Hi I'm Kim. I am Volunteer of the Year for 2017 at the N.E. Independent Living Program through the Recovery Learning Center.I work as a volunteer at Eliot Community Human Services at two programs, first being the Harbor Place Clubhouse where I facilitate WRAP 101 and I do Peer Support Groups. I also do some one to one peer support ( 1/2 hour ) at the Eliot Day Treatment Center. In addition, I do Marketing and Outreach with the N.E Recovery Learning Center In June, 2017, I completed the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy with Malden Overcoming Addiction. Needless to say, I love my work and I love to learn. I have worked with dozens of peers and some recoverees and helped them to find or continue a stable, happy, fullfilling , sober life. I do not have an addiction personally, however I have experienced great loss due to addiction and that is what has led me to become involved as a recovery coach. I have been doing the work for over 2 years now and by being honest, openminded and willing to listen and learn I have achieved a measure of respect with the peers I work with and my colleagues . I affirm the individual, I let one know they have value and importance; I reflect back to the people I work with to assure them I hear them, I summarize with them and make working agreements . I ensure confidentiality and safety in the environment where I am working.I also love to have fun and I run the " Fun Group " at RLC in Malden , where peers and people in the field come to play and relax, network and provide supports.I continue to learn. I have completed most of the Educational requirements for Certification as a Recovery Coach in Massachusetts by attending MI, Cultural Competency and Ethics Trainings all over Ma. and Connecticut with CCAR and AdCare. I have completed a Mental Health First Aid Training through the Somerville Police Community Outreach. I was asked to be a mentor at the last Alternatives Conference in Boston in 2017.