1340 S 4th Avenue, Yuma AZ 85364 928.261.8668

117 E 2nd Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.413.9941

February / March 2017 First Edition, Volume 4

I am interviewing an awesome per-

son for this issue his name is Cesar

and he is a TLCR Crisis Aftercare

Specialist. Q. What do you do on the

crisis team? A. We get a referral for

40 days for aftercare. Our goal is to

help people get the information they

need so they can pick an agency. We

also assist them in looking for jobs

and getting housing. If they have

substance abuse problems we then

refer them for treatment. We have a

list of people and some will accept

our services and some will not. Q.

What did you do before you worked

at the center? A. I am from CA, and I

was homeless trying to get clean and

I walked into the center it was in

2012. I then helped out and eventu-

ally they hired me. Q. What is your

favorite part of working in crisis? A.

When someone is in real crisis is

when I like to help them most. Q.

What do you see for TLCR in the fu-

ture? A. Expanding services to in-

clude a gym, and women’s and chil-

dren’s facility. As for myself I enjoy

the crisis team so much that I love it

right where I am. Q. If you could

change anything about TLCR what

would it be? A. To put two restrooms

and a shower. Cesar went on to say

that he really enjoys the activities

like the parades and the Recovery

Palooza that happens every May. He

also stated that he is able to do a

great job by applying a little bit of

everyone to himself. TLCR is ex-

tremely lucky to have such a great

guy on our team, and I as a member

would like to say Thank You Cesar for

everything that you do here!!

-By Shannon C.

Ashley Pina is the Employment Coordinator for TLCR Casa Grande. When I interviewed Ashley she shared with me that she has 16 months employed with the cen-

ter. She says that she enjoys her job, it is unique and everyday is some-thing different. Some of her duties include preparing and assisting mem-bers in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. Ashley is 32 years young and has 25 months and counting in recovery. When I asked Ashley what her bottom was she said that her bottom was when she lost her children to DCS. I asked Ashley if she struggled in her ad-vancement. She said that she did, in the beginning most of it was very new to her. I asked her how she maintains her ego while carrying such a high position. She said that she reminds herself regularly of

All about Casa Grande’s Employment Preparation Services Coordinator

where she’s come from and this helps her stay grounded. I asked Ashley who her support coach has been or who has inspired encour-aged her. She said that her pastor and her sponsor as well as every indi-vidual that comes into the cen-ter. What does Ashley see in her fu-ture and would she like to advance further. She says, at the moment she loves and is content in her position, she trusts whatever her higher power has in store for her. She says if it was up to her she would retire with TLCR. Her favorite color is pur-ple and her motto is “Live Laugh and Love and Let It Go if it isn’t RIGHT!” -By C.K.

Cesar, TLCR Crisis Aftercare Specialist

Did you know that Yuma TLCR has its very own Adopt-A-Street? I had the pleasure of participating in the first outing to clean up the streets of the New Year! Three members, an-other staff member, and I headed out on a beautiful

Sunday morning to our street and got to work picking up all sorts of trash. We picked up every-thing from soda bottles, wrappers and even a hub cap! I interviewed the members who participated to get their thoughts on the activity. Raymond W., Founder of TLCRs Adopt-A-Street said, “It was nice to get together with others who want to clean the street and be a part of something bigger than the Center.” I also spoke with Joseph S. who said, “That it feels good to feel a part of the community” and Diane F. said, “I enjoy participat-

ing in the Center’s activi-ties.” While participating in these kinds of activities we are also building important life skills that help us de-velop a sense of pride for our community. I agree with Bobbie M. when she said, “It is important to keep our environment around us clean, every per-son needs to do their part, pitch in and do a little ex-tra!” TLCRs Adopt-A-Street is just one of the many ways we are working to give back to the commu-nity. I will close asking you, “What are you doing to take part in the commu-nity?” -By Marcie B.

Yuma TLCR’s Adopt-A-Street

“Today is a

chance to

make

yourself

proud!”

Page 2 Turtle Times

once I set my mind to it. This job has shown me that just because I’m a dwarf and a felon doesn’t mean that I can’t work. I have to give thanks to TLCR because they never gave up on me even though I was giving up on myself. -By Skylar H.

making excuses like I’m a felon and I’m short stat-ure, I can’t do housekeep-ing. Then on 1/23/2017 went to Super 8 Motel had an interview. The next day I started working. I’ve been working for about a month. I love it. Yes, at first it was hard and chal-lenging but I can do things

In the end of 2016, I be-came a member. I started attend a jobs committee group every chance I got. Around noon Mon- Fri Ramon A. would take members out in the com-munity to look for employ-ment. I was looking for a couple of months. Then I started giving up. I kept

Member’s Success Story

clean, four kids and two

grandbabies and I am mar-

ried. I am living life how I

am supposed to not how I

was before.

-By Jospeh S.

new places. My life started

to open my eyes, started to

think of my family and not

myself. I started to go to

meetings and work and run

an honest program. Today I

have one year four months

I became a member when I

was in my addiction. I was

living a lost life with no

hope, didn’t know my pur-

pose in life until I came into

the TLCR center. I started to

meet different people and

Member’s Success Story

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“Don’t be

ashamed of

your

story…

it will

inspire

others.”

ple’s faces just as they put a smile on my own under my mask. I am so blessed and grateful to TLCR and my higher power. Thank you guys for everything! M.I.

to give back to others for what they gave to me. So when I dressed up as one of the TLCR turtles, I felt a sense of belonging to the community, being able to put smiles on kids and peo-

When I first heard about the light parade, I was dis-closed at first because I was still coming out of my shell when it came to the public. But I felt that I needed to because I want

A side of new found hope

Photo Credit by Duane L.

ing others. Once I eventu-ally transition out of the center, I will continue to return and visit to show my appreciation and grati-tude to the people that took me in when my own family wouldn’t. I give credit to my higher power for everything. Thank you TLCR! -S.D.T.

because I knew I had to move on so that someone else could step in. I had to get unstuck and grow do-ing new things. I spent time working on crafts with my kids with PSS Brandy and looking for a job. I have seen both sides of the community being the one helped and help-

The café made me feel like I had a real job to come to everyday. I enjoyed meet-ing with people, and I learned how the back of the house (restaurant lingo) operates. I’ve al-ways been a server in my life and I felt accomplished after I graduated the café. I even felt a little sad

Back into society as a better person!

Yuma TLCR’s Job Tech Graduates On Friday, February 24th, 2017 there were four new graduates for the 15th TLCR Job Tech graduation. TLCR held a graduation party for them which included cake. The graduates were Lissa G., Andrew K., Janelle Y., and Daniel Y. Lissa G. received perfect attendance which is awesome! We are all super proud of all of you! -By Shannon C.

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The Zodiac Horoscope

Aries (March 21- April 20): Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Those who are Aries are independent and courageous. They enjoy leading others and bringing excitement into the lives of others. An Aries is enthusiastic and very goal-oriented. Taurus (April 21- May 21): The second sign of the zodiac, those who are a Taurus are solid and fight for what they want. A Taurus is very easy going but can also be stubborn. A Taurus can be procrastinators but also have a good-work ethic. Gemini (May 22- June 21): Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. Gemini’s have many sides and are known for their energy. They are very talkative and are considered social butterflies. A Gemini will always take their lives in the direc-tion they want to go. Cancer (June 22- July 22): Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. This sign is marked by inconsistency. They enjoy secu-rity but also seek adventure. A Cancer is not very predictable and always keep others guessing. Leo (July 23- August 21): Leo is the fifth sign in the zodiac. Leos have high self esteem and are very devoted. They are also very kind and generous. A Leo is known for being hot tempered yet forgiving. Virgo (August 22- September 23): The sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo is very mind oriented. They are constantly analyz-ing and thinking. They enjoy bettering themselves and those around them. Libra (September 24- October 23): The seventh sign of the zodiac, Libras are known for their diplomatic nature. They get along well with everyone and are ambitious. They have very expensive taste and work hard to make money. Scorpio (October 24- November 22): The eight sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are very intense. They like to question eve-rything and work hard at making sense of things. Scorpios treat others with kindness and loyalty. Sagittarius (November 23- December 22): The ninth sign of the zodiac, a Sagittarius has a very positive outlook on life. They have vibrant personalities and enjoy meeting new people. They can also be reckless. Capricorn (December 23- January 20): The 10th sign of the zodiac, those who are Capricorns are marked by their ambi-tious nature. They have very active minds and always have to be in control of their lives. Aquarius (January 21- February 19): Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac. Aquarians don't always care what others think about them. They take each opportunity they have and work towards formulating new ideas. Pisces (February 20- March 20): Pisces is the 12th and last sign of the zodiac. Those who are Pisces are extremely sensi-tive and reserved. They like to escape from reality. A Pisces is a very good listener and friend. -By T.R.

w b h q j u v f d w k y t b b o j d n t m u l c y a h k a a g f t b y y f z q w u n n o u b a e b y n w h z q p i q v v h a e c w u f s r o i w t z k x p p i y g j t t p o t e i x r d g r y h s q t i k r m s w i v t l e e w n a t g f q u h m q v m n o a m s l w n e a n u m p a a s g x e c v r o p k o d r i f j d x g l e p n e i s u k e i p w t r s e m z g n r c r t t r m m t c m e s r y w i j e k e a o s c i r a s f e m j h o n e s t y n m e e s z c c e m a i g n i p o c c c i h s f i i v h v r o m w h x p p n n o t f h l d p o a g y d m i m r q t u f f y t w e l v e o i z p c o l q s q r s n w d d s p i r i t u a l i t y s c o d p s j c s r p k w s w l x o q m d b h j t g i b g c w o s p u z x r j d e a w m x n i n w x p q w z k o m k r r d p s b m n i g d d z z r g n d m l l x p z l n f

Recovery Word Search—By I.G. abstinence

coping dedication dreams empowering family fear fellowship honesty meetings motivation network programs recovery resources self-esteem serenity skills sober spirituality steps strength support twelve

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Ask Hollie:

Q. What part of the crisis

team bothers you if any?

A. What bothers me about

the crisis aftercare is when a member wants to get with an agency but hits a wall in access to services due to not having insurance or not qualifying for it.

Q. What do you think

about the new women’s and children’s center that TLCR is going to open and will it affects crisis aftercare?

A. I really hope the

women’s center opens. I think it is a great idea and will be so beneficial to the community. I don’t believe it will affect crisis, I think it will help the female aftercare members.

Q. What would you

change or add to crisis aftercare?

A. I would like to see the

aftercare last a little longer

than 40 days, as 40 days is

just enough time to hopefully

get them comfortable with

coming to the center, as well

as getting with an agency and

taking their first step in their

journey into recovery.

going. The people in the

community really seem to

appreciate the sack

lunches which consist of a

ham, turkey and a cheese

sandwich, chips, granola

bar, water and a Gatorade.

They also get a hygiene

bag which has useful items

such as deodorant,

toothbrush, soap, tp, and a

razor and we also include a

card and a center bro-

chure, so they will know

that there is somewhere

they can go where they

won’t be judged. The

smiles from the homeless

make all of this so worth-

while. Most of the group

who go out on Thursday to

help others have been

homeless themselves at

one time or another and

know what it feels like to

be without basic necessi-

ties because living on the

street you have no where

to put these items. I think

we would all agree that

members and staff alike

who participate on Thurs-

days get so much more

back than we give. This is a

great way to show that

you care about this com-

munity and the people in

it. Donations are accepted

please talk to Vincent or

Hollie at TLCR.

-By Shannon C.

Feeding the Homeless

It all started because a big

hearted member at TLCR,

who knows what it feels

like to live on the streets,

had an idea to go out and

feed the homeless and

give them hygiene prod-

ucts. Then they donated

$50.00 to the cause. After

that an empathetic staff

member matched it with

$50.00 and that got the

ball rolling. Staff and mem-

bers have contributed time

and donations to keep it

center manager and Hollie M. and several members arrived at 6:30 am to get everything set up. TLCR and Hope inc. were the only behavioral health agencies that attended the Stand-Down. Jesus E. and Esteban D. had a great time at the microphone announcing all the raffle winners and the winners from the door prizes. All of these prizes were donated from TLCR. One of the lo-cal barber shops called New Era offered free hair-cuts for the vets and for

the volunteers. There was a variety of goodies of-fered at all the tables be-ing offered to the vets as well. Overall the Veterans Stand-Down was a real success. TLCR is looking forward to next year. Written by Shannon C.

On Friday March 17th, 2017 St. Patrick’s day, TLCR at-tended the Veterans Stand –Down. There were vari-ous agencies that set up tables with their informa-tion from all around the Yuma area. Jesus E. TLCRs

The Veterans Stand-Down

banished from Ireland, may refer to the druids or pagan worshipers of snake or serpent gods. He is said to be buried under Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, Ireland. Luke Wadding, a Franciscan scholar born in 1588 in Waterford, on the south coast of Ireland, was influential in ensuring that the anniversary of St Pat-rick's death became a feast day in the Catholic Church. Many Catholic churches traditionally move St Pat-rick's Day to another date if March 17 falls during Holy Week. Many immi-grants from Ireland fled to other parts of the world, including Australia, Can-ada, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the 19th and 20th centu-ries. Many Irish customs, including the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, became quite popular in these countries. However, much of the interest in the St Patrick’s Day events is largely commercially driven in the 21st century. St Patrick’s Day is cele-

St. Patrick’s Day

brated in many parts of the world, especially by Irish communities and or-ganizations. Many people wear an item of green clothing on the day. Parties featuring Irish food and drinks that are dyed in green food color are part of this celebration. It is a time when children can indulge in sweets and adults can enjoy a “pint” of beer at a local pub. Many restaurants and pubs offer Irish food or drink, which include: Irish brown bread, Corned beef and cabbage, Beef and Guinness pie, Irish cream chocolate mousse cake, Irish coffee, Irish potato champ (also known as poundies, cally, or pandy), Irish stew, Irish potato soup, etc. Some people plan a pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Purgatory, which is commonly associ-ated with penance and spiritual healing since the early 13th century. It is on Station Island in Lough Derg in County Donegal where St Patrick had a vi-sion promising that all who

came to the sanctuary in penitence and faith would receive a pardon for their sins. The most common St Patrick's Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Many people choose to wear the color green and the flag of the Republic of Ireland is often seen in St Patrick’s Day parades around the world. Irish brands of drinks are popular at St Patrick’s Day events. Religious symbols include snakes and ser-pents, as well as the Celtic cross. Some say that Saint Patrick added the Sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross. Other Irish-related symbols seen on St Patrick’s Day include the harp, which was used in Ireland for centuries, as well as a mythological creature known as the lep-rechaun and a pot of gold that the leprechaun keeps hidden. -By T.R.

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St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s pa-tron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. Happy people dressed in green on the street, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in countries with people of Irish decent. St Patrick was one of the pa-tron saints of Ireland. He is said to have died on March 17 in or around the year 493. He grew up in Roman Britain, but was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave when he was a young adult. After some years he returned to his family and entered the church, like his father and grandfather before him. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary and worked in the north and west of the country. According to popu-lar legend, St Patrick rid Ire-land of snakes. However, it is thought that there have been no snakes in Ireland since the last ice age. The "snakes" that St Patrick

tory savings of what you

have amount. Civilian Mili-

tary jobs should count as

half service and credit as

much time is served.

-By David V.

Boot store along with car-

penter pants, docker pants,

also levis which they go well

with. They should be avail-

able for employable for pay

deductions later when

working worldwide and

there should be a manda-

Infinity Military Boots sell

on the computer for $20

each pair! They are perfect

for military jobs for civilians

at military wages and man-

datory allotment for jobs

worldwide. These boots can

be sold at a Tucson Military

Work Clothes for Worldwide Employees Store

Page 7 Turtle Times

Cenpatico Meeting

they spoke about their ser-

vices such as classes, em-

ployment help, transporta-

tion etc. The sixth agency

was Community Bridges

Inc. and they spoke about

case management, and

their methadone clinic etc.

The seventh agency was

Arizona Children’s Associa-

tion and they offer family

services, and help children

get medical treatment. The

eighth agency to speak

was Arizona Regional Bor-

der Health and they offer

housing, primary care

Transition Living Center

Recovery and it was Tara

spoke about referrals,

housing and the Job Tech

program. She also spoke

about the newsletter, crisis

aftercare team, and how

to become a member. The

fourth agency was HOPE

Inc. and they discussed

their groups, classes and

that they offer one on one

and family counseling, em-

ployment and transporta-

tion. The fifth agency was

Arizona Counseling and

Treatment Services and

On Tuesday February 8th,

2017 Cenpatico came to

TLCR in Yuma, Arizona to

do a presentation to intro-

duce the various agencies

in the area. The first to

speak was Horizon Health

and Wellness and they

spoke about their IOT pro-

gram. The second agency

to speak was the Cross-

road’s Mission and the

spoke about their new way

program and also their

celebrate recovery pro-

gram. The third agency to

speak was our very own

physician clinic and domes-

tic violence classes. The

ninth agency was Nazcare

and they spoke about

transportation, peer sup-

port training and help find-

ing employment. The

meeting was very interest-

ing and after the agencies

were introduced Cenpatico

answered questions from

the members. Thank you

Cenpatico for coming to

TLCR the meeting was very

informative.

-By Shannon C.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – or the luck of the Irish every day – with this slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage dinner. A perfectly sea-soned corned beef is the best Irish dinner, and this is no exception – simmered in beer, served with potatoes, carrots, and onions, and topped with an applesauce and Dijon sauce, this St. Paddy’s tradition is the perfect celebratory meal. Savings on 4 ingredient(s) Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

4 medium red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium onion, cut into 6 wedges 1 corned beef brisket with seasoning packet (2 to 2 1/2 lb) 1 can (12 oz) beer or nonalcoholic beer Water 8 thin wedges cabbage Sauce

1/4 cup applesauce

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking

spray. In cooker, place potatoes, carrots and on-ion. Top with corned beef; sprinkle with contents of seasoning packet. Add beer and enough water to just cover corned beef. 2. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 10 to 12 hours. 3. Remove corned beef from cooker; place on serving platter and cover to keep warm. Add cab-bage wedges to vegetables and broth in cooker. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 30 to 35 minutes longer or until cabbage is crisp-tender. 4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredi-

ents. 5. To serve, cut corned beef across grain into thin slices. With slotted spoon, remove vegetables from cooker. If desired, skim fat from juices in cooker. Serve vegetables with juices and corned beef with sauce. -By T.R.

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