Community Read Book Club

Community read

The Least of Us

The library is excited to offer books for individuals to pick up, take home, and keep. Additionally, we will feature two guest speakers from the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

Virginia Besant and Alicia Dean serve as Peer Recovery Coaches within the Community Mental Health Authority of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. These coaches have personal experience with substance use disorder and recovery, providing invaluable support to individuals seeking assistance through both harm reduction and recovery. They act as mentors, guides, and advocates throughout the recovery journey, fostering hope and empowerment. Peer Recovery Coaches also help individuals access services, supports, and connections to care.

The focus of this conversation will revolve around the book and the hope for recovery, while also addressing the stigma associated with those in recovery and promoting sobriety.

Virginia (Ginny) Besant's Story:

My name is Virginia (Ginny) Besant. I graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School in 2002. I have struggled with substance use disorder since 2006, ultimately becoming addicted to Fentanyl and Methamphetamines. My journey led to criminal charges, resulting in a sentence to Tri-Cap. After completing Tri-Cap and engaging in sober living, I have remained clean since September 1, 2018. In the early stages of my recovery, I felt lost and hopeless until I began working with a peer recovery coach and a therapist. Committing to my recovery has allowed me to rebuild relationships with my family and all three of my children. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in the recovery field, and I currently work as a peer recovery coach for CMH-ITRS. I am thrilled to support others facing substance use disorder in Clinton County.

Alicia (Ali) Dean's Story:

My name is Ali Dean, and I am passionate about recovery, harm reduction, and fostering inclusive communities. Through my volunteer work with organizations like Punks With Lunch and The Fledge, alongside facilitating recovery meetings for individuals of alternative faiths, I strive to create spaces filled with compassion and connection. I often involve my children in these volunteer efforts, teaching them empathy and demonstrating that service and healing can be family values, even in the face of stigma.