McKEESPORT, PA (Oct. 1, 2006)-The emotional and practical power of a recovery-centered approach to client service was demonstrated first-hand by representatives of Mon-Yough Community Services, Inc. (MYCS) recently at a statewide conference.
Lynn Alms, M.S., Director of the Service Coordinator Unit at MYCS, made a presentation to a gathering of behavioral health administrators, held at Seven Springs Resort, that detailed her experience in working with Richard, a client who has dealt with numerous physical and psychiatric disabilities over his lifetime. Richard is also a gifted musician, and that aspect of his makeup provided the fulcrum for his recovery from depression and alcoholism, according to Alms.
"We were attempting to demonstrate what recovery could mean to both client and service provider," she explained. "It was also a forum for Richard to accomplish his goal of sharing his original music and to play to a live audience."
Over the course of their interaction, which began in early 2004, Alms and Richard both experienced important areas of growth. Alms became a better listener and counselor, she said, while Richard learned that he could achieve specific goals and overcome what had been perceived as limitations. During his portion of the presentation, as Richard's story was being told, his gratitude and positive feelings about the experience became apparent to those in attendance.
"Richard spoke from the heart and surprised himself when he teared up," Alms recalled. "I think that we were all moved. The audience seemed to appreciate being a part of a moment in time when Richard's dreams were being realized."
The type of personal recovery achieved by Richard, with the ongoing help of Alms, represents the heart of what MYCS exists to provide. To learn more about programs like this, contact MYCS at 412-647-3555.
MYCS fosters hope, renewal, healing, and wellness for those in McKeesport and surrounding communities facing the challenges of mental health, substance abuse disorders, and developmental disabilities. MYCS focuses on rehabilitation, recovery, and quality of life in its mission to help individuals, families and the community at large get better.
For more information, contact Noreen Fredrick, MYCS at 412-647-3555.
