Northeast Delta HSA and The Extra Mile of NE Louisiana Host Grand Opening of East Carroll Parish Peer Support Center
Monroe, LA (PRWEB) November 19, 2014 -- Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA), The Extra Mile and the Lake Providence Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening event yesterday to celebrate the opening of the East Carroll Hope Peer Support Center in Lake Providence. The event took place on Tuesday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the new Center at 314 First Street.
Dorothy Lewis, Executive Director of the Lake Providence Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests and introduced local officials, including Lake Providence Mayor Robert Amacker, Northeast Delta HSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer and Center Executive Director Tonya Turner-Larry. East Carroll Parish Police Jury President Joseph Jackson presented NE Delta HSA with a proclamation to recognize its efforts to further expand how mental health services in the region are delivered and its contribution to the local economy. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, reception and Center tour followed the remarks.
“We are thrilled to have a place where people feel welcome and can get the support they need,” said Ms. Lewis. “This center restores hope for those who are suffering.”
“This Center not only helps those with mental health issues and addictive disorders, but it also brings all citizens together,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director. “We employ local citizens to operate the facility. This level of engagement is what bolsters the local economy and adds to its vitality and spirit. The establishment and opening of this Center in Lake Providence is a tangible example of how good things happen when community leaders come together.”
“This was an empty building, but now it will help build hope in Lake Providence and contribute to our community from an economic development perspective, too,” said Mayor Amacker. “We are happy to have this Peer Support Center as our new neighbor.”
Peer support centers are recovery-oriented, consumer-directed centers where citizens develop and utilize programs to supplement existing mental health services and further engage in their own recovery process. Centers are managed by people who have reached an understanding of their own mental health issues and can serve as peers to others. Peer center programs include support groups, activities that provide opportunities for socialization, personal and educational enrichment, and peer support. The Extra Mile, managed by Northeast Delta HSA, currently operates additional Peer Support Centers in Monroe, Ruston and Bastrop. Ms. Larry thanked the Town of Lake Providence and additional community sponsors for their support in getting the Center open for business.
“We held a Town Hall meeting in Lake Providence earlier this year, and we promised we would be back and help address the unique needs of the citizens here,” said Dr. Sizer. “We are committed to delivering on the promises we make, and this Center is a concrete example. These centers give community residents an opportunity to learn, grow and receive additional services throughout our targeted areas.”
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential. Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please call 318-362-3270.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
jill.hirsekorn(at)la(dot)gov
http://www.nedeltahsa.org
Jill Hirsekorn, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, http://www.nedeltahsa.org, +1 318-362-5482, [email protected]
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