**Please note that after registering, you will receive two separate emails: one with your registration confirmation, and another with the Zoom link for the presenter’s session. *Be sure to check your spam folder!

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ART + Recovery = Freedom

R2ISE innovatively crafts strategies and interventions that propel recovery from addiction, trauma, and mental health issues, emphasizing Community, Creativity, Connection, Imagination, and Support. R2ISE has pioneered a new approach for individuals grappling with mental health and addiction issues, breaking through stigma and showcasing the transformative power of recovery via artistic expression. This leads to meaningful community conversations that address these challenges with viable solutions, particularly within the African American community. The initiative has carved out a healing space, offering resources for families, community members, treatment programs, veterans, elders, and youth. R2ISE champions the equation ART+ Recovery = Freedom, holding the conviction that recovery is attainable for all through various self-care avenues. The Beracha Method, conceived by Alexia Jones, is a trailblazing, self-guided technique that enables individuals to concentrate on their needs, foster recovery-centric discussions, forge cooperative relationships, and nurture connections to establish a robust support network. This method includes two groundbreaking interventions: The R2ISE Interactive Museum invites participants to confront trauma, nurture their recovery journey, forge positive relationships, and enhance social and coping abilities. Through this immersive experience, individuals have shared how engaging in the creative process has allowed them to surmount past traumas in ways that other mental health and addiction interventions could not. This is achieved by sharing spoken word, choreographed pieces, original compositions, songs, and theatrical performances that narrate our stories and exemplify the strength found in recovery. The core of this endeavor is recovery messaging, which by spreading hope, not only inspires and empowers peers but also sparks peer support and fosters meaningful connections.

Alexia Jones

Alexia Jones celebrates 28 years in long term recovery as the founder and Executive Director of R2ISE Inc. a nonprofit RCO (Recovery Community Organization) in Atlanta Georgia, holds a BFA in Dance from Florida State University, and an MBA from Phoenix University. She is a certified addiction empowerment specialist (CARES) and certified peer specialist (CPS) trainer of trainers for trauma informed care and a certified drum circle facilitator. She is passionate about her work with those in recovery from mental health challenges and/or drug addiction, by utilizing the arts and providing a safe place through R2ISE so that wellness can be maintained. She has performed nationally and internationally and choreographed at the university and professional level. Alexia is a movement engineer committed to helping others walk in recovery, restoration, inspiration, support, and empowerment. Alexia is committed to sharing the message that Art+Recovery=Freedom and bringing healing and hope to many through her artistic approach called the Beracha Method; a self-directed process that empowers people to focus on their needs, stimulates recovery focused dialogue, builds collaborative relationships, and encourages connection with others to build a supportive recovery network. Alexia has worked with individuals, families, and children in recovery for 27 years. During her recovery journey she has written several plays that illustrate the process of recovery, utilizing the unique stories and artistic gifts of the individuals she passionately serves. Her artistic work includes "Chronicles of Hope” featuring recovering artists in a collaborative effort to share stories of hope throughout the state of Georgia. Alexia helps others connect, the mind, body, soul and spirit as well as advocate, educate and raise awareness around the power of recovery. R2ISE Inc instills hope, transforms lives and highlights the strengths of participants so that wellness can be maintained. ART+RECOVERY =FREEDOM!

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Risk Waiver & Photo Release

By participating in the ARTs + Change Virtual Conference, I acknowledge and assume responsibility for any inherent risks, including but not limited to technical issues (e.g., internet disruptions, data loss), privacy concerns (e.g., unauthorized sharing or recording), or physical injury (e.g., from movement-based workshops). I understand that the University of Rochester and its representatives are not liable unless due to gross negligence or willful misconduct. My participation is voluntary.

Additionally, I consent to the use of my image or name if my camera is on during the virtual event. If I prefer not to be included in archived footage, I may turn off my camera or use an alternate display name.