FULTON – Virginia Bough, executive director of Friends Recovery Oswego County (FOROC), a grass roots organization led by local recovery allies, welcomes Leandra Stirling as the agency’s newest staff member.
A graduate of Ithaca College, Stirling is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Southern New Hampshire University and serving an internship at R&R Therapy Services in Liverpool. Additionally, Stirling works part-time as a direct service professional for Elmcrest.
After having earned a bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from Ithaca, Stirling realized that her real passion was helping others.
“I graduated in 2020 during COVID. My final semester was remote,” said Stirling. “I missed my final performances, including orchestra performances and my senior recital. I decided that I preferred to play music for fun rather than professionally. I took a step back and chose to pursue something else that I was passionate about. I always had in the back of my mind that I’d like to be a therapist. So I went back to school.”
Stirling said that she had seen friends and family members dealing with various struggles and saw how much their therapists helped them. “Seeing how they benefited from therapy resonated with me. I felt that it was something I would like doing and be successful at. It just felt right. After attending two residences in New Hampshire and a week of enactment counseling with my peers, I knew that is what I should be doing. Now that I am seeing consumers I think it is amazing!”
To compliment her studies in clinical mental health Stirling has taken courses in substance use. “Working in this field I realized that I very well may be exposed to substance use disorder and want to be able to feel confident and capable to work those individuals, said Stirling.
Stirling is looking forward to bringing her experience in mental health therapy to Friends of Recovery Oswego County.
“I’ve been working with youth in the Mexico area, said Stirling. “Working collaboratively with their counselors, we focus on social skills, coping, and communication skills in real life outside of counseling. I truly enjoy connecting with youth and their families. It’s rewarding so see their growth and how proud their family is when they are making progress. I am not only supporting both youths and their families,”
In addition to her administration duties, Stirling assists in planning, as well as participating in community events and at the FOROC Community Center including activities such as meditation, gratitude, crafts, and journaling.
“Leandra’s experience and enthusiasm make her a good fit for us,” said FOROC Executive Director Virginia Bough. “We are seeing an increase in mental health issues and other co-existing disorders in some of those we work with. While we do not offer mental health services, Leandra’s empathy and understanding will be helpful in referring and connecting individuals with the services that can provide the support they need. Leandra will also be heavily involved with increasing our exposure on various social media platforms.”
Friends of Recovery Oswego County’s Community Center is open to all and its staff provides support to persons of all ages impacted by substance use disorder, be it those using or recovering, family members or friends. It also serves as a drop-in center where individuals may gather with others like themselves to support each other on their journey to recovery.
“Everyone is welcome at our Community Outreach Center, added Bough. “We are much more than just a drop-in center. It’s a welcoming space for mindfulness, personal reflection, and connection to community. In addition to information on recovery and referrals to agencies, we strive to end the stigma of substance use disorder and offer a wide range of services including peer to peer recovery advocacy, technology and internet access for participants use for telehealth, job and housing searches, and educational pursuits. We are very person centered. We meet people where they are at and support then regardless of the path to recovery they choose. When they are ready to begin their journey to recovery we will be there to support them.”
Bough added that harm reduction is the forefront of the services that Friends of Recovery Oswego County offers.
“Harm reduction teaches how to talk with others without judgement and to listen deeply to the stories people share. Harm reduction includes all paths to recovery as defined by each person in their own way. We can talk about drugs including alcohol, harm and how to reduce harm in ways that are respectful, kind, compassionate, and free of moral judgement.”
Located in Fulton at 808 West Broadway, Suite #3, Friends of Recovery Oswego County’s Recovery Community
Outreach Center is a safe space that addresses the needs of people that are impacted by opioids or substance use disorder in a non-clinical, non-judgmental way. Staff provides individuals with education, support, and empowerment so that they may improve their health and wellness and to live their best self-directed lives with dignity, autonomy, and support.
For more information on Friends of Recovery Oswego County services visit their website at www.foroswegocounty.org or call 315-297-4300.
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