- What is the RLC?
- Where is the RLC located?
- Is the Western Mass RLC for me?
- Are RLC centers and events open to me if I’m under 18?
- Can I bring my children with me to RLC events and/or RLC centers?
- What do I need to do to become a member of the RLC community?
- How much does an RLC training, group or workshop cost?
- I want to visit a Resource Connection Center. How can I get there?
- What do you mean when you say things like ‘Lived Experience’ and ‘Extreme States’?
- How is the RLC funded?
- What does it mean when you say you’re ‘aspiring to be scent free’?
- Can I bring my pet to an RLC center or space?
- Are there RLCs in other areas?
- Is the Consortium (the Western Mass RLC's umbrella organization) a peer-run organization or a provider?
- How is the Western Mass RLC different from a clubhouse?
- What does the boot and flowers image intended to represent?
- How is the Western MAss RLC connected to the Transformation Center?
The Recovery Learning Community (RLC) creates conditions that support recovery and wellness at both the individual and community level through trauma-sensitive peer supports and the development of a regional network. One of the founding concepts behind the RLC is that human relationships with people are healing, particularly when those people have similar experiences. And so, the RLC strives to create forums through which human relationships, community and a regional network of supports can develop. On a day-to-day basis, that effort may take the form of a community meeting, a support group, trainings and learning opportunities, social events, a computer workshop and/or simply offering a safe space where people can communicate with others or simply be. The RLC also acts as a clearing house for information about other resources in the community and as a consultant to other organizations and groups interested in developing peer roles and/or applying recovery principles.
The Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is PEOPLE and is wherever YOU and others from the community are. However, the RLC also offers Resource Connection Centers (RCC), physical locations where individuals can drop in or call in for support, use computers and the Internet, access the RLC library, find resources and attend various groups, workshops and events. The RLC opened the doors of its first RCC in July of 2007 and continued to grow consistently since that time.
Holyoke Resource Connection Center (Main center):
187 High Street, Suite 303
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 539-5941
Toll-free (866) 641-2853
Videophone (413) 650-5380 or (866) 674-8728
Drop-in hours*: Tuesdays 10a-4p, Wednesdays 12p-7p, Thursdays/Fridays 12p-4p
* A bilingual worker is typically available on Wednesday (American Sign Language/English) and Friday (Spanish/English) afternoons.
Springfield Resource Connection Center (Bowen Resource Center):
340 Main Street,
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 732-1703
Drop-in hours*: Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays 9-3p, Saturday 11-3p
* A bilingual worker is typically available (Spanish/English) all days
Berkshire County Resource Connection Center (Satellite center):
152 North Street, Suite 115
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 236-5888
Drop-in hours: Mondays 12-3p, Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-4p
Franklin County Resource Connection Center (Satellite center):
RECOVER Project
68 Federal Street,
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-5489
Drop-in hours: Mondays 1p-4p, Thursdays 9a-12p (RECOVER open Monday – Friday, Call for full schedule)
Please note: Each RCC varies in size and resources available. Please feel free to stop in or call for more information!
3. Is the Western Mass RLC for me?
The Western Mass RLC supports all sorts of different people. Being new, we’re not always busy and our groups and workshops aren’t always full, but we’re growing every day and we welcome everyone of all ages, backgrounds and experiences who have experienced significant struggles in their life.
Just a few examples of the people who are a part of our community:
- People who are 18, 35, 60, 81 and every age in between and beyond
- People who identify as mental health ‘consumers’ or ‘clients’
- People who identify as having experienced ‘extreme states’
- People who are served by residential programs
- People who speak Spanish or American Sign Language as their first language
- People who are eligible for DMH services
- People who are not eligible for DMH services
- People who are trauma survivors
- People who have been hospitalized as a result of their emotional struggles
- People who have never been hospitalized
- People who consider themselves ‘recovered,’ and people who are still really struggling
4. Are RLC centers and events open to me if I'm under 18?
Because we are a community center and do not offer ‘supervision’ of individuals who come in, our spaces are generally intended for individuals 18 and over. However, younger individuals can be accommodated in some spaces/groups so please call to inquire if you have questions or if you would like help to find resources for younger people!
5. Can I bring my children with me to RLC events and/or RLC centers?
Children under 18 are welcome at RLC events and centers when accompanied by a family member or guardian. However, we ask family members and guardians to be aware of the following community expectations:
- The adult present with the child(ren) should be a family member, guardian or community provider connected to the child(ren).
- Children present must also be able to follow the RLC’s defining principles with the guidance of the adult present with them (for example, the adult would be expected to work with the child to avoid yelling and other disruptive behavior).
- The adult present with the child(ren) will be solely responsible for supervision while they are at an RLC event or center. There will be no expectation that others will assist with supervision, unless they express a wish to be involved.
- If a child is not able to be in an RLC space safely (either because he/she is not able to act in a way that is consistent with the defining principles or the adult does not appear to be adequately supervising the child) the adult present with the child will be offered a reminder of these expectations. If there are repeated concerns, the adult may be asked to leave the space and/or to not bring the child(ren) back to the space for a period of time.
6. What do I need to do to become a member of the RLC community?
Anyone who lives or works in Western Mass and who has lived experience with a mental health diagnosis, extreme states, and/or as a trauma survivor is welcome to be a part of the RLC community. There is no sign up or intake process, and record of your name and address are kept only to be able to communicate with you or send you notices of events. You simply need to visit or call one of the RLC sites or attend an RLC event or training in order to be considered part of the community!!
7. How much does an RLC training, group or workshop cost?
There is absolutely no cost to visit an RLC center or attend an RLC event, training or workshop. In the rare circumstance where there may be a any sort of cost to you to attend a particular event, it will be clearly stated ahead of time. Donations are always welcomed.
8. I want to visit a Resource Connection Center. How can I get there?
We know that many people don’t have cars or live further away from a Resource Connection Center. However, for people interested in coming in to a training or to check it out:
- All of our centers are accessible by local bus lines
- For individuals unfamiliar with taking the bus, we will do our best to connect you with someone who can ride the bus with you the first few times to help you learn the route and get comfortable!
- On a limited basis, we have individuals available who can meet with you in the community and, if you like, drive you in to a Resource Connection Center for a visit.
- On a limited basis, we may be able to reimburse you for your bus or gas fees to travel here for specific events.
- As our community expands, we may be able to help you connect with other people in the community who are coming here from your area and are able to give you a ride!
9. What do you mean when you say things like ‘Lived Experience’ and ‘Extreme States’?
At the Western Mass RLC, we try to use open language that is as inclusive as possible. Some people in our community identify with their diagnosis and with the term ‘mental illness,’ while others view their emotional struggles as ‘extreme states’ that have resulted from experiences of trauma or spiritual emergence, etc. Some people prefer to refer to themselves as ‘clients’ or ‘consumers’ while others are uncomfortable with those terms. For that reason, for example, we refer to people with ‘lived experience’ so that each individual can then define that lived experience in any way they want (i.e., lived experience as a trauma survivor OR lived experience with a mental illness, and so on).
Check out our glossary for more information.
10. How is the RLC funded?
The RLC’s receives their main funding through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, though the RLC has also received some support from other entities including local Arts Councils, city block grants and the Community Foundation. The RLC will continue to apply for new grant opportunities and seek to diversify its funding as possible in the coming years.
11. What does it mean when you say you’re ‘aspiring to be scent free’?
There are many people who are very sensitive to the fragrances used in shampoos, lotions, laundry detergents and so on. Some of these sensitivities are allergies and others are symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), both of which can cause the individual much discomfort and/or serious health repercussions. For that reason, we have made many efforts to make our spaces and our meetings safe for individuals who have allergies or MCS, including by asking everyone to avoid wearing scented items.
However, we understand that being entirely fragrance-free can be very difficult, and that sometimes an individual may not even realize that something they are using has a fragrance that is noticeable to someone else. For that reason, we say that we are ‘aspiring to be’ or doing our best to be fragrance-free, but that we also understand that this is not always possible for every individual for economic and other reasons. In these cases, we ask that people be sensitive to each other by being open and honest when something in their environment is bothering them, and by seeking alternative accommodations such as the use of air filtering systems and windows where available and maintaining physical distance from one another when necessary.
To learn more about MCS and other types of environmental sensitivities come check out the RLC library or ask for a copy of our MCS info sheet.
12. Can I bring my pet to an RLC center or space?
The RLC values making all of its spaces, groups and events safe and accessible to everyone. Hence, we welcome individuals who are bringing service or companion animals with them as a support.* However, because we sometimes run into conflicting needs or issues, we ask individuals bringing pets with them to be mindful of the following:
Pets will be expected to follow the RLC’s Defining Principles, too!: We are a values driven community with a set of defining principles, including respect of one another, not yelling or making loud noises, not touching one another without permission and so on. Hence, we ask human companions to make sure their pets do not bark, jump on others or behave in ways that will make the environment feel less safe to other individuals or their pets.
Some individuals do not like to be around dogs, cats or other animals because they are uncomfortable around and/or allergic to them: Although a companion animal may be invaluable to the person that it supports, some individuals’ distress and discomfort will be increased by the presence of animals (even those that are well behaved). For that reason, we ask individuals who bring pets to any RLC spaces or events to follow these general guidelines:
- Please keep your pet with you at all times, and do not allow it to wander freely through the space.
- If you learn that someone else in the space is afraid of or allergic to your pet, please work as a team with them and others present to find the best available option to accommodate everyone’s needs.
- If you are unsure whether or not your animal will be able to follow the RLC’s Defining Principles around other people and animals when in our space, please call ahead to brainstorm options for your concerns or consider leaving your animal at home for that day.
* Please note that, in the case of co-sponsored events or activities where other groups are the lead sponsor or in non-RLC leased spaces, we will defer to the guidelines of that space in regards to the presences of animals that are not specifically service animals.
13. Are there RLCs in other areas?
There are many versions of peer communities and/or peer support roles throughout the country and internationally. However, the Recovery Learning Community model is unique to Massachusetts. At this time, there are five other RLCs in the state, including:
The Central Mass RLC*
91 Stafford Street
Worcester, MA 01603
Telephone: (508) 751-9600
www.centralmassrlc.org
The Metro Boston RLC
Solomon Carter Fuller MHC Ground Floor
85 East Newton Street
Boston, MA 02118
Telephone: (617) 305-9976
www.metrobostonrlc.org
The Metro-Suburban RLC*
60 Quincy Avenue
Quincy, MA 02169
Telephone: (617) 472-3237
Toll-Free: (888) 752-5510
www.metrosubrlc.org
Southeast RLC
71 Main Street - Suite 1100
Taunton, MA 02780
Telephone: (508) 828-4537
www.comcounseling.org/services/rehab-recovery-learning-community.php
Northeast RLC
Northeast Independent Living Program
20 Ballard Rd
Lawrence, MA 01843
Telephone: (978) 687-4288 (V/TTY)
www.nilp.org/RLC.html
* The Western Mass, Metro-Suburban and Central Mass RLCs were the first of the six to be funded in 2007 and operate on a somewhat different model than the more recent three.
14. Is the Consortium (the RLC's umbrella organization) a peer-run or provider organization?
The Consortium is not considered peer-run at this time (i.e., more than 50% of the Board of Directors does not openly identify as having lived experience). However, they are also not a provider of any traditional mental health services. The Consortium provides a number of supports and services, with a large part of their work in these past few decades dedicated to peer community development. As the host agency to not only the Western Mass RLC, but also the Western Mass Women's Resource Center (peer-to-peer community for women identifying as trauma survivors), the RECOVER Project (peer-to-peer community for individuals identifying as having addiction or substance abuse issues), Support Network for Families of Western Mass (a peer-to-peer community for parents and children struggling with emotional difficulties) and more, the Consortium has become an expert on supporting peer participatory process and community development.
15. How is the Western Mass RLC different than a clubhouse?
16. What is the boot and flowers image intended to represent?
The boot and flowers is the Western Mass RLC's logo (also adopted by the Central Mass RLC). The black and white image (created by Western Mass RLC Franklin County Coordinator, Janice Sorensen) is the official logo, though there are many versions you will see throughout our website and community. Although intentionally open to some degree of interpretation, it is generally explained that the boot is always a worn boot and represents the wear and tear we experience as we walk down our life's path, while the flowers represent the beauty and growth that can be generated by our life's experiences.
17. How is the Western Mass RLC Connected to the Transformation Center?
The Transformation Center partners with Recovery Learning Communities across the state as a historical change agent and supports the advancement and enhancement of the recovery movement with training, technical support and opportunities to collaborate.
In addition to parterning with all RLCs across the state, the Transformation Center also operates as the host organization for two of the RLCs: The Central Mass RLC and the Metro Suburban RLC.
For more about the Transformation Center, please visit their website.
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