The success of WMR groups at each of the pilot
sites continues to be seen both in the outcome data and in the numbers of participants (now over 600). But mostly, the success can be seen with the desire of participants to continue building the relationships made in the groups. What many individuals are now grappling with is what to do next? Although there are many ways to accomplish this goal, the CCOE has been supporting the idea of Alumni Groups. The idea of Alumni Groups developed from suggestions of WMR particiapants at several of the state-wide gatherings such as User’s Groups & Monthly Coordinator’s Conference Calls. Alumni Groups are for any individual involved in Wellness Management & Recovery. They allow WMR participants to continue to work on their wellness, but do it in a way that fits their individual needs. The agenda is theirs alone. The manor in which that agenda is accomplished is up to the participants.

The following article is the story of one such Alumni Group and how they chose to develop a group to fit their needs. By: Wendy Frieder, WMR Facilitator, Lake County

The idea of some type of alumni group in Lake County began with a kick-off planning meeting of interested WMR graduates and Coordinators from BRIDGES and Neighboring on June 3rd. Specific responsibilities such as facilitators, phone calls, flyers, refreshments, securing locations and speakers were chosen by the interested graduates. Peer planning meetings were then held on June 21 and August 2nd. Brainstorming sessions led to the decision to meet twice monthly. The first Tuesday of each month would be informational and WMR curriculum-based meetings alternation with one month hosting a guest speaker and the next being peer led. The second meeting each month (held the third Saturday), would be geared toward fun and friendship building activities.

Flyers are peer produced and mailed monthly by BRIDGES and Neighboring to all peer graduates. A week before each meeting, peer callers contact one another as a reminder of the upcoming meeting. That way, transportation can be set up, if needed. Upon registering for the first time, each peer receives a membership card. This helps to form an immediate bond and contributes to a more “club-like” atmosphere; thus the name Alumni Club. One of our most helpful ideas has been to have a suggestion box where index cards are passed out at each meeting and peers are asked for thoughts, topics and ideas. These ideas then become the format for the individual meetings. Meetings held to date: August 5th – Guest Speaker: Stephanie Rich. Topic: Personal Medicine August 20th – Topic: Games People Play. Played “The Therapy Game” by Pressman Sept 2nd – Peer Facilitators: Wendy F, Pamela W. Topic: Goals – Where are you now? (Use of the Wellness Wheel) plus $1 Sale Fundraiser Sept 20th – Topic: Bingo Oct 7th – Guest Speaker: Rosanne Radgowski M.Ed. Topic: Communicating with your provider – Empowering yourself to empower them Oct 18th – Topic: Join your friends in surfing the web – Basic Computer Skills. Peer Led: Linda C, Pamela W Being newly formed, our WMR Alumni Club is continually working to improve and expand. For helpful thoughts and ideas, please e-mail Wendy Freider at teachwendy@oh.rr.com

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