Upcoming seminar to focus on mental health recovery
Mental health recovery has been defined as “a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in his or her community, while striving to achieve his or her full potential.”

This "recovery” will be the primary focus of an upcoming seminar, scheduled for Tuesday, May 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the University Holiday Inn in Blacksburg (900 A Prices Fork Road). The event is being co-sponsored by New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) and the Family Support Project.

Dr. Bobby Miglani, NRVCS Medical Director, will be the featured speaker. Several local consumers of mental health services are also expected to share their personal stories with the audience.

Both the program and dinner are free, however, pre-registration is required. RSVP to Mike Wade via e-mail or by calling 961-8420 no later than Friday, May 18. Be sure to note if you plan to bring a guest(s).

Report outlines NRVCS' impact on local community
A new report is offering statistical analysis of New River Valley Community Services' (NRVCS) impact on the communities served by the agency.

According to the January 2012 report, NRVCS generates more than $60 in additional funding for every $1 of direct local funding the agency receives. The report also notes that NRVCS served more than 6,400 individuals in Fiscal Year 2011 and provided nearly 600 jobs.

NRVCS is the public provider of behavioral health services for the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski, as well as the City of Radford.

Click here to download the full report (PDF file).  

NRVCS ranks among area's largest employers
New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) currently ranks among the largest employers in the New River Valley according to a report recently published by the New River Valley Planning District Commission (PDC). Of the area's 50 largest employers, NRVCS is No. 14 on the list, with a workforce of more than 625 employees (full- and part-time).

NRVCS, the New River Valley's public provider of behavioral health services, is the largest non-profit human services agency to appear on the list. Rankings are based on data collected by the Virginia Employment Commission in the second quarter of 2011. The list includes businesses and industries with operations in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski, as well as the City of Radford.

"Our goal is to be the provider of choice in Southwest Virginia," explained Dr. Harvey Barker, NRVCS Executive Director, "but exemplary services are only possible if you have a quality workforce to provide them. So, we are equally committed to being the employer of choice in our area."

Founded in 1969, NRVCS is part of a state-wide system of Community Services Boards and provides a variety of programs in the areas of mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and related prevention services. The agency serves children, adults and families and operates facilities in each of the New River Valley’s five jurisdictions.

“There is a great level of need in our community and it is a need that has steadily increased in recent years,” Barker added. “Our organization has continued to grow – despite the challenges of the current economy - in an attempt to address those needs."

"I am continually impressed with the level of compassion and creativity among our staff," said Barker. "Our organization’s continued success is a direct result of their collective efforts to enhance the lives of persons living in the New River Valley.”

Support groups open to local veterans, families
New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) is currently offering a pair or support groups for local veterans and their families through the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.

Veterans Outreach Group: Veterans of any era are invited to participate in the Veterans Outreach Group, which meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at VFW Post 776 (102 Watts Street, Radford). The purpose of the group is to connect veterans with their peers and provide education on issues relevant to their military service. There is no cost to participate. For more information, contact Leanna Craig at 540-357-1113 or visit www.wearevirginiaveterans.org.

Families of Veterans Support Group: The Families of Virginia Veterans group - a support group for families of local veterans - holds its meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the NRVCS Montgomery Center (700 University City Boulevard, Blacksburg). There is no cost to participate. For more information, contact Leanna Craig at 540-357-1113 or visit www.wearevirginiaveterans.org.