Vermont Recovery

Recovery Support
The Recovery Support group runs on a five week cycle that
rotates between Recovery Education, Problem Solving,
Check-In Discussion, Recovery Inspiration, and a Business
Meeting. Consumers facilitate the discussions and the
presentation of relevant materials. A wide array of topics
are discussed, all of which are aimed at peer support and
Recovery.

Recovery Conversations
The Recovery Conversations group is a discussion-oriented group in which consumers hold
dialogues about the many components of recovery. Oftentimes, the group will revolve
around a single open-ended question, such as What is the relationship between
independence and self-esteem?, What inspires you?, or How do you combat negative
thinking? The purpose of the group is for peers to interact with each other through shared
experience and knowledge.

Wellness and Nutrition Program - To Download the program, click HERE.
The Wellness and Nutrition Program runs on a 30-week cycle that rotates thematically
between Nutrition, Exercise, Spirituality, Lifestyle, and Mental Health. The Spirituality
component covers these headings: Who am I, Worldview, What is Spirituality, Mindfulness,
and Meditation. The Lifestyle component covers these headings: Setting a Healthy Routine,
Building Self-Esteem, Your External Environment, Identifying and Reducing Stress, and
Triggers. The Mental Health component covers these headings: Facts & Statistics about
Mental Illness, Stigma, Combating Negative Thinking, Coping Skills, and Goal-Setting. The
Nutrition and Exercise components utilize the Solutions for Wellness program developed by
Eli Lily, which you can download by clicking HERE.

Peer Support Leadership Training
The Peer Support Leadership Training was developed by peers. It teaches peers to become
leaders at the Center. Spanning over 100 hours, the program revolves around the concepts
of recovery and peer support. To become a Peer Leader, one must complete the course and
demonstrate knowledge of the material. Peer Leaders are paid for their work.

Courier Newsletter
The Courier Newsletter group is a planning group that meets to discuss the development and
completion of the Courier Newsletter, which is created entirely by peers. Peers take on
various job roles and responsibilities, including Lead Editor, Assistant Editor, Interviewer,
Editorialist, Photographer, Art & Poetry Collector, Story Collector, Help Wanted Columnist,
Food Columnist, Health Columnist, Funnies Columnist, Current Events Columnist, Groups
Columnist, and Visions Columnist.

Development Committee
The Development Committee is a weekly group that meets to discuss and vote on various
operations at the Peer Recovery Center. Entirely peer-run, the Committee serves as a
forum for peers to exhibit self-governance and direction over their Center.

Computer Program
The Computer Program was developed and is taught by peers. Using the Center's two
laptops and two desktops, peers learn how to operate Windows, Microsoft Word, and the
Internet. An Advanced Skills course is currently being developed.

Art Program
The Art Program consists of a weekly Art activity chosen by peers. Members of the Art
Committee are becoming more independent and have organized and volunteered for roles
and responsibilities to support consistency and sustainability of the program. Peers do all
purchasing, facilitation, and promotion of activities.

Tobacco Cessation
The Tobacco Cessation Group is a weekly group in which peers learn ways to stop smoking,
then support each other through the stressful process of quitting. It utilizes the Fresh Start
program, which can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

Social Skills
The Social Skills Program addresses individual social skills "deficits" within a supportive and
interactive group environment. Peers learn through classroom presentations, role-plays,
peer feedback, and coaching from group facilitators. Enrollment in the program is
completely voluntary and participants are required to attend both the Social Skills Class and
the Social Skills Practice Group.

Advanced Social Skills
The Advanced Social Skills Program was developed to address complex communication
skills.

Recreation Club
The "Rec" Club is a group of peers who sponsor, organize, and plan outings to various places,
from museums to malls.

Music Group
The Music Group meets weekly to enjoy and discuss various music that peers bring in.

Movie Committee
The Movie Committee meets weekly to decide which movies will be viewed on Monday
mornings during Movie Time.