BHSN’s PROS Program Kicks-Off the Year in Style

Plattsburgh, NY — “You better wear your fun shoes,” said one friendly PROS participant to a BHSN newcomer. The enthusiasm was indeed palpable for the PROS Kick-Off event.

Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) held its annual PROS Kick-Off on Monday, April 13. Complete with games, entertainment, food, and speakers, the event welcomed participants and community members to explore BHSN's offerings in an interactive, inclusive, and high-energy environment.

Personal Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive BHSN program dedicated to supporting adults managing mental health and substance use challenges. Through tailored therapeutic and rehabilitation treatments, PROS empowers individuals to reach their personal goals. This event was a (re)introduction to the program’s offerings and gave attendees the opportunity to connect with staff members who make it all possible.

From multiple rounds of Bingo with prizes to a live performance by the PROS band, there was never a dull moment in the Center for Wellbeing’s PROS gymnasium in Morrisonville, New York.

The day began with inspiring speeches from program leaders and participants, many of whom expressed gratitude to the program’s impact. It was evident in these speeches that, more than just the program offerings, it is the people who work closely together every day that makes PROS so impactful. The connection, respect, and camaraderie between staff, participants, and supportive community members was tangible.

Afterwards, attendees dispersed and mingled with one another as they prepared for multiple exhilarating rounds of bingo, where prizes consisted of candy, novelty items, and stunning art pieces. Just like the personalized approach to PROS, players held their fate in their hands as they each filled out their own bingo boards, hoping for a win.

Breaking for a hot lunch prepared in the PROS kitchen, the Amazing Ricardo prepared himself to put on an awe-inspiring magic show. As audience members found their seats, the energy shifted to that of pure amazement and heightened excitement. Starting off simple and getting increasingly more complex with time, each trick had even those sitting in the front row amazed and pleasantly perplexed.

The audience welcomed the PROS band – a collective of PROS members and staff who work together diligently to learn and perform songs voted on by the group. The group came prepared with a repertoire of three songs: Fast Car by Tracy Chapmen, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, and Roar by Katy Perry. Sung with passion, audience members were moved to tears, some even singing along. The group ensemble was followed by a solo performance of an original song, written by a PROs participant.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in Chair Yoga, a restorative session led by Maegan Perkins, as well as interactive bonding activities designed to build trust and teamwork with Adventure Based Counseling (ABC).

The event was a powerful reminder that recovery is more than just treatment; it's about community, creativity, and -- of course -- wearing the right shoes.