City hosts Recovery Coach Academy

  Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Kevin Molis, Fire Chief Bill Sullivan and Malden First Church of the Nazarene Pastor Gerry Whetstone recently thanked and congratulated the newest graduates who completed the Connecticut Community of Addiction Recovery Academy (CCAR). Malden Board of Health Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist Paul Hammersley obtained a grant from RIZE Massachusetts for the funding of the academy. Ginger Ross and Alex Fidalgo conducted the training.

  A recovery coach is defined as someone interested in promoting recovery by removing obstacles and serving as a personal guide and mentor for individuals seeking or already in recovery from drug and/or substance abuse. Participants of the academy took part in a 30-hour course and received training on how to assist before, during, after or instead of treatment. Some of the subjects taught include motivational interviewing, ethical boundaries and how to create a wellness plan.

  CCAR focuses on nonclinical issues, such as housing, employment, proceeding through drug court and communicating with probation officers. The training is designed so that participants come away with not only the necessary skills but are fully empowered and motivated to help those in need. For more information, please visit www.maldenovercomingaddiction.com.