LEAF hires two new counselors and offers free recovery support
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) is celebrating by rolling out expansions to its Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery (MWAR) program. Two new members have joined the LEAF team to address our town’s needs around addiction recovery and youth programming.
SMART / Addiction Recovery Support
Our own local Certified Addiction Specialist, James Hart, is now facilitating a no-cost addiction recovery support group called Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART). The SMART recovery model has helped millions of people around the world manage addictions and lead rich, healthy lives. This group is for any person over 18 years of age, with any addictive problem. The first gathering began on Monday, May 8th and will continue each Monday from 7:00-8:30 pm for the next 8 weeks, when the group will be renewed based on participation and need. (You can still join). The group meets at the lower level of Lyons Community Church at 350 Main Street. To ask questions or sign up formally, email James at consultjames@gmail.com. Drop ins without registration are also welcome. As always, all communications are confidential.
TEENS EXPLORE, Art Therapy
Lyons’ own art therapist Jennifer Jarrett has also recently begun art therapy for teenagers. This pilot program, Teens Explore, began on Tuesday, May 9th, and continues each Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 pm until May 30th. (You can still join). Youth between the ages of 15 to 18 years are welcome to join in. This innovative, art-based, therapeutic program is one where students can safely explore and express emotions and life experiences. The meetings are the first slated in a series to address the needs of area youth, and these opening meetings are important to set the stage for future topics. Teenagers who would like their voice heard should consider attending. The group is free, with all supplies and light snacks provided. Pre-registration is required. Teens do not need their parents permission to attend– just meet the age requirement of 15-18 years. To sign up, confidentially email Jennifer at jennifer@3greenhearts.com. This gathering also meets at the lower level of Lyons Community Church at 350 Main Street. Once again, all communications are confidential.
JOB OPENING
Interviews are open at LEAF for another licensed mental health professional to join the MWAR team. We are looking for a part-time, integrative mental health clinician who is interested in trauma-based and addiction-related modalities to lead groups, administer individual counseling, and help expand new programming around youth and addiction recovery. To view the job description, visit LEAF’s website at leaflyons.org. To apply or ask questions, email work@leaflyons.org.
LEAF is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health concerns and providing resources for our community to thrive. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress and relate to others. Mental health maintenance is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Please consider finding ways to honor Mental Health Awareness Month by taking intentional time to focus on your own growth this month. If you or someone you know needs support, please email our primary therapist, Cherie Maureaux, at mentalwellness@leaflyons.org to discuss options. All communications are strictly confidential. We are honored to be on this important health journey with you and our community.
Cherie Maureaux, LPC, NCC – Program Director
Mental Wellness & Addiction Recovery Program
720-612-9774 (Voice and Text)
Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund
350 Main Street, Lyons, CO 80540
