Do You Know Where to Get Help?

WHAT IS A RECOVERY COACH? Peter Flierl We were among the first to serve as peer recovery coach nearly 15 years ago when it was the new kid on the block. Fast forward and today it is a recognized specialty dealing with alcohol, mental health, and addiction of individuals and families coping with those issues. While some like myself may have a professional degree, others are simply men and women who are in recovery themselves and have been through extensive preparatory courses as we did followed by 500 hours of supervised service in a recognized facility or treatment center. What does a Peer Recovery Coach or Peer Recovery Advocate do and bring to the table. The coach or advocate is in recovery. Like social workers, discharge planners, health educators and others, the coach needs to be available and knowledgeable about community resources. He/she may simply take a patient for a walk, chat over coffee in a local coffee shop, accompany the patient to a court hearing, assist with finding housing, accompany to a 12-step meeting, or talk with family members about recovery and giving support. A recent request for help with a housing issue, namely, the unannounced eviction of two elderly patients served notice via a Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy. We reached out to the most likely resource, namely the Columbia County Office for the Aging who have volunteer attorney Bill Fisher. Our chat with Mr. Fisher was enlightening and helpful, i.e., what the tenants had received is a Termination of Tenancy which gives 90 days if you have been renting two years or longer. Our clients at least know they are not alone and understand the rather baffling and bizarre notification. From Bill, we approached the Rural Law Center and booked an appointment for our clients with the Rural Law Center. One option if alternative housing is not available in time, is forcing the landlord to acquire a “judgement of repossession” if our clients are unable to locate affordable housing meeting their disability needs. The judgement to a local judge absolutely requires a reason for the eviction. None was given previously and rent has been paid on time for over 5 years according to our clients. A third resource uncovered is the Legal Aid Society of Northeast New York who offer services based on income level. Stay tuned for updates. If you or someone you know is having trouble with alcohol, mental health, and addiction issues, we suggest you call a 24H our Helpline 518-943-4482 provided by MHACG, Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene www.mhacg.org or the Hotline Answering Service of Northeast NY Area 48 Alcoholics Anonymous at 518-463-0906 or www.goaanow.org. You are not alone and help is available. ###