Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council

03/18/2026

🌟 SAVE THE DATE – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS! 🌟

The Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council is proud to present the Second Annual Recovery Conference — a powerful two-day experience designed by peers, for peers.

🗓️ September 29th & 30th
📍 Hub 757 | Suffolk, VA

This isn’t just a conference — it’s a space to connect, grow, and recharge alongside others who are passionate about recovery and peer support.

✨ What to expect:
🔹 Inspiring speakers who truly understand the journey
🔹 Hands-on workshops to strengthen your peer support skills
🔹 Valuable resources you can take back to your work and community
🔹 Meaningful connections with fellow Peer Recovery Specialists
🔹 A strong sense of community, empowerment, and purpose

Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned peer, this event is all about lifting each other up and building stronger recovery communities across Region 5 💙

📢 Mark your calendars, invite your coworkers, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

🔗 More info email: region5racouncil@gmail.com

03/18/2026

Its time to start planning for Research to Recovery Conference 2026! Registration is now open!

Check the flyer for dates and link for more info!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/research-to-recovery-conference-2026-tickets-1978139562682

01/22/2026

🚨 Crisis Services Endorsement Training 🚨

The Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council is proud to sponsor a virtual Crisis Services Endorsement Training designed to strengthen crisis response, de-escalation skills, and recovery-oriented engagement.

🗓 March 11–13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
💻 Virtual via Zoom
🎓 18 CEUs upon successful completion

📌 Important Requirements
✔ Supervisor approval is required to be eligible
✔ Cameras must remain on for the duration of the training
✔ Participants must attend all three days in full

📧 Supervisor approval must be submitted by March 3 to:
region5racouncil@gmail.com
For questions or to request a Supervisor Approval Form, contact Landon Douglas at the same email.

This training is facilitated by Certified Instructor Shatyra Colston and sponsored by the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council (RAC).

Please share with peers who may benefit from this opportunity.

01/21/2026

📣 Publicity Chair Opportunity – Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council

The Publicity Chair position is currently open with the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council.

This role supports outreach, communication, and engagement efforts across the region and plays an important part in amplifying peer voices and recovery-focused initiatives.
If you are interested in being considered or would like more information, please submit all inquiries to:
📧 region5racouncil@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support of peer leadership and recovery advocacy in our community.

01/20/2026

⏰ Friendly Reminder ⏰

Our Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council (RAC) monthly meeting will take place virtually tomorrow, January 21st at 10:00 AM.

📧 Meeting link:
Please email the Region 5 RAC @gmail.com to receive the Zoom link and join instructions.

We look forward to connecting, sharing updates, and continuing the work together across Region 5. Please feel free to share this reminder with others who plan to attend.

01/13/2026

⏰ Deadline Reminder: Conference Coordinator Proposals

This is a friendly reminder that Thursday at 8:00 AM is the final deadline to submit proposals of interest for the Region 5 RAC Conference Coordinator position.

🗳️ What’s next?
Voting will take place electronically. All Region 5 RAC CSB peers will receive an email with a link and clear instructions on how to cast your vote.

If you’ve been considering submitting a proposal, now is the time. We appreciate the thought, care, and commitment that goes into stepping forward to support this work.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Region 5 recovery efforts.

01/13/2026

🎉 REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED! 🎉

We are excited to share that we’ve reached maximum capacity with 50 registered participants for our Family Support Partner Training this Friday at The Assembly. Thank you to everyone who registered — we can’t wait to see you!

🖤 Reminder: Please wear your black RAC t-shirts so we can represent Region 5 together.

🚗 Parking Information:
Freemason Parking Garage (within walking distance)
Additional street parking is available nearby (please follow posted signage)
📍 Location: The Assembly
400 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA
🕣 Doors open at 8:30 AM
🕘 RAC Welcome begins at 9:00 AM

We’re looking forward to a powerful day of learning, connection, and lifting up family voice and lived experience. See you Friday!

01/05/2026

⏰ Deadline Reminder – Conference Coordinator Opportunity ⏰
The Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council is currently accepting proposals of interest for our Conference Coordinator position for the 2026 Peer Recovery Conference — and the deadline is quickly approaching.

🗓 Proposal Deadline: January 15, 2026
We are seeking someone who is organized, collaborative, and passionate about recovery to help bring our two-day Peer Recovery Conference to life at HUB757 in Suffolk, VA.

📧 How to Apply:
Interested individuals should email their proposal of interest directly to Lauren Kern by January 15th.

Please note:
✔️ Resume is not required

If you or someone you know would be a great fit, we encourage you to apply and share this opportunity within your networks.

Let’s continue building something impactful together.

12/29/2025

✨ Reminder: Family Support Partner Training – Region 5 RAC ✨
Family members play a critical role in recovery, and lived experience matters.

The Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council is hosting an in-person Family Support Partner (FSP) Training for individuals who support a loved one navigating mental health or substance use challenges.

📅 Friday, January 16, 2025
🕘 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Doors open at 8:30 AM)
📍 The Assembly, Norfolk
🎤 Facilitator: Cristy Corbin, leader and advocate in Family Support Partner development
☕ Coffee and light refreshments provided
🍽️ Lunch will be catered

If you’ve supported a family member through recovery and want to turn that experience into meaningful peer support, this training is for you.

Register HERE- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV-4SmNB3J7Q2dhZPUf1I6Ew41p-2aBuZBXf0iww9NXt69vg/viewform?usp=header
🗓️ Registration closes January 9
📧 Questions: region5racouncil@gmail.com
Please share with anyone who may be interested in family-centered peer support.

12/18/2025

📣 PAID CONFERENCE COORDINATOR OPPORTUNITY – REPOST 📣

Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council is seeking a Conference Coordinator to support planning and ex*****on of our two-day Peer Recovery Conference at HUB757 in Suffolk, VA, taking place September 29–30, 2026.

This is a flat-fee contract position and no resume is required.
We are looking for someone who is organized, reliable, and comfortable managing timelines, logistics, and communication while working closely with a collaborative planning committee.

📩 How to Apply
Interested parties should email their proposal to:
Lauren Kern – Lauren.Kern@norfolk.gov
Subject Line: Conference Coordinator

✅ Proposals must include:
• Full name, phone number, and email
• A brief overview of relevant event planning or coordination experience
• Examples of similar events you’ve supported (conferences, trainings, summits, large meetings, etc.)
• Your flat fee rate and what services are included
• Your availability from February 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026
• A short description of how you stay organized and manage timelines
• Two professional references (name, organization, and contact info)

📅 Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026
If you or someone you know has a passion for planning, recovery-oriented work, and bringing meaningful events to life, please share this post or tag them below.
Let’s build something impactful together.

12/17/2025

Housing and homeless at the Norfolk Community Services Board is hiring for peers. This is a wonderful opportunity for a registered peer here in the 757 .

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the Cit...

12/12/2025

🚨 Community Forum: Fentanyl Education & Awareness 🚨

The Peninsula community is coming together for an important conversation on illicit drugs, overdoses, and fentanyl awareness. This forum will feature professionals, peers, advocates, and community leaders working on the front lines of prevention, intervention, and recovery.

🗓 Saturday, December 13th
⏰ 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Sentara Community Care Center
3509 Chestnut Ave, Newport News, VA 23607

This event will include education, real dialogue, and resources aimed at saving lives and strengthening our community’s response to the overdose crisis.

Please share and encourage community members, families, peers, and providers to attend. Awareness saves lives.