Large Prints & Electronic Versions of this Calendar are Available
Request can be made through email: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/nerlc
THE NORTHEAST RLC
Celebrating the Power of the Village
THE NORTHEAST RLC THE NORTHEAST RLC
The Northeast RLC Monthly Calendar
Celebrar La Comunidad El Calendario De Noviembre
Metro North Support Groups
Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield
Thursdays
Arts and Crafts Group: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th.12:00pm-2:00pm
Malden Hub, 11 Dartmouth Street Suite 301, Malden, MA 02148
Contact: Eileen Lonergan at 978-687-4288 ext. 201
Women’s Group: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 9:30am-11:00am
The women's group offers support around the many challenges facing women today. Please join us in sharing our triumphs, laughs and a delicious meal.
Brother’s Deli of Wakefield, 404 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
Contact: Eileen Lonergan at 978-687-4288 ext. 201
Striving for Happiness: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 12:00pm-1:00pm
The point of recovery is learning to define happiness, contentment or peace in your own way; learning from others is a prominent piece of life in recovery, this group allows all to be a teacher and student.
Horizon House, 78 Water Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
Contact: Mike Berggren 978-687-4288 ext. 200
Fridays
Friendship Group: November 3, 10, & 17th 10:30-11:30am
Sports, current events, music and meditation are all interesting topics by themselves, but they are better when shared by a group. No better way to start your day!
Brother’s Deli of Wakefield, 404 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
Contact: Mike Berggren 978-687-687-4288 ext. 200
North Shore Support Groups
Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Topsfield, Wenham
Tuesday
LGBTQIA: November 21. 6:00pm-7:00pm
You don’t have to be alone in life; community support is the foundation for personal growth!
Independent Living Center of North Shore, 27 Congress Street Suite 107, Salem, MA 01970
Contact: Derborah Barber at dbarber@ilnsca
Thursdays
Game Group: November 2, 16 & 30th. 10:30am-11:30am
Come enjoy camaraderie and game play because recovery doesn’t have to be mundane!
Essex Senior center, 17 Pickering Street, Essex, MA 01929
Contact: Mandy Orfanos 978-687-4288 ext. 203
Tulsi Time: November 2nd. 3:30pm-4:30pm
Tulsi tea and discussion is the basis for Tulsi Time, discussions pertaining to healthy habit development, current events and where we’re at.
Department of Mental Health, 45 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970
Contact: Mandy Orfanos 978-687-4288 ext. 203
North Shore Support Groups
Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Topsfield, Wenham
Thursdays
Recovery Concepts: November 2, 9, 16 & 30. 6:30pm-8:00pm
Discussion and creativity help form this open minded group; there are no wrong doors in recovery and his group proves that.
Community Room, 5 Bresnahan Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Contact: Eileen Lonergan at 978-687-4288 ext. 201
Expressive Sounds Jam Session: November 16 & 30. 5:00pm-6:00pm
Discussion and creativity help form this open minded group; there are no wrong doors in recovery and his group proves that.
Community Room, 5 Bresnahan Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Contact: Eileen Lonergan at 978-687-4288 ext. 201
Fridays
Bingo: November 3 & 17th 10:30am-11:30am
Bingo has never been so fun! This time is spent playing bingo, but shared conversation is what sets this group apart.
Grace Center, Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Contact: Mandy Orfanos 978-687-4288 ext. 203
Greater Lowell Support Groups Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford
Tuesdays
Creative Community Art & Activity Group: November 7, 14, 21 & 28th. 12:45pm-1:45pm
Creation through artistic endeavors is a wonderful form of cathartic meditation; it is possible to find serenity through the simplicity of drawing or painting, or to even find a talent you were unaware of.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
LGBTQIA: November 7, 14, 21 & 28th. 1:45pm-2:45pm
This group encourages peer support for the LGBTQIA community, as well as allowing allies to take part and engage in meaningful conversations.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Wednesdays
Recovery is Real: November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th. 10:00am-11:00am
An open format to discuss both the peaks and valleys of personal recovery; discussion includes personal stories, recovery methods, challenges and the overall theme that we can overcome any struggles we face.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Greater Lowell Support Groups Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford
Wednesdays
Game & Coffee Group: November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th. 11:00am-12:00pm.
With the weather getting colder, warm up with a cup of coffee and some company! Enjoy card games? Come join us! Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Thursdays
Striving for Happiness: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 12pm-1pm.
The point of recovery is learning to define happiness, contentment or peace in your own way; learning from others is a prominent piece of life in recovery, this group allows all to be a teacher and student.
The Horizon House, 78 Water Street, Wakefield MA 01880
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Basic Nutrition: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 2:00pm-3:00pm.
Come learn how to form new, healthy habits as well as learning the value of label reading and what foods fuel you.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Greater Lowell Support Groups Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford
Thursdays
Fun Group: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 3:00pm-4:00pm.
From board games to cards, Three Stooges to enjoyment in the local parks; being happy, joyous and free and being present in our lives is the personal ideal we strive for.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Fridays
Friendship Group: November 3, 10, & 17th. 11:00am-12:00pm
Peer support and sports are the topics of the day; come by Brothers Restaurant for coffee and friendship.
Brothers Deli Restaurant, 404 Main Street, MA 01880
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Drop-In: Appointments for new people from 1pm-3pm
This is for anyone who is looking for resources, 1 to 1 peer support or just a spot to relax.
Contact: Mike at [email protected] or 978-687-4288 ext. 200
Saturdays
Coffee & Peer Support: November 11 & 25th. 11:00am-12:00pm.
Join us for coffee and a chat. Start your weekend right with some coffee and peer support discussion.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Greater Lowell Support Groups Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford
Sundays- New Groups Movie & Chill: November 5- Movie Day & November 19- Football Game. 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Nothing to do on Sunday? Join us for a movie and conversation. This group focuses on relaxation and enjoying company.
Lowell Hub, The Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack Street Suite 407, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: David or Mike at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Greater Lynn Support Groups Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, Swampscott
Tuesdays
Movie and Pizza: November 28, 2pm-4pm “Meet the Parents”
Lynn Hub, 1 Market Street Suite 203, Lynn, MA 01901
Contact: Gerry McManamy at 978-687-4288 ext. 202
Wednesday s
Game Group: . November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th 3:00pm-4:00pm
Come enjoy camaraderie and game play because recovery doesn’t have to be mundane!
Lynn Hub, 1 Market Street Suite 203, Lynn, MA 01901
Contact: Gerry McManamy at 978-687-4288 ext. 202
Thursdays
“Let’s Talk” Recovery Support Group: November 2, 9, 16 & 30th. 1:00pm-2:00pm
Includes short inspirational and educational videos related to mental health recovery topics, followed by a peer discussion and support group for the same topics.
Lynn Hub, 1 Market Street Suite 203, Lynn, MA 01901
Contact: Gerry McManamy at 978-687-4288 ext. 202
Within each human is a flame, fed by experiences, emotions and ultimately what we are taught and what we choose to learn. Maddie displays an intrinsic ability to not only learn, but to teach with her exemplary humility and empathy; this is what feeds her fire. Her perspective is rich with compassion; she looks past the veneer of hopelessness and despair that the world so often offers and instead finds the empty canvas, upon which a new day comes to fruition. She sees people as void of form, not marked by affliction or inherently pernicious. Her eyes glisten with hope and I have proof of this; she has joined the RLC team on many occasions and been able to use her intellect and voice when given the chance. But just last week, I saw a group of 3 individuals in Lowell, driven to tears by her willingness to interact with them. They viewed themselves as destitute addicts, bereft of hope and seeing no possibilities on the horizon. But for an instance, Maddie’s ability to offer a kind word, to humanize them, that made the difference. I followed up with these individuals over the weekend and they were still awestruck by the ability of this young woman. All my life I was unknowingly searching for a spark of hope for myself, knowing that even if I maintained a positive demeanor among my peers the world itself was doomed to perdition. But Maddie has changed my hardened and recalcitrant position, which seemed to be indelible. She fights with words of kindness and determination rather than by coercion and fear; she makes an immense impact upon anyone she meets because she turns fear into strength; she is undoubtedly wise beyond her years, yet humble within the same breath. Myself, our team our community, which are better people for being able to tap into Maddie’s wealth of compassion, empathy and perseverance. We are grateful to have Maddi volunteer such large portion of her week to help with the young adults program and community outreach. Her over and above commitment to giving back is why we consider her our hero this year.
….. Mike Berggren
Although it may be difficult and painful, mindfulness says “I will fully embrace the countless maladies of life when it occupies the present moment.”
…Mitch Halaby
RLC Community Outreach
Far more than just a mere physical location for people to gather, the NERLC is a body of people who are united by the many struggles we’ve had to overcome. For the month of
November the NERLC will be taking time to celebrate the many and diverse members of our community, because we are so very grateful for the contributions of all. We are a
better community because of all of you, and we are so very grateful for you.
Please join us on facebook all month long as we celebrate the Power of the Village Month!
www.facebook.com/nerlc
Upcoming Events
Lynn
Thursday, November 9, 2017
100 Willow Street
Lynn, MA 01901
2pm-4pm
Lowell
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
205 Middlesex Street
Lowell, MA 01852
2pm-4pm
Salem
Friday, November 3, 2017
Salem Canal on Peabody Street
Behind Wendy’s
1pm-3pm
El Alcanze a La Communidad
Mucho más que un simple lugar físico para que la gente se reúna, el NERLC es un grupo de personas que están unidas por las muchas luchas que hemos tenido que superar. Para el mes de noviembre, el NERLC tomará tiempo para celebrar a los muchos y diversos miembros de nuestra comunidad, porque estamos muy agradecidos por las contribuciones de todos. Somos una mejor comunidad por todos ustedes, y estamos muy agradecidos por ustedes.
¡Únete a nosotros en Facebook durante todo el mes mientras celebramos el Mes del Poder de la Aldea!
www.facebook.com/nerlc
Próximos Eventos
Salem
Friday, November 3, 2017
Salem Canal on Peabody Street
Behind Wendy’s
1pm-3pm
Lynn
Thursday, November 9, 2017
100 Willow Street
Lynn, MA 01901
2pm-4pm
Lowell
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
205 Middlesex Street
Lowell, MA 01852
2pm-4pm
Contact Mike Berggren at 978-687-4288 ext. 200 for details
“Meet the Parents” Tuesday Lynn Hub
November 28, 2017 1 Market Street Suite 202
2:00pm-4:00pm Lynn, MA 01901
Contact Gerry McManamy at 978-687-4288 ext 202
NERLC Hub Locations
ESSEX NORTH
20 Ballard Road
Lawrence, MA 01843
978-687-4288
GREATER LOWELL
45 Merrimack Suite 407
Lowell, MA 01852
978-687-4288 ext. 200
NORTH SHORE
43 Gloucester Avenue Suite 2l
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-687-4288 ext. 203
LYNN
1 Market Street Suite 203
Lynn, MA 01901
978-687-4288 ext. 202
METRO NORTH
11 Dartmouth Street Suite 301
Malden, MA 01843
978-687-4288 ext. 201
MALDEN
11 Dartmouth Street Suite 301
Malden, MA 018843
978-687-4288 ext. 201
NERLC Service Areas
Acton
Amesbury
Andover
Arlington
Bedford
Belmont
Beverly
Billerica
Boxborough
Boxford
Burlington
Byfield
Carlisle
Concord
Danvers
Dracut
Dunstable
Essex
Everett
Georgetown
Gloucester
Groveland
Hamilton
Haverhill
Ipswich
Lawrence
Lexington
Lincoln
Littleton
Lowell
Lynn
Lynnfield
Malden
Lynn
Lynnfield
Malden
Manchester
Marblehead
Maynard
Medford
Melrose
Merrimac
Methuen
Middleton
Nahant
North Andover
North Reading
Newbury
Newburyport
North Andover
Peabody
Reading
Rockport
Rowley
Salem
Salisbury
Saugus
Stoneham
Stow
Swampscott
Tewksbury
Topsfield
Tyngsborough
Wakefield
Waltham
Watertown
Westford
West Newbury
Wenham
Wilmington
Winchester
Woburn
I grew up feeling I lived in a war zone. My father was a rage-aholic. You never knew when he would have outbursts of anger and rage. I lived in a constant fear for my life. My mother feared him too and was not able to defend me or my siblings. My world view became distorted from the trauma and abuse I received. I grew up feeling so much fear, worthlessness, anger and rage. Because of the repetitive nature of trauma and abuse I became depressed, anxious and had PTSD.
When I was just 5 years old, I knew I wanted to raise my own children differently. I wanted to provide a strong loving foundation for them so they would never doubt they were loved. I wanted them to grow up feeling very lovable and worthy of that love.
What got me through my childhood was hope, self-determination and a strong sense that I deserved better. I was loved by extended family. Since I lived near many of my relatives their love touched me in a profound way. I believe it gave me my hope and self-determination to desire much more for my life.
For the major part of my life I’ve been on a journey to discover who I am, what are my heart desires, how to love myself and to have self-acceptance. I’ve learned how to be kinder to myself and therefore kinder to others. I now embrace my compassion, courage, vulnerability, and accept my imperfection and desire to connect with other people.
I’ve worked very hard to find what the meaning of my life is and to find what my life’s purpose is. I receive much joy by partnering with individuals to improve their lives.
I’ve experienced deep emotional and physical pain but, I wouldn’t trade it in for a different childhood because it has provided me with the necessary knowledge to become the empathy that I am today.
Joanne Wolf
Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design.
…Jim Rohn
