Our 3rd Annual Recovery Celebration last week was a resounding success!

A highlight of the day was a very moving, practical, upbeat, fabulous presentation by Marty Raaymakers. Marty is a nationally renowned speaker who has served on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Board and been a national trainer for two NAMI programs – In Our Own Voice, and Connection. She is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and has been training and maintaining the leadership curriculum for peer support specialists in Michigan since 2007. She also serves on the Michigan Recovery Council.

Marty spoke about herself and her love for motorcycles and cross country traveling. She spoke about her own recovery journey, her need for friends, how she went about learning how to get some friends and really connect with people. You can read the excellent information she had to share in her presentation. You can also learn about the People Maps she uses which may also be helpful to you. If you would like to access other helpful information from Marty, you can check out her blog at http://www.recoverythatrocks.com.

Another highlight was the amazing music of The Recovery Band. The Recovery Band is the brain-child of Gerald (JB) Butler, flautist and long-time proponent of the concept that consumers can realize their dreams with the proper motivation and support from their peers. The band’s high energy music, as well as a special singing performance by Cindy and Jerry, made the day very fun and special.

Consumers and staff were also recognized with Recovery and Anti-Stigma awards, celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of so many people. It was a great day!