Rock Into Recovery

Where the magic of live music and real recovery join together to celebrate all the good work by peers, professionals, friends and family.

Todd Lena - Guitar
The Grateful Friends

"Recovery is Worth Celebrating!"

 

Rock Into Recovery - September 24th, 2011
Musical Guest: The Grateful Friends with Todd Lena
Waltham Common, Massachusetts USA
Video by Dan from Maine
Event produced by The Edinburg Center

Rock Into Recovery was created by Todd Lena in February 2010. He envisioned it as a celebration for people in recovery from mental health conditions and substance abuse. Todd knew first-hand what it was like to find himself confused and isolated by an untreated mental health condition and a co-occurring addiction. He was grateful to all of the people who had supported him in his recovery and began to talk to them about his idea of Rock Into Recovery.


The Grateful Friends at Rock Into Recovery, Waltham Common 2011

The Second Annual Rock Into Recovery was held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 on the Waltham Common. As many as 500 people came to learn more about the reality of recovery while listening to the music of The Grateful Friends, Ramblin’ Dan Martin and RuthAnna Welch. Peer-run organizations and programs from as far away as Taunton (SERLC), Worcester (CMRLC), and Lawrence (NERLC), Boston (MBRLC & the Transformation Center) were on the scene providing information and referrals, as well as representatives from club houses, the Veteran’s Administration, CBFS programs, and NAMI. Even the mayor of Waltham, Jeannette McCarthy, stopped by to wish us well and enjoy the event. Locally made arts & crafts were sold and The Edinburg Center’s Creative Writing group held a poetry reading in between musical acts. In the spirit of just plain fun, a magic show, balloon animals, face painting, washable tattoos, and other surprises were offered free to children and adults alike. The Edinburg Center’s day treatment program, Transitions, set up a food tent to sell low cost barbequed food, as well as desserts, snacks and beverages. We were delighted that so many people showed up to share in the hope and exhilaration of the recovery journey. We look forward to next year’s Rock Into Recovery and hope to see all of you there! (full story can be found at www.edinburgcenter.org)

Awards & Recognition:

Todd Lena was awarded an Official Citation from The Massachusetts Senate in recognition for outstanding personal achievements in the Consumer Based Flexible Supports Program of The Edinburg Center including Rock Into Recovery. The ceremony was A Night of Shining Stars and held at the Newton Marriott, Grande Ballroom on November 30th, 2011. Todd was also awarded a Shining Star from Holly Baab, Associate Director of The Edinburg Center. Rock Into Recovery was featured in the Massachusetts DMH Fall 2011 Newsletter.

Todd Lena works for The Edinburg Center as Recovery Events Coordinator in the CBFS Program. Todd also volunteers for NAMI Greater Boston CAN as Website Coordinator. Todd can be reached at: todd@rockintorecovery.org.

A celebration for folks working through a range of challenges including mental health conditions and addiction. 2012 will be our third annual event for greater Boston and we're inviting everyone from Park Street to the park bench to come and join us for an exciting afternoon of music, food, friends and fun.

The Grateful Friends
Delivering magical shows including classic hits and inspired jams.

Larry Mancini - guitar & vocals
Mark Munzer - keyboards & vocals
John Brigham - bass & vocals
Tony Ryon- drums
Todd Lena - lead guitar & vocals

www.gratefulfriends.com

SAMHSA recently announced a working definition of Recovery. A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. See Todd with his band mates with live music videos at the About Us page. See friends and find out more how you can help The Edinburg Center with Rock Into Recovery at our Sponsors page. See fan photo below from our first event 2010 with our good friend Michael Kerins.

Thank you to The Edinburg Center for your leadership and help restoring individuals, families and communities with kind and powerful programs like Rock Into Recovery.