VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11 HOPE - CHOICE - EMPOWERMENT - RECOVERY CULTURE - SPIRITUALITY DECEMBER 2014

December 2014

Recovery Innovations extends heartfelt THANKS and APPRECIATION to the

organizations that provide class locations, presentations, services and referrals.

Our connections with others, provide opportunities and environments that empower people to recover, to succeed in accomplishing their goals, and to

reconnect with themselves, others and meaning and purpose in life.

Community Connections

Coping with the

Holidays I was driving through town the other day and

noticed...Christmas decorations are going

up! That means the holidays are just around

the corner! How did that happen? Every

year, it seems like the holidays sneak up on

me and the next thing I know it’s time to think

about buying presents, planning holiday

parties, and all of the family events.

For me, the holidays are centered around

the time with my family and all the traditions

that we have. That can be why this time of

the year can make me think about how much

I miss the people that I’ve lost. I go into the

kitchen and think about how my grandma

should be cooking at the stove while my

granddaddy should be in the living room

making jokes while he entertains everyone

with his unique ‘he-haw’ laugh. I look around

and see fathers with their kids and think

about how my own relationship with my dad

was so completely different than all those

families. All of that can make me sad and

depressed during a time of the year when its

so easy to go down that hurtful path.

So what do I do? I have to remember my

Wellness Tools and recall the ways I can

cope with the holidays. Here’s some of the

things that I do that may help you , too.

I honor my grandma by looking through

her recipes and cooking some of them.

It feels like I’m honoring her and

spreading her love to the people that are

still here.

I write. Writing is one of the wellness

tools that helps me with all of my

stressors and triggers throughout the

year and can help me cope during this

time of the year, too.

I talk to my supporters who can help me

remember the good times and come up

with a plan to cope with holidays this

year, too.

For other ways to cope with the holidays, call

Recovery Innovations at 1-866-481-5361

Quotes of Inspiration

When one door of happiness

closes, another opens, but

often we look so long at the

closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened

for us.

Helen Keller

Faith is taking the first step

even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr

The only thing that stands

between a man and what he

wants from life is often merely

the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.

Richard M. DeVos

"I can't do it" never yet

accomplished anything; "I will

try" has performed wonders. George P. Burnham

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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice

DECEMBER 2014

Wellness City Greenville: Million Dollar Workout

Here at the Wellness City in Greenville, we offer classes that are well balanced and focus on each of the Dimensions of

Wellness. One way we do that is by offering Million Dollar Workout which is a low impact, boxing-inspired workout to

promote physical, social and emotional wellness. And it’s fun, too! This class is one of my favorite classes to facilitate.

Several of the staff join into the exercise activity. By: Pamela Spence, Wellness City of Greenville CPSS

“This is a killer workout.” ~Jerry Gordon, citizen

“Helps me get motivated for the day.” ~ Gloria Edwards,

citizen

“Loosens them old bones.” ~David Cofield, citizen

“Helps me exercise at least once a week.” ~ Mr. Williams,

citizen

“I love to exercise when it is made to be fun.” ~ Letrecia Edwards, WC Greenville CPSS

“This class has shown me that there are fun ways to exercise.” ~ Tony Lara, citizen

“All month long that I’ve facilitated this class, I’ve been able to increase my mobility after my

stroke.” ~ Pamela Spence, WC Greenville CPSS

“By taking this class, I’ve been able to control my anger, exercise, help the mind, body and soul.”

~by Victor Allsbrook, citizen

“Taking this class helps me to lift my spirit and my health. It’s a wonderful feeling.” ~Anthony

Gibson, citizen

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Community Building Team

My name is Louis Gray. When I met Jennifer, my Peer Recovery Coach from Recovery Innovation’s

Community Building Program, I got very excited about the possibility of recovery and regaining my

independence. She actually spent time with me and people like us don’t get much of that from others. I

learned recovery is possible through attending WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) class and

using my WRAP helped me to cope better with situations. I learned to have patience in getting my

needs met.. I learned to control my behavior. Kisha Darden, my Transition to Care Coordinator from

ECBH and Jennifer have helped me move from assisted living into my own home! They took the time to

help me move in and to remember how to manage my own medications, my own finances, and now I’m

in control of my life today! It took someone spending time with me and believing in me and helping

me to advocate for myself in a healthy way. I am happy, glad, my neighbors are nice and I’m

reconnecting with my family too! ~ Louis Gray

From the moment I met Mr. Louis, I knew he was going to succeed. Louis is a bright and very kind

gentleman. I am truly blessed to be working with him in the Community Building Program, watching

him regain his independence and remembering who he is. In working with Louis on his WRAP and

WELL classes, I could see the excitement in his face about the wellness tools he was learning. He was so

absorbed and excited and he told me that he worked on it and reviewed it every night. Now that Louis

has moved into his new home, he is learning to cook foods he’s never cooked before, he is maintaining all

of his appointments and his own medications. Louis is also paying his own bills and doing his own

shopping! I could not be happier with his successful transition into the community. He reminds me

every time I visit him why I love this job! ~ Jennifer Marshall, PRC

Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice DECEMBER 2014

Louis Gray, Community Building Participant Jennifer Marshall, Community Building PRC &

Louis Gray, Community Building Participant

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Wellness City of New BernWellness City of New Bern

DECEMBER2014

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit

there…. Will Rogers

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT:

ALAN “OPIE” OPENSHAW

The poem below was written

by Opie Openshaw, a long time

citizen of Wellness City of New

Bern. Opie expresses himself

by writing poems and has self-

published a book of poetry

titled, “The Works of Alan D. Openshaw” in 2013.

This book of poetry can be found on Amazon.com.

LIFE’S JOURNEY

Children, you need to understand

that life is a journey looking for

love.

All have made and are making the same journey.

Learn from the past journeys of others—Learn from

the mistakes of your brothers and sisters for people

have journeyed on this same road for centuries,

looking for love.

You will have many questions along the way—Why

does life have to end?

Why is there evil?

But if you understand that we are made

the Spirit of Love and that life is a

journey to return to that Spirit—Life will not end.

For if you search for love, it is because you have love

in your heart, and with love in your heart, life cannot

end.

~~Alan D. Openshaw~~

COMING IN JANUARY TO NEW BERN—PEER EMPLOYMENT TRAINING! SEE PEER STAFF FOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION!

Dreams do Come True -Robert Johnson

Simply put, Wellness City citizen Rob Johnson just would not give up!

Since childhood, Rob had a dream of becoming a truck driver! It was a

BIG goal, especially for someone with no experience in truck driving, as

well as a person with a unique set of personal challenges. Rob came to

Wellness City and began to map out his adventure! He started the

process of getting his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)! Then he

needed to attend a commercial truck driving school somewhere in the

United States to become a long haul trucker. This was a huge goal, and

some in Rob’s life did not have hope that he could make it all the way

through. The staff at Wellness City supported Rob, repeatedly telling

him they believed he could make his dream come true, and that we

would hold the hope for him until it became a reality! Rob remained

determined and began to believe in himself! He attended more than four

commercial trucking schools across the country, staying in hotel rooms

alone with very little money, until he finally graduated from one of the

best schools in the country! And that was just the beginning….

Rob came home and with the support of everyone at Wellness City, he

applied to virtually every trucking company in the US! Rob had some

unsuccessful attempts. Each time a company didn’t work out, Rob would

get on a bus and come back to Wellness City and begin looking again!

We all watched this miraculous process of persistence and determination

with a sense of awe! Finally, one day, Rob got back on the bus to yet

another company in mid-western US, and this time Rob did not come

right home! He graduated with distinction, was allowed to enter a work-

lease purchase of the vehicle you see below, and is now driving across

the USA, carrying commercial loads from one depot to another! He

reports that he is very happy, that he still uses his wellness tools daily and

is doing great! Rob harnessed the power of recovery, of unyielding

persistence, and of achieving a life of meaning and purpose! Dreams DO

come true!! Congratulations Rob! We are all so proud of you!!

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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice DECEMBER 2014

Where in the World is Recovery Joe?

“Recovery Joe” joined the East Carolina Outreach Team in December of 2013. He was brought on board to travel with the Outreach Team Members throughout our 19

-County Catchment area, and then tell about his experiences in his monthly column in the Wellness City Voice newsletter.

Hello North Carolina!

I had an amazing month! I got to go to a “Recovery Concepts” class with my friend Susan Hall! The class covers

the Recovery Innovations 9-Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional Wellness; Intellectual Wellness; Occupational

Wellness; Physical Wellness; Social Wellness; Financial Wellness; Home and Community Living; Recreation and

Leisure and Spiritual Wellness.

The class was good, don’t get me wrong, but the Very BEST part was meeting the students! They are all very

intelligent and class discussions were lively and informative!

At one point during the month, Susan was asked if Recovery Innovations could take a month off because the

students had an opportunity to take a Community College class for free. Susan offered to switch days if that would

help, but the schedules are so packed at PORT Human Services that it didn’t look like that would be a possibility.

The class got together and wrote letters to PORT saying that they did not want to have a time off from the

Recovery Innovations class and delivered them to the management team. What Courage and use of the power of

self advocacy! One of the counselors was so impressed at their taking personal responsibility that he graciously

gave up one of his time slots so Susan could continue the class! Thanks Marty!

I got to know the students very well during my time with them. I asked a

few of them to share with me what they get out of the Recovery classes

from RI:

“They really relate to us as individuals and inform us of open doors and

opportunities within the Community.” ~By Cass Wooten

“The classes help me not be in denial, accept personal responsibility and live

one day at a time.” ~By Ashley Jones

I am really enjoying being out in the field and meeting the amazing people

we serve. It is truly an honor to be part of their Recovery Journey! ‘Til

next time!

Kindest Regards,

Recovery Joe

Front with Recovery Joe is Cass Wooten

Back row, left to right is Ashley Jones, Mike

Moore and Mark Moore.

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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice DECEMBER 2014

Durham Wellness City

Walking for Wellness is one of the many positive opportunities for the citizens of Durham Wellness City to

spend time together on activities outside of the classroom. Each week a small group decides which

destination they want to explore, generally within a one mile radius of Wellness City. We have visited the

Durham’s main library to check out books and DVD’s for the community to enjoy and a smaller library

down the street that is central to the African American community. The American Tobacco Campus, which

houses restaurants, local NPR radio station, Full frame documentary film theatre and is surrounded by a

constantly moving stream, provides us with a chance to cool our feet on hot summer days. Few of us have

ever visited these attractions, so this class provides us with an opportunity to explore our community.

While the group’s numbers ebb and flow, a constant is our enjoyment of having visited some of Durham’s

treasures while bonding with new and seasoned citizens.

By Rick Owen, Peer Support Specialist and Vic Johnson, Citizen of Durham Wellness City

Ruddie Allen (left) & Terrance Rhodes (right)

Terrance Rhodes (left) &

Ruddie Allen (right)

Terrance enjoying stream in Durham

Leroy Bass

Karen Curtis Archie Painkey & Shannon Burch

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My name is BJ and I am a person in long-term recovery. My first exposure to Recovery Innovations was very positive. A

family member was in a crisis that needed immediate help. I called the Recovery Response Center in Henderson, North

Carolina. The person I spoke to was polite, attentive, and concerned about the situation. He provided clear instructions of

how to proceed. The time I called was near shift change. The staff member informed me that it would be an hour before

the potential guest could be assessed; however, we were welcome to come and sit in the lobby and wait. We did this and

were immediately greeted and welcomed. While we waited, we were offered refreshments. This gave my wife and me

great comfort about bringing our nephew to the facility. In addition, every staff person who walked through the lobby

stopped, introduced him or herself, and offered words of encouragement and support. Again, we were comforted.

The RRC lobby had a comforting feel to it. The colors were easy and peaceful, the plants gave a sense of concern for life, and the RI mission

statement touched both my wife and I in a deep way. After reading it, I said to her, “I wouldn’t mind working for an organization like this.” She

agreed with me due to my lived experiences, personal recovery journey, and the current work I was doing at a homeless shelter that offered a long

term addictions recovery program, I may be a good fit.

When our nephew was escorted to another area for assessment, one of the Recovery Coaches on duty came out and chatted with us. During the

conversation, I asked him if this facility used Peer Support. He said yes, and that was his job. He also informed me that there were some positions

open, and then he gave me an application. I marveled at how easy that felt. However, I could not imagine being fortunate enough to find a place to

help my nephew with his recovery, while gaining employment at the same place. Yet, I accepted the application, and then later at home I created a

potential employment package, and delivered it a couple days later.

After a week, I followed up with a phone call. Shortly afterwards I was called in to discuss potential employment. The interview process was very

comfortable and not intimidating. I was at ease the entire time and felt appreciated for the person I presented. After the interview, the Recovery

Coach I had originally spoke with the night we took my nephew to RRC gave me a detailed tour of the facility. When sharing my impressions of the

meeting later that evening with my wife, I emphasized what an overall pleasant experience it was, and furthermore, even if I was not offered a

position that I enjoyed the entire process immensely.

Shortly after this, I received a phone call from an unfamiliar number. It was a person from RI Human Resources offering me a full – time Recovery

Coach position. I was ecstatic!!! For a moment, I felt as if I were somewhere else watching a movie of someone else’s life. Because of some

behaviors during a particularly challenging point in my life, I was unable to experience opportunities like this. Therefore, I was especially grateful and

humbled at the same time.

During subsequent calls with RI staff I learned that I would be attending a weeklong training entitled “New Employee Celebration”. “Wow”, I

thought, “What else can be done to make me feel more special and appreciated?” My question was soon answered as I and another new Recovery

Coach were treated to a week of intense training on philosophies and methods of RI. Although it was tiring, the facilitator always found a way to

liven things up. At the end of the week, I felt confident and qualified to move into the next phase of preparation to be a Recovery Coach.

Shadowing other Recovery Coaches was very enlightening. Each person had her/his particular gifts and methods of serving the Guests and achieving

the daily tasks. I was impressed at the efficiency each team worked with. During difficult situations, professionalism was exemplified repeatedly.

Moreover, the fun, light hearted times of genuine laughter and comradary provided an example to the Guests that a life of recovery is far from a

glum existence.

Now, I am privileged to be a part of the awesome group at Recovery Response Center in Henderson NC, I get to experience growth in my

professional life, as I never knew existed. In addition, my personal recovery is constantly enhanced in deeper ways. It is so empowering to be able to

translate personal life challenges into an opportunity to serve others, and be gainfully employed by the process.

As Thanksgiving nears, I want to conclude this by offering my gratitude to the Founders of this great organization I am a part of, and everyone else

whose dedication, perseverance, and genuine love for people in need have created countless opportunities.

Love and Recovery,

Bland “BJ” Hill, NCPSS, RC

RECOVERY RESPONSE CENTER:

One Recovery Coach’s Story

Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice DECEMBER 2014

Our Mission

To create opportunities and environments

that empower people to recover, to succeed

in accomplishing their goals, and to reconnect

with themselves, others and meaning and

purpose in life.

Recovery Innovations

Is a nonprofit organization offering recovery-based services in Arizona, California, Delaware, North Carolina, Texas, Washington

state and New Zealand.

www.RecoveryInnovations.org

Recovery Response Center - RI NC Five County

300 Parkview Drive West

Henderson, NC 27536

Phone: 252-438-4145 Joy Brunson-Nsubuga, Clinical Director: 252-339-2486

Durham Wellness City

401 E. Lakewood Avenue, Suite E1-A

Durham, NC 27707

Phone: 919-687-4041

Kim Chansen, Recovery Services Administrator: 919-702-3314

Wellness City HOPE Station

2407 S. Memorial Drive

Greenville, NC 27834

Phone: 252-321-0179

Sonia Tucker, Recovery Services Administrator: 252-558-8034

Wellness City of New Bern

1311 Health Drive

New Bern, NC 28560

Phone: 252-672-8781

Bill Barrow, Recovery Services Administrator: 252-269-0021

Community Building Team

Bill Barrow, Recovery Services Administrator: 252-269-0021

Jim Harrison, Team Lead: 252-702-2804

Outreach Wellness City

Sonia Tucker, Recovery Services Administrator: 252.558-8034

Susan Hall, Team Lead: 252-876-3645

Ann Emmerich, Outreach Coordinator: 252-886-1104

Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Pamlico, Pitt, & Washington Counties

Ron Lowe, Outreach Coordinator: 252-702-6515

Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans & Tyrrell Counties

Recovery Innovations has earned the

Joint Commission’s

Gold Seal of Approval™

AND

Find our Wellness City Voice Newsletters, as well as our monthly class Calendars online at

www.RecoveryInnovations.org/rinc

DECEMBER 2014

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