 24 25 26 10am Let’s get to know one 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am ***Peer Advisory Council 10am Staying Connected with Betty 10am Staying Connected with another with Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with 1pm Benefits with Renee 1pm WRAP with Betty Renee 1pm Learn How-To TeleHealth! Trinton 2pm Kitchen Planning with Betty 2pm Calendar Planning with Sally 1pm Connecting with Others with Renee 2pm Open discussion 7pm Depression & Anxiety Group 7pm What’s on your Mind with Erik with Renee 2pm Open discussion 7pm What’s on your Mind with Tony with Tony 2pm Coping with Addiction 7pm Lets Chat with Sametra with Betty 7pm Coping during COVID with Tony

Parenting Support We’re OPEN! Join Us On-site or Groups by Phone! Sunday, February 7th 327 Elm Street Call: 716-884-5216 ext 901 PIN 1234 and 2nd Floor st Mon-Fri 9am-8:30pm Sunday, February 21 Buffalo, NY 14203 Sat & Sun 9am-1p

Clubhouse Buffalo Hours for Ages 16-20 years of age

February 2021 Monday to Friday 3 to 9pm 66 Englewood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 832-2141 ext. 212, 217 or, 249

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 Boys to Men Dinner 2 Grouncd Hog Day Movie 3 LGBT TED TALK 4 5 GAME NIGHT Remote Learning Support BINGO NIGHT!!!!!!!!!! & Mock SUPERBOWL party EXPLORING FRIENDSHIPS Ladies Night

8 9 Fitness day 10 11 12 Ladies Night - Bring Boys to Men Dinner Peace Hub Homework Help LGBTQA+ Meditation Family member Arts and Crafts ABSTRACT

15 CLUBHOUSE CLOSED 16 Pool Tournament 17 Homework Help 18 Peer Government 19 Presidents Day Emotional and Physical LGBTQA+ Dinner Discussion Ladies Night Fitness Day Boundaries

22 Boys to Men dinner 23 Goals Check In Day 24 Skills Building Mock 25 Monthly Birthday 26 Ladies Nigt Poetry Night Mock Job Application Interviews LGBTQA+ Dinner Celebrations!! & Bingo Self-Care Discussion

Fitness

OUR LOCATIONS:

66 Englewood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 832-2141 Administration Office, Housing Solutions & Clubhouse Buffalo

241 Genesee Street Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 842-4184 Harbor House Resource Center & Coordinated Entry Hub

nd 327 Elm Street, 2 Floor Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 884-5216 ACE Employment, Empowerment Academy, HCBS Services, HARP Outreach Planning & Engagement, SOAR

220 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 343-9162

Genesee ACE Employment

Visit us on the web at:

www.rsiwny.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/Restorationsocietyinc

Restoration Society, Inc. 66 Englewood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214