Living Large n AUGUST 2014 1

By SARA C. VANDERLEEST Ten years of drug use and a love affair with opiates, I decided to stare down sadness and pain, look in the eye at the all-consuming slow descent into death that had become my life. The truth was, at one point heroin worked for me. I know, you’re not supposed to say things like that but let’s be real, I did not think there was any other option, than death or escape… Es-cape meant heroin. I chose to live, I chose to escape. Onthatfirstdayofwhatbecamemy recovery, I had to mourn my drug, its absence from my life. Like some sort of Stockholm syndrome, I had fallen in love with my captor, and now missed its abusive but all-encompassing power it had over me. Now what was supposed to get me out of bed? What was going to put me to sleep? What would make me feel love or a sense of closeness to others?

I had to look in the mirror and stare down the damage, two sons, one placed for adoption on the day he was born, another living with his father, and a daughter who for the first two years of her precious lifehad an opiate addicted mother. I felt overwhelmed with the trail of lies and broken trust, everywhere a sea of disappointed eyes that I couldn’t rebuke. With the same tenacity that I had in my using days, I tackled recovery, when traditional meth-ods did not seem to work for me, I searched on my own, I utilized a Dialectical Behavior therapy group, I started gardening, and I really dug

into past traumas and learned how to rescue myself. I was inspired to start helping others and advocating for vulnerable populations. I found PASSION, I believed in a world

and universe greater than the one I thought was available to me. Six years after that fateful firstday, now working as a Recovery Coach, working with two non-prof-its, and speaking nationally on trau-ma informed care and its impact on system change. Knowing that I have a voice that is being listened to has become my passion and calling. As I look at my three beautiful children, I also look back on my struggle, traumas and recklessness with a strange sense of fondness. Without them I know I would not be the mother, advocate and friend that I have become. People in recovery are the brav-est group I have ever known, we take trauma and pain and face it head on, we overcome, learn, and grow. We become self-aware; we champion the recovery of those suffering around us. We utilize our strengths to heal each other’s broken wounds; we are proud but humble, strong and ever changing. A group I am proud to be a part of.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Living LargeAUGUST 2014 DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN RECOVERY

“I chose to live, I chose to escape.”

RECOVERY IS BRAVE

RecoveryALL IES

ADVOCATE • CELEBRATE • EDUCATE

A PUBLICATION OF RECOVERY ALLIES OF WEST MICHIGAN

2 From our Partners Perspective

3 Recovery Homes and Resources

4 Chef Kevin’s Kitchen Felony-Friendly Employers

5 Upcoming Training & Events From the 49507

6 Alano Club Meetings Directory

7 Support Group Directory

8 Featured Board Member Meet Our Board Members

and Staff

Assistant Director

recoveryallies.usKevin McLaughlin, Executive Director Sara Vanderleest, Assistant Director

Recovery Community Organization (RCO)Phone: 616-262-8531• Email: kevin@recoveryallies.us

AUGUST 2014 n Living Large 2

My name is Kevin McLaughlin and I am a person in long-term recovery, which for me, means I have not had a drink or used a drug in 11 years. That is how I prefer to introduce myself today. There are over 25 million Americans in recovery today in the United States. I am proud to be one of them. Although not every one of us is able to say it publicly, if the rest of us do, the health issue of addiction will come out of the shadows and into the light. By standing up and saying “I am in recovery”, I am sharing with the world that addiction treatment does work, that people can get well, there is indeed life after addiction. It’s safe to say that there is a revolution happening in America today. I am the executive director of Recovery Allies of West Michigan. Recovery Allies is a grass roots organization that is for the people, by the people. We are considered a “peer run organization” and have 501 c3 nonprofit status. We are funded byindividuals and families affected by addiction, by private philanthropy and grants issued by the state for peer run organizations as well as various other organizations that want to see change. We are one of over 95 in the nation at this time and have taken many cues from those that have been doing it for a long time. We Advocate, Celebrate and Educate (ACE). The national RCO Faces and Voices of Recovery have this on their web site: “Recovery community organizations (RCOs) are the heart and soul of the recovery movement. In the last ten years, RCOs have proliferated throughout the

US. They are demonstrating leadership in their towns, cities and states as well as on the national landscape. They have become major hubs for recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, carrying out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and becoming players in systems change initiatives. Many are also providing peer-based recovery support services. RCOs share a recovery vision, authenticity of voice and are independent, serving as a bridge between diverse communities of recovery, the addiction treatment community, governmental agencies, the criminal justice system, the larger network of health and human services providers and systems and the broader recovery support resources of the extended community.” The vision we have includes opening a Recovery Community Center (RCC). The center is much like a welcome center at the state line. If you want to enter recovery, this is the place to start. Phil Valentine of CCAR wrote a paper on this topic and I want to quote him: “A Recovery Community Center (RCC) is a recovery oriented sanctuary anchored in the heart of the community. It exists to put a face on recovery, to build recovery capital and to serve as a physical location where CCAR (Recovery Allies) can organize the local recovery community’s ability to care. A RCC is not a treatment agency; it is not a 12-Step Club and it is not a drop-in center although aspects of all of these are apparent. A RCC will deliver peer-to-peer recovery support services using its volunteer force as the deliverers

of these services. A RCC is not a place for people to simply hang out, watch TV, play cards or pool and attend a daily meeting. We are not seeking to duplicate existing resources. Yet, an RCC will host specific social events. A RCC is not a drop-in center whose primary purpose is to refer and help people get into treatment. Obviously, people in need of help will enter the RCC and we will do everything in our power to assist them.” One of our goals is to put faces and voices to recovery. Can you imagine if 25 million Americans shared their story of recovery? There is a quote in the movie “the Anonymous People” by Senator Patrick Kennedy saying “we could end this thing overnight!” We must wherever possible share our story of recovery. You may wonder why I have italicized the word recovery. I was told that anything in italics must be important. The word recovery is indeed important. Recovery Allies is what is known as a “Recovery Community Organization” or an RCO for short. The field of addictioncan be divided into three parts, prevention, treatment and recovery supports. All are

critical and provide specific needs to ourcommunity and to the individual. Recovery Allies is one of many components to the “recovery supports” piece. Another of our goals is to bring pockets of or community together that supports recovery. We know that many things can threaten a person’s early recovery, everything from a billboard to a college campus.Byfindingandbringingtogetheranyone and everything that supports recovery we can create an environment that is safe and increase the likelihood of recovery taking hold. We know that those exposed to addiction are more likely to experience it. We also know that those exposed to recovery for long periods are also more likely to experience it! There are many forces at work here. This is a time of great and much needed change. Our system of treatment and lack of long-term supports is why most people aren’tabletorecoverthefirsttimearoundand why many never recover. We need to address many elements of the problem and of the solution at the same time. Some of those elements are the funding for treatment and long term recovery supports, the language we use and the stigma and shame behind why many of us are reluctant to share our recovery with other. We will talk more about all of this in future issues of Living Large. The message I really want to send is that we know people have a much better chance of sustainable recovery with help. The term “recovery supports” is exactly what that is, support in your recovery. We will accomplish this if we….. Advocate, Celebrate and Educate!!!

FROM THE DIRECTORBy Kevin McLaughlin

FROM OUR PARTNERS PERSPECTIVEBy Amanda Tarantowski

As I sat in the interview chair the Substance Use Planning Director, Mark Witte, asked me, “So…what’s your philosophy related to substance use?” Using my current work in oncology as a reference point, I responded, “I see substance use as a chronic health condition. After active treatment for oncology patients we have an entire regimen of structured follow-up, including periodic medical check-in’s, peer-support services, advocacy groups, fundraising run/walks and a nationally recognized day dedicated specifically tocelebrating cancer survivors. There has been research that shows that cancer patients experience the highest amounts of anxiety at two points, the day of diagnosis, and the day that active treatment stops. Thesefindingsarewhatledustoinstitutethis support structure…but…when I think about the field of addiction, I’mnot surewhat happens for most people after they

leave detox, or a treatment center.” Mark told me later that it was this answer that landed me the job as the Substance Use Contract Manager, in spite of (what I believed was) minimal experience in the fieldofaddiction. The past year has been a whirlwind of learning for me… but one of my most memorable experiences thus far was the opportunity to observe an entire Recovery Coach training session. As a licensed MSW, I must admit that I was unsure at first. Ihavealwaysbelieved in thepowerof peers, but I was nervous about coaches providing therapy for clients. The training completely eradicated these concerns. The trainers spoke clearly about what a coach contributes to a therapeutic team, about how to effectively use their “lived experiences”, and about the importance of “staying in your lane”. I left the training thinking to myself…” I wish that more

therapists would remember to stay in their lane!” I also left the training having met some wonderful people in various stages of recovery who are doing some amazing things in our community. Looking ahead, we have our work cut out for us in terms of educating the public about the nature of addiction… that is a chronic health condition, that trauma more often than not, plays a role in its initiation or continuance, and about what evidence-

based treatments are proven to help to arrest this illness. It will take a community of advocates – physicians, therapists, legislators and peers – to tackle this daunting task. Much of this big work begins with small steps… educating and training coaches, strengthening the many paths to recovery, and celebrating those who are survivors. Groups such as Recovery Allies of West Michigan and events like Recovery Palooza have begun this essential step-by-step work in Kent County. I still believe what I said in my interview, I dream of a day when substance use is treated in the same way as diabetes or heart disease or cancer. And I believe that it can happen soon, which is why I am so excited about my new role, and am so blessed to be working alongside so many survivors in recovery. Let’s do this work together!

Amanda TarantowskiL.M.S.W., Contract Manager, Substance Use Division, NW180

Kevin McLaughlinExecutive Director,Recovery Allies of Michigan

Living Large n AUGUST 2014 3

RECOVERY HOMESRECOVERY HOMESUNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY HEALTH FIRST STEP HOUSE – WOMAN’S HOME Contact: Rose Simmons Phone: 616-452-3226 Ext. 3037 Mailing Address: 904 Sheldon Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 E-mail: rsimmons@umchousegr.org Website: umchousegr.org Home Address: 922 Sheldon Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

HOUSE OF BLESSINGS – WOMAN’S HOME Contact: Shellie Cole-Mickens Phone: Update soon! Address: 938 Humbolt Street Southeast Grand Rapids, MI 49507 918 Hall Street Southeast Grand Rapids, MI 49507

NEXT PHASE – WOMAN’S HOME Contact: Freddy Martin Phone: 616.450.0686 Address: 368 Senora Ave Southeast Grand Rapids, MI 49508

SACRED BEGINNINGS – WOMAN’S HOMES Contact: Leslie Borrego Phone: 616-890-8278 E-mail: leslieborrego@gmail.com Home Address: 1165 Hermitage SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 1366 Elliott SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Website: www.sbtp.org

STEP FORWARD RECOVERY HOMES Address: Grandville Area Contact: Jo Ringnalda Phone: 616-662-0881

THE COMFORT HOME Address: South East Grand Rapids area Contact: Ron and Laurie DeBose Phone: 616-459-1930

MY SISTER’S HOUSE (WOMEN IN RECOVERY) Address:761 Bridge Street NW Phone: 616-235-0223

RECOVERY ROAD LLC – MEN’S AND WOMEN’S HOMES Contact: Shelly Demull Phone: 888-588-0434 Website: recoveryroadllc.com Home Address: 961 Alpine NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 3036 Perry SW Wyoming, MI 49519

HOPE HOUSE – MEN’S HOME Contact: Matt Matlock

Phone: 616-915-4664 or 616-246-6369 Mailing Address: 1036 Alexander SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

NEXT PHASE RECOVERY – MEN’S HOME Contact: Freddy Martin Phone: 616-450-0686 Address: 1145 Alexander SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

RECOVERY ROAD CHARITIES – TWO HOUSES FOR MEN Address: Alpine and Kentwood locations Contact: Cameron Stockwell Phone: 616-915-0594

FAITH CHARITY RECOVERY CENTER – COUPLES HOME Address: 2219 Horton Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Contact: Dan or ZoeAnn

Phone: 616-247-4744 or 616-808-5106

TOUCHSTONE RECOVERY Address: 138 Travis St SE Contact: Kevin O’Hare Phone: 616-558-4958, Cell: 734-309-3091

PINE REST JELLEMA HOUSE Contact: Derrick Jackson Phone: 616-222-6861 Mailing Address: 523 Lyon Street Grand Rapids, MI 49508

BUILDING MEN FOR LIFE Address: Ottawa County Contact: Jeff Vantrees Phone: 616-393-2188

GRAND RECOVERY Address: PO Box 1060, Grand Rapids, MI Contact: Sanford Cummings Phone: 616-516-6537

2014 Sponsorship Registration FormLocation: Ah-Nab-Awen- Grand Rapids, MI.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 25, 2014

Contact Information(All correspondence will be sent to this person.)

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name: _____________________________________________ Title: ________________________________

Company: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________ City:_____________________ Zip: ________

Phone: _________________________ Fax: _________________________ Email: _____________________

On-Site Contact (day of event), if different from person above:

Name: _____________________________________________ Title: ________________________________

Phone: _________________________ Cell: _________________________ Email: _____________________

*PLEASE SEE Sponsorship Packet (for specifics concerning benefits and levels of sponsorship)

*Indicate below your choice of Sponsorship:

I will support the National Recovery Month at level _____

Our organization will support National Recovery Month at level _____

PAYMENT – CIRCLE ONE: CASH CHECK MONEY ORDER Total amount due:___________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ Date:______________________

Make Checks Payable to: NCADD-GDA Payment is due in full (sorry no refunds).

Return form and payment to NCADD-GDA, Attn: MI Celebrate Recovery XIV2400 E. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48212

313-868-1340 office, 313-865-8951 fax

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of treatment for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. Your contribution makes it possible for

these vitally important messages to be heard.

The Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk & Rally XIV celebrates and honors the successes ofthe millions of Americans in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. Join people in

recovery, their family members and friends, addiction treatment professionals and others inspeaking out about the reality of recovery.

MICHIGAN CELEBRATE RECOVERY WALK & RALLY XIV PARTNERSNational Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Greater Detroit Area | CARE | Macomb County Office of

Substance Abuse | Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards | Michigan Association of SubstanceAbuse Coordinating Agencies (MASACA) | Partnership for a Drug Free Detroit | Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center| Detroit Recovery Project | Detroit Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment &

Recovery | Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) | Oakland County Health Division | Spectrum | Doorwayto Recovery |St. John Eastwood | Project Vox | Touchstone Recovery | Genesee County Mental Health | Network 180 |

Prevention Network | Al-Anon | Recovery Allies of West Michigan

MICHIGAN CELEBRATE RECOVERY WALK & RALLY XIV PARTNERSNational Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Greater Detroit Area | CARE | Macomb County Office of

Substance Abuse | Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards | Michigan Association of SubstanceAbuse Coordinating Agencies (MASACA) | Partnership for a Drug Free Detroit | Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center

| Detroit Recovery Project | Detroit Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment &Recovery | Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) | Oakland County Health Division | Spectrum | Doorwayto Recovery |St. John Eastwood | Project Vox | Touchstone Recovery | Genesee County Mental Health | Network 180 |

Prevention Network | Al-Anon | Recovery Allies of West Michigan

AUGUST 2014 n Living Large 4

Ahhh… It’s a beautiful day. The sky is blue. The air is warm. It’s the weekend. All the yard work is done. I have the grill tool in my left hand and, wait! Nothing in my right hand?!? Oh no, I feel incomplete. I do not know how to cook outside with my right hand empty! Seriously though, this is a pretty realistic scenario that may cause us to consider drinking if not actually drink. I remember after being sober for a while, standing next to the grill on a Friday evening by the lake, listening to the powerboat scream across the lake and saying, “You know what? This is ridiculous. I drink. It’s how I unwind, it’s how I have fun, and it’s how I cook. I’m just that guy who drinks on a Friday.” Six hours later, I was in jail. I could have been better prepared for that moment. I know many of us heading into the summer months will have a similar moment. If I drill down to the truth, I drank all year long. I didn’t drink any more because it was summer. I think drinking more frequently in the summer is common for people that aren’t alcoholics and I took advantage of that. I blended in a little. One more truth I get a kick out of is the fact that walking in the hot sun pushing a mower in one hand while holding a beer in the other was fun. It was not. The truth is that the beer got all shook up, got hot and tasted awful. Ahhh summer… Now I’m going to stand out. If I go to all of the same functions and get-togethers and politely say, “No thanks,” people will notice. It’s really important to lay lowforawhile.ThefirstyearIdidn’tdomuchsummersocializing. Nevertheless there were some get-togethers I should have and did attend, like Mothers’ Day, birthdays and going-away parties. I did not do the typical drinking events like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Easier to explain why I couldn’t come than why I wasn’t drinking. So back to what to do with that empty hand. Many people in early recovery feel the need to fill the handwith a new beverage. I’ve never heard of that being a bad idea. I have a list of typical choices and why I think they areeithergoodorbad.Thefirstonthebadlistisnon-alcoholic beer. Filling the space with that is a bad idea. As someone once told me, “Of course we can’t drink that. It says right on the label that it’s for non-alcoholics!” It contains alcohol. Period. Second on the list is any beverage served in a rocks glass. It may seem like a good ideaatfirst,maybetoblendinorwhatever.Ifoundthatnot only is it easy to mistake your glass for someone else’s it’s kind of like a little piece of denial. Pretending is not good for me now. I need to see thing as they are. It’s good for me. Secondon the listofbadarecertainflavorsofpop(called soda in the rest of the world). The two main reasons are sugar and caffeine. Sugar is bad for so many reasons I don’t have enough time or room to go into it. Let’s just say it makes us feel better initially, then restless, irritable, and discontent shortly thereafter. The second

reason is the caffeine. Caffeine is a drug. I talk to so many people in early recovery that can’t sleep and are anxious as heck.My first question is, “Howmuch caffeine areyou drinking?” The answers never surprise me neither does the quantity. When the young lady shared with me what her anxiety causes her to feel like, she in essence, described a panic attack. I asked her how much soda shewasdrinkingandwhatisyourdrinkofchoice?’Heranswer was Diet Coke™ and no more than two 2-liters a day. I suggested she might just cut back a little… Turns out, she has insomnia. Can’t sleep so she needs something to help stay awake. Too much “help” staying awake and not able to sleep. It’s a very typical cycle many people are in, regardless of alcohol or drug addiction. I think one soda a day is realistic. Drinking Diet Coke™ all evening at a party can cause a headache. I went to listen to a band with friends one night, and drank diet soda the whole time. Turns out the combination of talking over loud music in a smoky bar and too much soda with caffeine can cause a hangover. I felt like I was hit by a truck the next day! Again, water would have been a better choice. Squirt™ orFresca™areprettysafechoices.Theyhaveflavor,nocaffeine, bubbles (we just like a party!) and lower sugar than most. The fruit soda like orange or grape Crush™ have more sugar than twice the daily allowance, around 11 teaspoons. That’s the same as 17 Chips Ahoy™ cookies! My least favorite of the soda choices is Mountain Dew™. It is the natural choice for many in recovery because it satisfies theneed for sugar and replacing theneed forsleep. It contains more caffeine than any other soda. On the list of good beverage choices is water. I really had to get used to drinking it. Once my thirst was quenched, casually sipping for the sake of sipping was just plain boring. Reasons it’s good – it’s one of the only beverages that actually does quench your thirst; we need it to survive; the majority of our bodies are made up of water; and it’s cheap or even free. I think it’s funny that the more they take out of water the more it costs. If you dare drink from a tap you’ll get more minerals and actually pay nothing!. If you’re not a big fan of plain old water, then add a wedge of some kind of fruit. For some other quick quenchers, keep a good supply of juices, sodas and seltzers on hand to help create instant refreshment without fuss and to relieve the beverage boredom. Mix and match your own combinations but just be sure to refrain from using any mixer that may be a personal trigger for you. Themainissueisthatifweneedtofillourhandwithsomething or give ourselves a treat after mowing the lawn, there are good choices and bad. I have found that over time, it is not necessary for me to have something in myhandtofitin.Believeitornotyoumaynotbetheonlyone not drinking alcohol. I know it’s shocking, but lots of people don’t drink! Enjoy summer!!

Here are a few quick quencher ideas from The Sober Kitchen cookbook!ORANGEADE: 2 parts orange juice, 1 part seltzer or club sodaGRAPEFRUIT COOLER: 3 parts grapefruit juice, 1 part seltzer or club sodaPINEAPPLE PUNCH: 1 part pineapple juice, 1 part orange juice, 1 part ginger aleWHITE GRAPE PUNCH: 2 parts white grape juice, 1 part seltzer or club soda, lemonSome other fun beverages to make are homemade lemon- or limeade. If you have a

blender, fruit smoothies are also a good choice. Just go easy on the sugar and don’t drink them in a margarita glass! Here are some easy summer recipes:STRAWBERRY-BANANA SMOOTHIE 1 c. fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 ripe banana, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1 c. milkLIMEADE 1 c. fresh lime juice, ¼ c. sugar, 3 c. cold waterORANGE CREAMSICLE SMOOTHIE 1 scoop orange sherbet or sorbet, 8 oz vanilla yogurt, 1 Tbsp honey, ¼ c. milk

From Chef Kevin’s Kitchen:Does the left hand know what the right hand isn’t doing?

Chef Kevin

FELONY-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERSAXIOS INCORPORATED 528 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504ADECCO 1140 Monroe Ave Grand Rapids, MI49505EXPRESS PERSONNEL 2330 44th St, Se Suite 1A Grand Rapids, MI 49508UNITED CHURCH OUTREACH MINISTRIES 631 Hall Street Grand Rapids, MI 49503JUBILEE JOBS INC. 935 Baxter St. Se Grand Rapids, MI 49506EMPLOYMENT GROUP 3230 Broadmoor Ave. Se Suite A Grand Rapid, MI 49512TROY TECH CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES INC. 1000 3 mile Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49512VAN ANDEL ARENA 130 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49503GOOD WILL INDUSTRIESLABOR READY 2438 28th SE Wyoming, MI 49519BEACON SERVICES 4595 Broadmoor Ave, SE Suite 180 Grand Rapids, MI 49512STAFFING INCORPORATED 528 Bridge St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504AMERITEMP STAFFING 6151 28th St. Se Suite 9 Grand Rapids, MI 49546AEROTEK 4665 44th St. Se Kentwood, MI 49512ADVANCE EMPLOYMENT 3160 Breton Rd. Se Grand Rapids, MI 49512GILL INDUSTRIES 4328 Kalamazoo Ave. Se Grand Rapids, MI 49508

CLEANING COMPANIESAWWARD WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE 3552 Rodger B. Chafee Grand Rapids, MIBYERS D C COMPANY 5946 Clay SW Grand Rapids, MI

AUTOMOTIVEMUFFLER MAN AUTO REPAIR CENTER 3300 28th St SE Kentwood, MICARQUEST AUTO PARTS STORES 801 Michigan Ne 3554 Alpine NW 6015 S. Division Se 2417 Northville Dr. NE 5007 28th St

AUTO SOURCE 1408 Hall St. SE Grand Rapids, MITALENT TREE 4328 Kalamazoo SE

MANUFACTURING/FACTORIES/WAREHOUSESMODERN ROOFING 4741 21st Dorr, MI Contact PaulAMERISUITES 5401 28th Ct. Grand Rapids, MI 49546RANIER 4701 East Paris Grand Rapids, MI 49546PRO FINISH POWDER COATING 1000 Ken-O-Sha Ind’l Dr. Se Grand Rapids, MI 49508PHILLIPS AND MEAD PAINTING 215 Sweet St. SE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505VI-CHEM CORPORATION 55 Cottage Grove St. Se Grand Rapids, MI 49507N-K MANUFACTURING TECH 1134 Freeman SW Grand Rapids, MI BUTTERBALL FARMS 1435 Buchanan SW Grand Rapids, MI AIMS FINANCIAL 4595 Broadmoore E Suite 297 Kentwood, MI 49512PRECISION FINISHING 1010 Chicago Dr. Grand Rapids, MIDEN KETELAAR PLUMBING 883 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MILEON PLASTICS 4901 Clay SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548PRIDGEON AND CLAY 50 Cottage Grove SW Grand Rapids, MI 49507SUPERIOR ASPHALT 699 Century SW Grand Rapids, MIERIE CONSTRUCTION 44th St Grand Rapids, MIB & G MOLD ENGINEERING INC. 2851 Prairie Grand Rapids, MI 49509CHALLENGE INDUSTRIES 3079 3 Mile Rd Grand Rapids, MI 49544

RESTAURANTSJIMMY JOHNS 63 Monroe CenterQuizno’s Sub 146 Monroe CenterSUBWAY 1202 Fulton St. W

OLGA’S KITCHEN 3195 28th StFIRE MOUNTAIN 3725 Alpine NWWING HEAVENARNIES RESTAURANT AND BAKERY 710 Leonard St. NWBS’S MONGOLIAN BARBECUE 2619 28th St.BELTLINE BAR 16 28th St. Se BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL AND BAR 2035 28th St. Se 2121 Celebrations Ave Bob Evans 3766 Potomac Cr. GrandvilleCARLOS O’KELLY MEXICAN CAFÉ 4977 28th StreetCHECKERS RESTAURANT 1131 Michigan NETGI FRIDAYS 3345 28th St. Se LITTLE CAESAR’S RESTAURANTSNEW BEGINNINGS RESTAURANT’SKENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN 28th Street MONGOLIAN BBQ 2619 28th StreetCHILI’S BAR GRILL River town Crossings MallE3 BISTRO 3075 28th Street SWFIRE MOUNTAIN 3725 Alpine NWBIG BOY RESTAURANTS

MOVING COMPANIESFORT KNOX STORAGE AND MOVING INC. 1514 Jefferson Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506BIG BROTHER 3470 Roger B. Chaffe Grand Rapids, MITWO MEN AND A TRUCK 912 47th St Grand Rapids, MISTATUS DELIVERY 4156 Danvers Court SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512ALLIED VAN LINES Contact: Philo Frost

STORESADMIRAL TOBACCO 2333 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512MC SPORTS 3070 Shaffer SE Kentwood, MI 49512EASTSIDE TATTOOS 1409 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506THE HOME DEPOT 257 54th ST Wyoming, MI 49548

Living Large n AUGUST 2014 5

UPCOMING TRAINING & EVENTS

ADVOCACY TRAINING, HOSTED BY RECOVERY ALLIES OF WEST MICHIGAN JULY 25, 2014, 8:AM-4:30PM NORTH CLUB, BALCONY FACILITATED BY STEVEN SAMRA MPS CALL 616-254-9988 FOR REGISTRATION INFO

About This Training With this training you will learn how to:

n Identify and discuss individual, family, and community (local, state and/or national) concerns that impact peers. n Formulate an attainable plan of action in response to a community health need. n Identify and describe local and national resources to effectively advocate for the well-being of consumers/peers, families and communities n Communicate effectively with community groups and various forms of media. n Find and use evidence and date to communicate, educate, affect attitude change, and/or obtain funding to achieve specific health/project/ outcomes n Identify and communicate with key legislators, community leaders, child advocates, and/or agency administrators and child and family health concerns. n Describe the steps necessary to mobilize for action and advocacy

About Steven Samra, MPA Steven is an Associate at the Center for Social Innovation. After entering recovery in 1999 from homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges, Steven has dedicated his career to assisting and advocating for marginalized, disenfranchised populations. He serves as Deputy Director and Consumer Advisor on SAMHSA’s Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) and has served in leadership capacities for SAMHSA on

HHRN, PATH and SSH consumer involvement roles. He Lives in Nashville, TN where he co-founded a street newspaper, The Contributor, and serves as an appointed Commissioner on the Nashville Metropolitan Homelessness Commission.

The cost of this training is $40.

RECOVERY COACH ACADEMY AUGUST 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 8:30AM-4PM 1020 COLLEGE AVE NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 CALL 616-262-8531 FOR REGISTRATION INFO

About This Training Recovery Allies of West Michigan is hosting the RCA five-day training opportunity. The training is designed to prepare participants for employment as a Recovery Coach as well as inform those that want to attend that may not be seeking employment as one. The training will provide participants with an in-depth and comprehensive training experience focused on the development of the skills required for a person to responsibly provide the services of a Recovery Coach. The training will provide participants tools and resources useful in providing recovery support services and will emphasize skills needed to link people in recovery to needed supports within the community.

Learning Objectives: n Describe the roles and functions of a Recovery Coach n List the components, core values and guiding principles of recovery n Build skills to enhance relationships n Discuss co-occurring disorders and medicated- assisted recovery n Describe stages of change and their applications n Address ethical issues n Experience wellness planning n Practice newly-acquired skills

Who Should Attend: The RCA is open to individuals who have an interest in providing support, mentorship, and guidance to persons with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. Individuals who are interested in the RCA must be approved for participation by their employer, a coordinating agency or endorsed by someone in the community that

can speak as a reference. RCA participants should themselves be individuals in stable recovery, as it is important to those served that their coach have a personal understanding of addiction and recovery.

The cost of this training is $400 and worth 32 MCBAP hours. Lunch is included.

Call 616-262-8531 for registration information.

WESTERN MICHIGAN RECOVERY GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 23, 2014 1:30PM, SHOTGUN START SCOTT LAKE COUNTRY CLUB 911 HAYES RD., NE COMSTOCK PARK, MI 49321 CALL KEVIN O’NEILL AT 616-301-1491, OR EMAIL KEVINO.ALANOCLUB@YAHOO.COM FOR REGISTRATION INFO

About This Event We are looking for sponsors, golfers, donations, and dinner guests! Please help us sustain our successful recovery programs.

Are you a freind of recovery? Are you an employer? Are you an agency that utilizes the services that the alano Clubs offer by sending your Clients to meetings here? Are you a health system that refers patients to our many programs? All the programs we offer are free. Thousands of individuals walk through our doors each and every year. We are an established, necessary resource, a vlaue to the community, ansd we are local. We need your help in order to continue providing these services to the community. Recovery IS possible, and with your support, our mission of keeping the doors open for the new person in recovery happens.

The Alano Clubs are 501(c)3 non-profit corporations. All donations are tax-exempt as allowed by law.

MICHIGAN CELEBRATE RECOVERY PALOOZA SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 AH-NAB-AWEN PARK MICHIGANCELEBRATERECOVERY.ORG

About This Event People in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, their families, friends, addiction treatment professionals, elected officials and other allies will be coming together from across the Great Lakes Region on September 20, 2014 to celebrate recovery as part of National Recovery Month.

We’re excited to invite you to join us as a sponsor of Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk & Rally XIIII for our annual march and rally. Join us in celebrating the reality of recovery and communicating the need for services and supports to make it possible for even more of our friends and neighbors to get the help they need to recover and give back to our communities.

Who participates?

Individuals in recovery, their family members and friends, addiction treatment professionals, prevention professionals, and the many others who support healthy communities are all welcome!

The goal

Demonstrate to our friends and neighbors, policy makers and the media that we can and do recover from addiction to alcohol and other drugs and that when we get well, it benefits our families, communities and nation. Prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover.

RecoveryALL IES

ADVOCATE • CELEBRATE • EDUCATE

The Alano Club mission is to serve those recovering from addiction by providing a welcoming place

to support meetings and fellowship

M,T,W,F,Sun 8am-9:30pm • Th 8 am-7pm • Sat 8am-2pm

AUGUST 2014 n Living Large 6

SUNDAY 9:30 am Balcony Sunday Morning Group 9:30 am 1 Expect A Miracle 9:30 am 2 Al-Anon Sun A.M. 9:30 am 3 Breakfast Group - C n No Noon Meeting On Sundays 2:00 pm A Sunday Serenity Group 3:30 pm A Sun Big Book Study 5:30 pm Balcony Friendship Group - C 7:00 pm 3 Alanon Book Study 8:00 pm Balcony Young People’s AA 8:00 pm B Sun Night Beginners Group 8:00 pm 5 AA 12 & 12 8:00 pm 2 Sunday Night Open Al-Anon

MONDAY 9:00 am A Eye Opener Group 9:00 am 2 Al-Anon Step To Serenity 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy Noon Balcony Noon Balcony Group Noon A AA Lunch Group - C Noon A AA Lunch Group - C Noon 1 Surrender Group Noon 3 No First Drink Noon 4 Noon Promises Group Noon 5 Keep On Growing Womens Stag Noon B NA–Keep Coming Back 4:00 pm 4 Food Addicts Awol Group 5:30 pm Balcony Friendship Group - C

5:30 pm B Free Pizza Group 8:00 pm A Monday Nite AA 8:00 pm Balcony Life Club Group (Mens)- C 8:00 pm 3 NA Open To Change

TUESDAY 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy 9:00 am A Eyeopener Group Noon Balcony Noon Balcony Group Noon B Aa Beginners Group - C Noon A Aa Group -Issues & Tissues Noon 1 Surrender Group Noon 2 Al-Anon Noon 3 No First Drink Noon 4 Noon Promises Group 4:00 pm Balcony Food Addicts 5:30 pm 1 Friendship Group - C 5:30 pm B Free Pizza Group 6:00 pm 3 Womens Way Thru Steps - C 8:00 pm 2 Al-Anon Tues Step Mtg 8:00 pm 3 24 Hours Grouup

WEDNESDAY 9:00 am A Eyeopener Group 9:00 am 2 Courage To Change (Al-Anon) 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy Noon Balcony Noon Balcony Group Noon A Aa Lunch Group - C Noon 1 Surrender Group

Noon 3 No First Drink Noon 2 Al-Anon Noon B Na-Keep Coming Back 5:30 pm Balcony Friendship Group - C 5:30 pm B Free Pizza Group 6:00 pm 2 Alanon 7:00 pm Library Our Primary Purpose -Aa 8:00 pm A Womens Big Book Study 8:00 pm 1 Men’s Stag- Exp, Str, Hope -C 8:00 pm 3 Barefoot Group- Open 8:00 pm B Bond Street Group (Mens)-C 8:00 pm 2 Al-Anon Wed Mens Stag

THURSDAY 9:00 am A Eyeopener Group 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy Noon Balcony Noon Balcony Group Noon A Aa Lunch Group - C Noon 1 Surrender Group Noon 3 No First Drink Noon 4 Noon Promises Group Noon 2 Al-Anon 5:30 pm Balcony Friendship Group - C 5:30 pm B Free Pizza Group n Club Closes At 7:00 pm

FRIDAY 9:00 am A Eyeopener Group 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy Group

9:00 am 2 Stepping Stones (Al-Anon) Noon 2 Al-Anon Noon Balcony Noon Balcony Group Noon A Aa Lunch Group - C Noon B Na-Keep Coming Back Noon 1 Surrender Group Noon 3 No First Drink Noon 4 Noon Promises Group Noon 5 12 & 12 Study (Open) Noon 2 Alanon Women’s Stag 5:30 pm 1 Friendship Group - C 5:30 pm B Free Pizza Group 7:00 pm Balcony Kcco Speakers Meeting 8:00 pm 1 Mens Stag- Honesty Group 8:00 pm A Fri Night Aa (Mixed) 8:00 pm 2 Fri Night Open Al-Anon

SATURDAY 8:00 am Balcony Food Addicts 9:00 am A Eyeopener Group 9:00 am 1 Breathe Easy Group 9:00 am 3 John Wayne - Men’s Stag - C 11:00 am B Nicotine Anonymous Noon 1 Surrender Group Noon Balcony Men’s Stag Noon 2 Al-Anon Sat Sunshine Noon 3 Sat Noon Men’s Stag n Club Closes At 2:00 pm

ALANO CLUB MEETINGS – KENT COUNTY NON-SMOKING FACILITY. CLOSED MEETINGS – C.GR.ALANOCLUB.ORG

By CLYDE SIMS, ‘SOLDIER BOY’ We are fortunate at this time, to play a part in the “Recovery Movement”. In our community, the need to educate on the perils of Addiction, particularly with substance misuse is urgent. The news is that, we have a wealth of role models, who have and are overcoming this dilemma. Through these people, and the RECOVERY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, we have the opportunity to be a part of the great movement. Many of our problems in society, are directly or indirectly connected to substance misuse, legal and illegal. It is vital that our schools, faith based organizations, city and county officials get on board. I know that churches can play a significant role, in the leading ofour city in the area, the inner city, where I reside, needs intensive care in the area of recovery, as our whole nation does. This is a shout out, to inform all of our readers, that peers and recovery coaches are prepared to help educate, motivate, and walk along with individuals, and organizations that are ready to help us improve lives, and our communities. The statistics prove that our jails, prisons, and hospitals are overburdened with people needing to be healed and a large percentage of the people have drugs and/or alcohol as a major contributor.

We need everyone’s help in making a difference, so again, contact the RCO, to give input, resources and ideas.

From the 49507

“The inner city, where I reside, needs intensive

care in the area of recovery,

as our whole nation does.”

Advocacy T-Shirts! They start some conversations,

that’s for sure!

Only $20

Cameron Stockwell1961 - 2014

May we all continue hislegacy of advocacy forthe recovering person

and his love for all people!

Proceeds benefit Recovery Allies.

Get yours today! Call

616-254-9988

Living Large n AUGUST 2014 7

SUPPORT GROUPSADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org First Tues/Month 7:00-8:30pm Hair Pulling/Skin Picking Support Group

ADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org 3rd Tues/Month 7:00-8:30pm Adult Hoarding Support Group

ADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm Adults with Anxiety Problems

ADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org 3rd Tues/Month 7:00-8:30pm Tourette’s Syndrom Support Group

ADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org 1st Monday/Month 5:30-6:30pm Teen Group, General Anxiety

ADULT COMPULSIVE SUPPORT GROUP - GRAND RAPIDS

312 Grandville Ave Grand Rapids, MI director@anxietyresourcecenter.org 2nd & 4th Thurs/Month 7:00-8:30pm Adult OCD Support Group

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

671 Davis NW Room 116 Grand Rapids, MI Tuesday

10:00am Steepletown Center

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Tammy 2655 Eastern Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI Wednesday 10:00am Alger Christian Reformed Church

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Kelli 1025 3 Mile Rd NE Grand Rapids, MI Monday 7:00pm St. Andrews Episcopal Church

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Jerry 525 Cheshire St NE Grand Rapids, MI Thursday 5:30pm Second Congregational United Church of Christ

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Kate 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE Grand Rapids, MI Sunday 6:00PM St. Thomas The Apostle Church Ministry Center

SMART RECOVERY - GRAND RAPIDS

Steve 40 Jefferson Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Catholic Charities

RECOVERY ACADEMY - PEER ART STUDY GROUP

Mike 282 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI mike@recoveryacademy.net 616-233-0884 Monday 12:30-2:30pm Recovery Academy

RECOVERY ACADEMY - DUAL RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP

Mike 282 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI mike@recoveryacademy.net Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm Recovery Academy

RECOVERY ACADEMY - WELLNESS SUPPORT GROUP

Mike 282 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI mike@recoveryacademy.net Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm Recovery Academy

RECOVERY ACADEMY - SCHIZOPHRENIC ANONYMOUS

Mike 282 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI mike@recoveryacademy.net Tuesday 3:00-4:00pm Recovery Academy

RECOVERY ACADEMY - DBT SUPPORT GROUP

Mike 282 Leonard NW Grand Rapids, MI mike@recoveryacademy.net Thursday 1:30p-3:00pm Recovery Academy

THE NETWORK - A.C.T. (ALLIES COMING TOGETHER)

343 Atlas Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI thenetwork@grlagbt.org 616-458-3511 3rd Tues/Month 7:30-9:00pm The Network

THE NETWORK - ARCUS - YOUTH GROUP

343 Atlas Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI thenetwork@grlagbt.org 616-458-3511 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th Wed 7:00-9:00pm The Network

Call or email for information on how YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

with Recovery Allies!GET INVOLVED!!

AUGUST 2014 n Living Large 8

“The roads to recovery are many and that the resolution of alcoholism by any

method should be a cause for celebration by A.A. members.” – Bill Wilson, 1944

Recovery Allies recognizes that there are many pathways to recovery. Below are some that we know of. One way to advocate is to start one in your community!!

Some of the many pathwaysnAlcoholics Anonymous – www.aa.orgnNarcotics Anonymous – www.NA.orgnAl-Anon – www.ola.is.orgnOther A’snWomen in Sobriety – www.womenforsobriety.orgnMen for Sobriety – www.womenforsobriety.orgnRational Recovery – www.rational.orgnModeration Management – www.moderation.orgnHAMS – Harm Reduction Abstinence and

Moderation Support – http://hamsnetwork.orgnWhite Bison – www.whitebison.orgnS.O.S Secular Organization for Sobriety –

www.sossobriety.org

nLife Ring – www.unhooked.comnSMART Recovery: Self-Management and

Recovery Training-www.smartrecovery.orgnCelebrate Recovery – www.celebraterecovery.comnHAHA – Health and Healing Advocate'snPagans for Sobriety

Online ResourcesnSubstance Abuse and Mental Health

Administration (SAMHSA) – www.samhsa.govnU.S. Department of Health and Human Services –

www.hhs.govnNational Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) –

www.drugabuse.govn24/7 Help Yourself – www.24/7helpyourself.comnSober Recovery – www.soberrecovery.comnCyber Recovery – www.cyberrecovery.netnAddiction Tribe – www.addictiontribe.net

FEATURED BOARD MEMBER

In 1975 John Rhodes entered Bullock House (the former name of the ProjectRehab’s treatment facility at 200 Eastern Se). Four months later he walked out the door in a solid state of denial. What he was told while hewastherestayedwithhimforfifteenmoreyears of drinking and heroin use, until he was readytomakethesacrificesneededtoremainin recovery. When things were at their worst his thoughts turned to suicide. John was not willing to make the commitment for change and recovery until his youngest son was born. It finally dawned on him that he didn’twant his child to go through what he went through, being raised by addicted parents. So he returned to recovery, committed to change everything he knew about life and how to live it. John returned to school, later becoming a Certified Addictions Counselor. He says,“I was going to make my addictions work for me.” Today John Rhodes is living what he calls a responsible and fulfilling life and sees hisdreamscometrueeveryday. Hisformerjobin the Intensive Outpatient Program of Life Guidance services and current job with the Juvenile Court system are gratifying because “I help adults and kids, just like me.” By sharing his story John hopes to motivate and inspireothers. Heacknowledges,“Iwillnever be cured.” But he wants people to know what he knows, that recovery is a lifelong journey.

John RhodesCADC

Juvenile Court

Meet Our Board Members & Staff

Kevin ONeillExecutive DirectorNorth Alano Club

Margaret RoseWork Force Development

Cherry Street Health Svcs.

Mark ThomsonDirector of Special Projects

D.A. Blodgett - St John’s

Crystal KingRecovery Coach

Arbor Circle

Kristin ReininkIntake Coordinator and

Recovery Coach Sanford House

Karima Diggs- Holmes Recovery Coach

Arbor Circle

Fawn Preston Executive Director

Unlimited Alternatives

Steve AlsumExecutive Director

Grand Rapids Red Project

John RhodesCADC

Juvenile Court

Thank you to these supporters!