LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Gándara Hosts Legislative Breakfast in Holyoke Area legislators gathered at the Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke program on Jan. 9 to participate in a Legislative Breakfast hosted by the agency and State Rep. Aaron Vega, (D-Holyoke), as a thank you for their continued support of the program. Early in 2017, the proposed state budget set before Gov. Charlie Baker significantly reduced the Substance Abuse Trust Fund, jeopardizing programming funding and putting it at risk of closing. Hope for Holyoke is the only peer-based recovery program of its kind in Hampden County and there is no cost associated with participating; no insurance required. The program accepts all paths to recovery; offers therapy and group sessions; social events and job preparedness; and advocacy and recovery coaching. The recovery center opened two years ago to provide a continuum of care for individuals to maintain their recovery and is open seven days per week. State Rep. Aaron Vega (D-Holyoke) talks with a member from Hope for Holyoke during the Jan. 9 Legislative Breakfast. In addition to Rep. Vega, area legislators in attendance included Sen. James T. Welch, Rep. Jose Tosado, Rep. John Velis, Rep. John Scibak, and a representative from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse’s office. 2017 All Politics is Local Award Gándara Recognized for Political Advocacy At the Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) Annual Meeting in May, the Gándara Center was presented with the 2017 “All Politics is Local” award. The award is presented to the ABH member who has hosted the most legislative visits in a year. The Gándara Center is a proud member of ABH and remains committed to being an advocate for those living with mental illness, addiction, and substance use disorders through its treatment options and legislative advocacy. Gándara Center Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou and Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) during a legislative event held in Springfield. Gándara Center Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou accepts an “All Politics is Local” Award from Association for Behavioral Healthcare President/CEO Vic DiGravio. (From left): State Reps. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield), Jose Tosado (D-Springfield), and Bud Williams (D-Springfield) present a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition of the agency’s 40th Anniversary and creation of the Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program to Gándara Center Director of Communications and Development Lisa Brecher and Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou. Area Senators and Representatives from across Western Massachusetts visited and met with members from Hope for Holyoke during a Legislative Breakfast held on Jan. 9.
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