Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 6, 2023 City of Everett holds monthly Lunch and Learn City employees listened to members of the community about addiction and recovery and how to create a more inclusive work environment for those seeking sobriety T he City of Everett recently held its Lunch and Learn for the month of September at Everett City Hall. This month’s program was titled “Journeys in Recovery: Rebuilding Lives One Step at a Time.” In commemoration of National Recovery Month, City employees were pleased to be joined by community members Eliot Community Human Services Recovery Coach Dennis Doris, Eric Mazzeo, Jessica Nadeau and Everett Overcoming Addiction Founder Patti Scalesse, as well as the City of Everett’s Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist, Paul Guarino, and Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Chris Simonelli to speak and participate in a discussion panel. All of the speakers have been affected in some way by substance abuse disorder and work to help others who are currently affected by it. The participants in the discussion panel shared their stories, the work that they are doing in the community, and different ways we can change our culture to be more inclusive to those who are suffering from substance use disorder. City employees were pleased to be joined by community members and other employees who shared their stories and ways to change the culture to be more inclusive to those who are suffering from substance abuse disorder. This month’s lunch was provided by Abbondanza Ristorante. City employees listened to the guest speakers during this month’s Lunch and Learn. “This lunch and learn was a This month’s Lunch and Learn took place in the Keverian Room at City Hall. great opportunity for all of us to learn more about substance use disorder and how we can continue our work in helping those who are struggling with addiction in our community,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “I’d like to thank the members of our community and the members of my staff who shared their stories and the important work that they do to help those who are struggling with substance use disorder.” Lunch and Learn is a monthly program created and moderated by the City of Everett’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, Cathy Draine. It allows City employees to come together, share ideas and experiences and discuss new topics while enjoying lunch. The series is a part of the City’s commitment to engage, educate and elevate. Shown in the top row: City of Everett Diversity, Equity and inclusion (DEI) Director Cathy Draine, City of Everett DEI Officer Simone Holyfield, Eric Mazzeo, Dennis Doris and City of Everett Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist Paul Guarino. Shown in the bottom row: Wilbur Brown, Everett Overcoming Addiction Founder Patti Scalesse, Jessica Nadeau and the City of Everett Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Chris Simonelli.
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