July 6, 2010 > Fremont resident honored Fremont resident honored Submitted By Rochelle Elias Photos By courtesy of Maxine Heiliger The Alameda County Mental Health Board recently awarded community service awards to individuals in Alameda County who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges. The intent of the awards is to award members of our community who are serving people with "mental illness" and improving the quality of their lives. Recognition is given for mental health education of the general public, elimination of stigmas, providing community support activities enhancing mental health and facilitating the mental health of others through advocacy and intervention. Fremont resident, Bryan Jewell, was honored as "Volunteer of the Year" for his leadership in impacting mental health outcomes in the areas of advocacy and education. Jewell, who has a background which includes homelessness and substance abuse which he attributes to early childhood trauma, has worked countless hours as a mental health peer educator and board member of the Mental Health Association of Alameda County. he did not shy away from addressing his substance abuse and mental health issues and takes great pride in being able to share his experience of recovery with others. In what has become a spiritual mission, Jewell says, "I am my brother's keeper." As a peer facilitator at Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (PEERS), he facilitates workshops called Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)/. WRAP is a personalized plan that supports and empowers individuals to navigate their own wellness and recovery from mental health issues and other struggles they may encounter. Everyone is welcome at PEERS WRAP workshops held throughout Alameda County. Workshops are held at the Family Resource Center in Fremont. For more information call PEERS at (510) 832-7337.