Over 23 million people in the U.S. are affected by depression or bipolar disorder. No one with these illnesses has to feel alone, and we don’t want them to.
DBSA offers a place where people with depression or bipolar disorder and those who care about them can share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another.
DBSA WV was invited to attend the Peer Recovery Retreat hosted by First Choice Services at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV that took place November 12th through November 14th of 2023. DBSA WV served as a vendor for the event. DBSA pamphlets, ink pens, 988 stickers and magnets, along with DBSA WV t-shirts were distributed to participants. We also sponsored a raffle for a basket filled with items for relaxation and stress relief, drawing the winning ticket on the last day of the event.
Several attendees provided information on a contact sheet for anyone who wanted to join DBSA WV’s mailing list. First Choice Services had speakers throughout each day of the retreat covering many topics regarding mental health and addiction. It was an amazing learning opportunity as well as a great venue through which we could network with many other wonderful organizations dedicated to helping West Virginians with mental health and/or addiction issues. Our Executive Director and Administrative Assistant were able to speak with many people about DBSA WV’s peer-led support groups for those living with depression or bipolar disorder. We look forward to attending many more events and conferences in 2024 to help spread the word about DBSA throughout the state.
On Thursday, January 18th, DBSA WV’s Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman attended the Community Engagement Expo at WVU’s Mountainlair. Our table had a variety of pamphlets and other resources for visitors to choose from along with DBSA WV pens. Students and representatives from other agencies and organizations at the event received DBSA WV flyers that contained a link to our support groups. We were able to speak with many wonderful WVU students about volunteering with DBSA WV. Also, we were able to network with other organizations to help spread awareness of DBSA WV’s mission. The Expo not only provides students with volunteer options within our organization, but also serves as a gateway to additional opportunities for DBSA WV to build relationships with other agencies in the future.
A peer specialist is an individual with lived recovery experience who has been trained and certified to help their peers gain hope and move forward in their own recovery. As someone who has traveled a similar path, a peer specialist fosters hope and serves as a valuable role model for those who are walking the road to wellness. DBSA’s four-week course can give you the skills you need to become a certified peer specialist.
Independent Learning Weeks 1, 2, and 4 (about 13 hours)
Assignments to be completed based on students’ individual schedules
Remote Group Learning Weeks 2 & 4 via Zoom
Calls for Weeks 2 & 4 are typically Tues and Thurs during CT afternoon hours
Third Week Virtual or In-Person Workshop is from Monday through Friday
From 9 AM to 5 PM CST
Individuals age 18 or older with personal lived experience in recovery from a mental health, trauma, or substance use condition who wish to use this experience to assist others. Those willing to publicly identify as a person in recovery.
Please Note:
Questions? View some frequently asked questions or contact Training@DBSAlliance.org or Lgoduco@DBSAlliance.org.
Apply now by clicking the link below: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/62847a9ca5844f0ca2ffbdd3cfb24c28
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, DBSA WV co-sponsored the second annual “Kickin’ It for Katy” 5k run/1.2 mile Walk for suicide prevention. The event took place on the campus of Fairmont State University, where the goal was to raise $25,000 towards the Kaitlynn Jade Forensic Memorial Scholarship at the university. For our silver level sponsorship, we received a medium size banner at the race, mention at the podium following the race, our logo with DBSA on all event t-shirts, a listing on the “Kickin’ It for Katy” website and Facebook page, plus two free race/walk entries. We provided DBSA Support Group pamphlets and Suicide in America brochures for every racer and walker’s swag bags to increase awareness about our organization, and about the suicide epidemic in this country. Several participants visited our table following the race/walk during the “Stomp out the Stigma event which included live music, food, door prizes, and lots of raffles. DBSA provided information about who we are and what we do, especially through our support groups throughout the state and online via Zoom. Our display included literature on depression, depression in college students, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder and suicide. $10,400 was raised towards the scholarship, and we’re looking forward to the third annual event next year.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, The Monongalia County Commission held a food drive at Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown, WV. Recipients drove their vehicles to the rear of the mall where food was distributed, and a variety of other free items were available. President Lynne Vespoint and Vice President Olivia Shuttleworth represented DBSA WV distributing DBSA pamphlets and DBSA WV pens to each driver while telling them about DBSA, including who we are and what we do. Information was shared about DBSA Mountaineer, our group at the office that meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 2:00. Many people expressed an interest in knowing more about our organization, plus the rain held off throughout the event.
The West Virginia Chapter of DBSA (DBSA WV) co-sponsored the WV NASW Conference that took place in Charleston, WV, May 3rd through 5th. President Lynne Vespoint, Vice President Olivia Shuttleworth, and Peer Facilitator for DBSA Charleston, Joe Belcher represented our organization at the event. Our theme was, ‘When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.” Our booth had mini lemon trees, mini lemon truck, lemon stickers on the tablecloth and vases of Lemonheads candy and lemon stress balls. Over the course of the three-day event, we told social workers located throughout the state about our organization and resources available on National’s website. We had a poster with colorful Mood Crew characters on display so that social workers would know that there are resources for every age on the website. Every visitor at our booth received the DBSA Support Group brochure and a DBSA WV pen. There is interest in starting three more support groups in our state. We believe that this outreach project will be beneficial to the future of DBSA WV.
DBSA WV staff and volunteers participated in The American Society for Suicide Prevention Walk on October 8th. Held at Krepps Park in Morgantown for the 5th year, the event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and network. Pictured in the photos below from the event is Vance Soinski.
Welcome and thank you for helping peers improve their lives. Below you will find news and resources for Support Group Facilitators.
Read the full article here.
Whether you are a new facilitator or an experienced one, raise your facilitation skills up to the next level by attending DBSA’s free, interactive Virtual Facilitator Training. Taught by experienced support group facilitators, this 8-hour introductory training class includes 2 – 3 separate sessions featuring lecture, question and answer segments and mock facilitator practice.
Participants must attend all sessions of a particular class to receive a certificate of participation. Please note that these training sessions are intended for peers who are working with a DBSA chapter or DBSA support group.
| Class | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Intro Fac Training March | 3/19 & 3/26 | 2pm – 6pm Eastern time |
| Intro Fac Training April | 4/09 & 4/23 | 2pm – 6pm Eastern time |
| Facilitator Think Tank | 4/14 | 8pm Eastern time |
| Intro Fac Training May | 5/6 & 5/13 | 3pm – 7pm Eastern time |
| Facilitator Think Tank | 5/12 | 8pm Eastern time |
| Facilitator Think Tank | 6/9 | 8pm Eastern time |
| Intro Fac Training June | 06/21, 06/23, 06/25 | 6-9pm Eastern time, Final class 6-8pm |
To Register for any of the above sessions, please email Jill at jburgos@dbsalliance.org
Please include the following: your full name, your chapter name, email address and chapter president or support group coordinator’s name and email.
Please let us know how we are doing by taking part in the short survey below about your support group experience with DBSA West Virginia! We are hoping that your anonymous feedback will help us improve our service and help illustrate the importance of our volunteer run groups for people living with mood disorders.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) WV is pleased to announce the opening of its statewide headquarters at Mountaineer Mall, 5000 Greenbag Road in Morgantown.
Staff and volunteers will be available 11 am – 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Fully vaccinated community members are encouraged to stop by to learn more about DBSA WV free peer support groups (for people with mood disorders and the people who love them) and to pick up educational materials and wellness tools.
For more information, call (304) 241- 1862 or email dlkiss02@yahoo.com.
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