Surfacing - The Meaning in the Story

Join us as Maryrose Mercurio and Moira Trachtenberg share about an exciting project that MHA has had the opportunity to get involved in.  Maryrose is coordinating the Fair Street USA exhibition, and Moira is one of the artists helping to produce the art, which will be utilized to convey critical information about fair housing and discrimination.  The goal is to raise awareness and provide resources to promote fair housing for all.  Listen in to get a behind-the-scenes view of how this is all coming together and visit the art installation at the end of the month! See below for more details:Fair Street USA Art Exhibition and Block PartyWhite Plains Library PlazaJune 29th at 5:30 PMArt, Music, Food, Information, Community and more!Follow @cd_whiteplains on Instagram and @Fair Street USA on Facebook for more info and updates!

Jim Coyle is the musician behind the incredible music you hear in Surfacing's intro and outro.  In addition to his musical talent, he is also a dedicated employee of MHA's OnTrackNY program.  He works with young adults newly experiencing symptoms of psychosis, supporting them in pursuing their educational and employment goals.  His mission is to inspire hope in each individual and their family so that nobody experiences the damaging message that a mental health diagnosis means life stops moving forward.  He infuses his work with music, and after listening to this episode, you'll understand how his own family's experience gave him the passion to spread hope for recovery.Learn More About MHA here: www.mhawestchester.org

Emily Grossman shares her powerful journey from struggling with bipolar disorder to thriving with bipolar disorder.  In addition to sharing how her greatest struggle became a springboard to her best self, her story also demonstrates the importance of instilling hope that recovery is available to all.  Her story illustrates how powerful the messages are that we receive about mental health and how these can be harmful or harnessed for good.  Emily talks about experiencing thoughts of suicide in this episode, so we want to remind all of our listeners that help is always available and that it's never the wrong time to reach out.  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Learn more about the Pathway Home program Emily discussed: Pathway Home™ – CBC (cbcare.org)Learn more about MHA here: www.mhawestchester.org

Sharon McCarthy is the volunteer Program Coordinator at NAMI Westchester.  NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is an organization that provides support and education in the community to individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns.  Sharon uses her own story of supporting her daughter through her recovery to illustrate the impact on families when a loved one is struggling with mental health.  She shares insights on common experiences for caregivers and the importance of family peer support.  This episode includes discussion of suicide and we want to remind you that help is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.    Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)1-800-273-TALKLearn more about NAMI Westchester: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Health Organization (namiwestchester.org)Learn more about MHA Westchester: www.mhawestchester.org

Mike Ahearn from Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research joins us today to discuss his journey to recovery and how this has influenced his career today.  He covers a lot of ground during the episode, from his struggles with identity development in adolescence, to the challenges of entering adulthood, and how these and other factors contributed to a battle with addiction.  He then shares how he found self-esteem, meaning and joy in his recovery. He reflects on his gratitude for the life he has, while also offering genuine reflection on the grief and survivors guilt that co-exists with that gratitude.  His contagious energy and genuine emotion will pull you in and leave you feeling uplifted, hopeful and perhaps better able to understand the complex experience of those facing addiction.To learn more about Wellbridge: www.wellbridge.orgTo learn more about MHA: www.mhawestchester.org

China Darrington joins Jenna and Dillon today to share a powerful story of recovery that turned into a passion for advocacy.  China is the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Thrive Peer Recovery Services in Ohio, where she uses her knowledge, voice and passion to impact the larger systems that influence how behavioral healthcare is delivered.  Her story delves into some sensitive topics that we want listeners to be aware of, including sexual trafficking.  It's incredibly important to have these conversations so that we can improve our responses and prevention efforts. China's story also beautifully illustrates the impact of asking what happened instead of what's wrong with you?  She weaves in powerful metaphors that bring her experiences to life and offers her thoughtful views on how we can do better as a nation to respond to those with behavioral health challenges. Here's where you can find out more about Thrive Peer Recovery Services and some helpful resources: Thrive Peer Recovery Services: https://thrivepeersupport.org Human Trafficking Help and Resources: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/human-trafficking/overview Find out more about MHA here: www.mhawestchester.org

Dillon Browne is the Coordinator of Peer and Recovery Services at the Sterling Community Center, a program of MHA Westchester, which is located in White Plains, NY.  Dillon came to MHA 7 years ago as an intern, and since then has dedicated his time to creating community amongst the participants of Sterling so that everyone can experience the transformative power of meaningful connection.  He describes how his own life experience taught him the importance of connection and community, and it becomes clear through his story where his passion and commitment come from.Learn more about MHA here: http://www.mhawestchester.org

State Senator Chris Kolker was a prime sponsor of the 988 legislation that would implement the three digit number for crisis response services in Colorado, making the suicide prevention lifeline even more accessible for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis.  While there was broad support for this legislation, hearing the story of why it is so meaningful to Senator Kolker will bring a whole new appreciation to his work in suicide prevention.  Listen in as he shares his story, including a lifelong struggle with depression, battling stigma, and using his political platform to normalize conversations and education on mental health.This episode contains discussions about suicide and suicide prevention.  Please know that if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is always available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Find out more about Senator Kolker: Chris Kolker | Colorado General AssemblyFind out more about MHA: www.mhawestchester.org

We have another amazing MHA employee on the podcast today, Eric Teitelbaum, a clinician in our Children's Services division.  It is always so inspiring to learn what drives a person to seek a career in helping others, and Eric's story makes it clear why he's so passionate about what he does.  His story reflects the power of resilience and demonstrates the reason why Eric has the hope and belief that resilience is possible for anyone. Find out more about MHA here: www.mhawestchester.org

Martin Gromulat, MHA Peer Specialist, shares the compelling journey that took him from lawyer, to environmental conservationist, to peer specialist.  He shares how his own lived experience turned him into a fierce advocate for mental health.  His passion for ensuring that those in mental health crisis receive the right care at the right time is what changes lives and systems.Find out more about Martin on his Linkedin profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-a-gromulat-esq-1a408758/Find out more about MHA here: www.mhawestchester.org

Christina McMurray, author of Live Laugh Fly: A Family's Journey Through Childhood Cancer, Unimaginable Grief, and the Realization that Love Never Dies, talks about the ways in which her life equipped her to cope through the unthinkable loss of her son.  She shares just several of the many signs she has received since her son died that let her know he is with her and that gave her the courage and strength to write her book and continue finding gratitude in her life.  Anyone who has experienced grief and loss will connect with her story and find hope in her journey.  She also donates all of her profits from the book to children's cancer programs.  It's the perfect time to pick up a copy!  We included the Amazon link below.Link to Live, Laugh, Fly   https://www.amazon.com/Live-Laugh-Fly-Unimaginable-Realization/dp/B08RLHZHVQ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=live+laugh+fly&qid=1638800401&sr=8-2

Deb Faust, the Director of Family Engagement and Co-Director of Building Connections at The Mental Health Association in New York State, provides a powerful account of her life journey.  She has faced much adversity and trauma, which she has used to fuel her life's work, making an impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.  She is a formidable advocate, a talented writer and speaker, and you will be blown away by the power of resilience in her story.  To learn more about what she does in her work, please use the links below.Mental Health Association in New York State:  https://mhanys.org/MHANYS innovative program called CarePath™   https://mhanys.org/products/carepath/Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-Talk (8255)

Today we are joined by sisters Meredith Gallo and Courtney Hunter, who will share from their unique perspectives about a pivotal experience in their childhood.  Meredith talks about her struggle with mental health and addiction, while Courtney shares the family perspective.  Their insights about how these experiences shaped them are powerful, and they do so with humility and humor.  As always, when we share stories that include discussion about suicide, we want to make sure you know that help is always available and have included the link to the Suicide Prevention Hotline and the Crisis Text Line that Courtney referenced below.Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-Talk (8255)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or go to crisistextline.org

Reginald Howard is a mental health advocate and the founder of The Black Mental Health Podcast, which is dedicated to understanding and unraveling mental health issues in the African American community. He has used his own experience and showcases real life stories to create connection with people who feel alone in their struggles.  He also shares that the podcast has been a mechanism for him to process his own experiences.  While the podcast is where his advocacy started, it's certainly not all that there is to come.  Listen in and be amazed by all that he has accomplished and is poised to do in the future.Find out more about Reginald here https://reginaldahoward.com/Find out more about Reginald's podcast, The Black Mental Health Podcast here https://reginaldahoward.com/podcast/Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-Talk (8255)

Melissa Bernstein, one of the founders of the Melissa and Doug toy company, joined MHA for a community conversation in September.  She agreed to let us air this as a special podcast episode so that we could share it with a wider audience.  Melissa shares a heartfelt reflection on her lifelong journey with anxiety and depression, and how developing a powerful set of practices supports meaning in her life.  In her book, LifeLines, Melissa shares her inspirational journey in hopes that her story will help others find their path to meaning and inner peace.  It was too aligned with Surfacing's theme to not include it here.  We hope you enjoy!  To learn more about LifeLines: www.lifelines.com 

Jeanette Fairhurst and Pat White are both dynamic women and fierce advocates for mental health.  They have unique and powerful stories that shaped who they are today.  Hear from them directly and you'll understand why Jeanette is our honoree for this year's MHA Gala celebrating 75 years in the community.  Pat is the Chair of the event, and we couldn't think of two better representatives to help us mark this momentous occasion.Find out more and join us for our gala on October 14th!  https://mha.onlinegalas.org/We are now seeking storytellers for Season 3.  Reach out to us if you or someone you know would like to talk about becoming a guest.  Email us at Podcast@mhawestchester.orgNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/1-800-273-TALK

Caroline Park and Neil Harman from Release Recovery join us for our final episode of Season 2. It was perfect timing for them to share their stories as National Recovery Month is wrapping up. They are both using their own lived experience to bring awareness to the strength and vitality of the recovery community and to eradicate stigma around substance use and addiction. Their stories are different, yet intertwine in fascinating ways, ultimately leading them both to careers at Release Recovery. To find out more about the life-changing, life-saving work of Release and the Release Recovery Foundation, check out the provided links!Release Recovery: https://releaserecovery.com/Release Recovery Foundation: https://releaserecoveryfoundation.org/Find them on Instagram at:@releaserecoveryfoundation@releaserecoveryDon't forget to reach out to us with suggestions at Podcast@mhawestchester.org

Three extraordinary local high schoolers (entering their Junior and Senior year of HS) join the podcast to share their reflections on surviving the challenges of COVID as a teenager. They talk about what was unique about the experience for their age group, how they made the best of the lockdown, and most importantly, what they need from the adults in their lives as we enter the next phase of the pandemic. If you're a teen, you'll relate to what they share, and hopefully find some helpful tips for thriving in imperfect circumstances. If you're an adult with a teen in your life, you'll get some tips on how to connect and best support your teen through the upcoming school year. We thank these three for their openness and willingness to share with us!If you would like to contact us please email us at podcast@mhawestchester.orgFor resources please visit https://mhawestchester.org/get-help-now

MartinJon, Recovery Mentor, host of the podcast Recover Yourself, joins us today to share his story of recovery from addiction. He talks about how he discovered the key to his own recovery, which was recovering TO, rather than simply recovering FROM. He also talks about how important it is to recover your sense of self, which is a continual process of discovery and re-discovery. His mission is to share these keys with others in order to remind them of their value, which is about more than just recovery or sobriety.Find out more about MartinJon here: www.martinjon.comListen to his podcast at: www.martinjon.com/podcastFind help at MHA: https://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowWe would love to hear from you! Reach out to us with feedback and ideas, including suggestions for great guests at Podcast@mhawestchester.org

David Richman, author of Cycle of Lives, joins Surfacing to talk about his 4,700-mile bike ride around the United States, during which he stopped to talk with individuals impacted by cancer in some way. He had spent years talking with these individuals and learning about their individual journeys. His book tells their stories in a way that is meant to inspire connection amongst those living with or supporting someone living with cancer. He talks with us about the experiences in his own life that led to the idea for this book. All proceeds from book sales go to cancer charities chosen by the people in the stories.Find out more about David here: https://david-richman.com/cycle-of-lives/Find help at MHA: https://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowWe would love to hear from you! Reach out to us with feedback and ideas, including suggestions for great guests at Podcast@mhawestchester.org

Derek Coy, Veterans' Health Officer at the New York State Health Foundation and former Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps talks about how all of the experiences in his life, inside and outside the military, contributed to his life's work and mission. He strives to normalize conversations about mental health and trauma to foster connection and encourage others not to hide their pain. He talks about some pivotal moments in his own life, including hearing Kalief Browder's story and a timely interaction at a NYC Veteran's Day parade. Check out Derek's work at the NYS Health Foundation here: https://nyshealthfoundation.org/what-we-fund/veterans-health/Follow Derek here: https://twitter.com/ClassicDCoyNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255(TALK)We would love to hear from you! Reach out to us with feedback and ideas, including suggestions for great guests at Podcast@mhawestchester.org

Join Jenna and Dustin as they reflect on the development of the Surfacing podcast, what it takes to put it all together and how you can be a part of it! Whether you follow, share, rate, review, support or join us as a guest, there's a role for everyone and we want you to join us. Reach out to us at: Podcast@mhawestchester.orgFind out more about MHA at www.mhawestchester.orgFacebook: The Mental Health Association of Westchester (@mhawestchesterny)Twitter: @MHAWestchesterLinkedIn: The Mental Health Association of Westchester Inc.Instagram: @mhawestchester

John Tessitore founded the JCK Foundation following the loss of his friend and mentor, John Kelly, to suicide. Tessitore had found a sense of belonging and connection with Kelly around a shared experience of dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Depression. This support provided him with the vision and understanding that connection and community are key elements of mental health. He created the JCK Foundation to work with communities and schools around building resilience and improving mental wellness amongst youth. This episode contains discussion around suicide loss. We want to remind everyone that there is help available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255(TALK). There is never a wrong time to call or reach out for help.We would love to hear from you! Reach out to us with feedback and ideas, including suggestions for great guests at Podcast@mhawestchester.orgNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255(TALK)JCK Foundation Website: https://jckfoundation.org/MHA Supports and Services: https://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-now

Kenyah Miller, Founder and Executive Director of the Intellectus Preparatory Charter School, talks with Jenna and Dustin about the journey that led to the development of this charter school. She shares how she often traveled long distances to attend schools that challenged her appropriately and spurred her mission to provide a free charter school option for children in communities like the one where she grew up. She highlights the importance of setting bars for ourselves and others that instill hope and positive expectations to live up to our full potentials. We are excited to follow along with her as she changes lives and communities!Learn more about Intellectus Prep here: https://www.intellectusprep.org/MHA Supports and Services: https://mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowEmail us at podcast@mhawestchester.org

We are so excited to have Ira and David Minot join the podcast today. Ira is the founder of Mental Health News Education and the publisher of Behavioral Health News. David, who is Ira's son, is the Executive Director of Mental Health News Education and the publisher of Autism Spectrum News. Ira will talk about his own person struggles with mental health in his 30s, as David shares from his perspective how he experienced this time as a child. Their story offers hope about recovery, resilience and reconciliation. This story contains discussion around suicide. We are linking resources below as well as links to where you can read more about Ira's story and find both Behavioral Health and Autism Spectrum News articles mentioned in the episode.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgBehavioral Health News: https://behavioralhealthnews.org/Autism Spectrum News: https://autismspectrumnews.org/Ira's Story: https://behavioralhealthnews.org/from-the-publisher-a-personal-journey-from-a-survivor-of-suicide-from-the-depths-of-despair-to-a-mission-of-advocacy/Handshake of Hope Story: https://behavioralhealthnews.org/from-the-publishers-desk-the-handshake-of-hope/Get Help Now | MHA (mhawestchester.org)email us: podcast@mhawestchester.org

Michael Gilberg is a special education attorney with a passion for advocating for children with disabilities. He shares with us how his own experience growing up with an undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder fueled his drive to ensure that no child or family experiences what he did. Find out more about Michael here: https://www.michaelgilbergesq.com/COPAA: https://www.copaa.org/Autism Society: https://www.autism-society.org/Reach out to us with any feedback or ideas:podcast@mhawestchester.org

We are joined today by Kathleen Bonistall, one of MHA's program directors. We know that her story is not easy for her to re-tell, so we appreciate that she does so for the sole purpose of connecting with and encouraging others. The loss of her daughter to a violent crime while in college, spurred Kathleen and her family to found Peace Outside Campus, The Lindsey M Bonistall Foundation, advocating for student safety.Please note that this episode contains discussion around topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including sexual assault and homicide. We encourage you to do what's right for you, even if that means saving this episode for a time when it feels healthier to listen. As always, we have provided links below to some helpful resources recommended by Kathleen and the link to learn more about Peace Outside Campus. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.Rainn.orgVictims Assistance Services of Westchester: https://westcop.org/programs/vas/ Toll-Free Hotline Number: (855) 827-2255Lindsey M Bonistall Foundation: http://www.peaceoutsidecampus.org/about-us.htmlReach out to us with any feedback or ideas:podcast@mhawestchester.org

MHA's own Emil D'Onofrio joins us today to share a bit of his recovery journey with us. He shares about the importance of tending our own emotional gardens and how important it was to his own wellness to accept the notion that it's okay not to have the answers to everything and embrace the beauty and mystery around him.Find out more about MHA here:www.mhawestchester.orgTo get information about the Peer Training program:Peer Specialist Training | MHA (mhawestchester.org)Reach out to us with any feedback or ideas:podcast@mhawestchester.org

Mikki Baloy is our guest today. She shares her personal story, starting as a 23-year-old aspiring actress living in NYC to becoming a Shamanic healer. This journey occurred in the aftermath of 9/11, as she processed her own trauma and grief, and created a new and unexpected path for her life as she made meaning from all that she had experienced.Find out more about Mikki by visiting her website:www.mikkibaloy.comFind out more about MHA by visiting our website:www.mhawestchester.orgReach out to us with any feedback or ideas:podcast@mhawestchester.org

Paula Ram joins the podcast today and shares her story of childhood adversity and how this has impacted her beliefs about herself. It is a story of hope and resilience, which I hope motivates others to create expectations of success for themselves. I also hope it's a reminder to all that we can help set that bar for others, to never underestimate or undervalue the capacity of any individual to do great things.

Surfacing - The Meaning in the Story is back for season 2.   Hosts Jenna Velez and Dustin Loughan quickly talk about season 2 and when to expect the first episode!

Ro Speight is a peer and recovery specialist with MHA in the CCBHC program. She shares many pearls of wisdom in this episode on how she learned to build a narrative around her mental health that was conducive to creating a thriving life. She shares specifically how interacting with others and establishing meaningful connections was a key to this process. Check out the links below to learn more about some of the resources Ro describes.Hearing Voices Network: http://www.hearingvoicesusa.org/Alternatives to Suicide: https://wildfloweralliance.org/event/alternatives-to-suicide/all/Get Help Now | MHA (mhawestchester.org)

Dwayne Mayes, MHA's Director of Recovery Network and Peer Training, joins Surfacing to share how Building Resilience has been one of his tools to thrive. He not only shares pieces of his mental health recovery journey but how the resilience he built during that time assisted him in navigating the past few years of medical illness and recovery.

Todd Wittenberg, our first guest for the special Mental Health Month series, shares his personal journey of mental health recovery, reflecting on how helping others became one of his primary tools to thrive. He shares powerful anecdotes from his life to reflect on how he got to where he is now and offers inspiration to all of us about choosing kindness over indifference.

Jenna and Dustin invited some special friends and supporters of the podcast to help them wrap up Season 1, talk through some of the themes that emerged, and reflect on the importance of story-telling in both personal growth and fighting stigma. Tune in to hear how we are pulling it all together and what the plans are for the future of Surfacing!

Our producer Dustin has been sharing pieces of his story throughout this season, as he connects with the guests around some aspect of their stories. We thought it was time for him to surface the whole story, and we are thrilled that he was willing to share so openly for today's episode. Our hope is that his experiences will inspire and motivate someone who is walking the same path to reach out or accept an offer of help today!MHA Resources: http://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowSAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP(4357) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Ben Zupnick shares his story of dealing with anxiety and depression throughout his life, what he has learned through that journey, and why he feels called to share his story to fight stigma. His story will be relatable to many, and we hope that it inspires you to never give up in figuring out what works for you!MHA Resources: http://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-now

Ginger MacLeod is our guest today. She's an MHA employee, volunteer and self-described “cheerleader” who has dedicated her life to helping others find meaning and joy in recovery. In the face of childhood adversity, toxic stress, and alcohol addiction, her journey reflects the powerful discovery of her own worth, which she now uses to help others find theirs.  MHA Resources: http://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-now National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Volunteer Spirit Awards: https://mhawestchester.org/news/mhas-court-appointed-special-advocates-named-volunteer-spirit-award-winnersSAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP(4357) 

Shari Applebaum joins the podcast today to talk about her journey of healing through helping after her son, Miles, died by suicide. We want to acknowledge that hearing about suicide can be distressing for some and emphasize that help is ALWAYS just a phone call away and The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.orgMHA Resources: http://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowA Glimpse into the Music and Miles Event described in the episode: https://youtu.be/9wBdzsDAgsU?list=TLGG1cAVhFsdUy0yOTAzMjAyMQ

Today we talk with Ian Gray, a Peer Specialist with MHA Westchester, who shares how his lived experience has shaped his career path and the way in which he interacts with others experiencing mental health challenges. His story offers hope and also helpful tips on how to support others through connection. Find out more about the programs he works with at the links below.OnTrackNY at MHA: https://mhawestchester.org/our-services/treatment-support/first-episode-psychosis-ontracknymhaINSET: https://mhawestchester.org/our-services/treatment-support/intensive-and-sustained-engagement-and-treatmentPeer Specialist Training: https://mhawestchester.org/our-services/education-training/peer-specialist-training

Stephanie Keegan joins the podcast today to share how her son, Daniel, lost his life to addiction while struggling to address the trauma of his combat experience. She tells us about Daniel's desire to impact systems in order to improve the experience and outcomes of other soldiers with similar stories. Stephanie has committed her life to honoring Daniel's legacy. We want to remind you that there is never a wrong time to reach out for help! We are linking some resources below, as well as some organizations that Stephanie recommends for other veterans and their families.Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 Crisis chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net Or Text 838255MHA Resources: http://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowIraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: https://iava.org/Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: https://www.taps.org/Blue Star Families: https://bluestarfam.org/ 

Join us today to hear from Joseph Engelhardt, principal of Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, NY. He discusses how key experiences in his early life (including the loss of his friend to an overdose) led him to the field of education, where his mission is to create a safe learning environment for students that emphasizes wellness. Hear how he has changed the culture so that, rather than being suspended or receiving detention, students learn skills to manage difficult situations.Want to hear more from Joe? Check out this recording of a recent Community Conversation on Men's Mental Health, in which Joe was a panelist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS7tm6GeIJEhttp://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-now

Listen in as Stephanie Marquesano shares how reading a poem that her son wrote before he died of an accidental overdose propelled her into a journey of advocacy to bring awareness to co-occurring disorders. She is the founder of the harris project, which you can find out more about at the links below.  Link to the poem can be found hereVisit the harris project at https://theharrisproject.org/On Twitter @theharrispro or by using #codaconnects or #bethelinkOn Instagram at theharrisprojectcodAnd on Facebook @theharrisprojectcod  To find out more information about the Encompass Program at MHA please click here

An interview with Joanne Api, a mother of two, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in April 2020. She shares openly her grief and struggles alongside her efforts to bring meaning to her experience. The content of this episode is understandably intense and may be upsetting for those who have experienced loss due to COVID-19. Please see below for resources and additional support:https://www.mhawestchester.org/get-help-nowhttps://nyprojecthope.org/

Emily Esfahani Smith, author of the Power of Meaning, joins us for the inaugural episode of the podcast. She talks about the pillars of a meaningful life and how reflecting on the experiences that shape us tell the story of who we become. This conversation sets the stage for the guests that will join us throughout the season, sharing their reflections on their own experiences and journeys, making meaning in the process.Check out more from Emily at her website http://emilyesfahanismith.com/ and on Twitter @EmEsfahaniSmith 

Welcome to Surfacing - The Meaning in the Story.  Listen as your hosts Jenna Velez and Dustin Loughan give a brief introduction to what you can expect this season.