Name: Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Lecture
Start: 2025-10-21T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-21T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Seidman College of Business

Join Arbor Circle for the second annual Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Lecture, an opportunity created by the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund. This event will feature unique educational opportunities for professionals in the field of substance use, including presentations by Jesse Heffernan, Recovery Coach Professional and Facilitator, Founder of Helios Recovery Services, and Phil Chvojka, Departmental Specialist for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
MCBAP, Social Work CE, and Peer CE credit is available for participants.
Registration is required: https://arborcircle.org/event/thomas-j-bullock-memorial-lecture-series/
Jesse Heffernan’s presentation will invite participants into a reflective and interactive exploration of how equity, culture, and story shape recovery experiences across diverse communities. Drawing from lived experience, systems-level work, and decades of peer support leadership, this session will unpack how providers can foster belonging through culturally responsive practices, build recovery ecosystems rooted in dignity, and uplift the power of storytelling in healing work. Participants can expect insights into the following learning objectives:
• Define cultural responsiveness and distinguish it from cultural competency within the context of equity-focused recovery.
• Identify how systemic racism and social determinants of health influence recovery outcomes across diverse communities.
• Apply strategies that enhance peer engagement and incorporate culturally grounded storytelling practices.
• Understand local demographic and other key data about individuals entering treatment.
Phil Chvojka will provide a look at local data trends, specifically for individuals seeking treatment in West Michigan. Presentations will be followed by the opportunity for a brief Q+A.