Monthly Archives: June 2014

Thanks to a Persistent Teacher, Friend and Counselor

June 24, 2014Addiction, Recovery, TASCThe Council

My name is Michelle H., and I participated in The Council’s TASC Program where Greta King was my counselor. I want to take the time to explain how Greta helped me work through my denial and defiant ways.

When I met Greta in 2009, I had just gotten a DUI, and not by my choice I was introduced to Greta. I had been in and out of so many programs throughout my life and none of them worked. But this was different.

Greta made me get honest with myself and take the first steps to recovery. She taught me that it was ok to be an addict – just not an active addict. Greta was so persistent and promised that if I opened-up and trusted her, she would teach me to live life clean and sober. I finally opened-up and began to work with her in group and one-on-one. Honestly, I believe she saved my life. When everyone else gave up on me (including my family) Greta never did. She worked so diligently with me. Greta taught me life skills, coping skills and helped me recognize my triggers. When my court ordered “counseling” was complete, I continued to work with Greta. She took so much interest in “me” and still to this day I keep in contact with her.

Greta has truly saved a lot of girls and women from her persistence and knowledge of addiction. The TASC program would not have been as successful as it was for me and still is for so many others, and it’s all due to Greta’s persistence.

Thank you Greta King for being such a persistent teacher, friend and one of the best counsellors I have ever come in contact with.

Sincerely,
Michelle H

My Journey Back to Newark NJ: Only To Find Out Philadelphia Was And Is My New Home

June 16, 2014Addiction, PRO-ACT, Recovery, VolunteerThe Council

I have family in Newark NJ, where I was raised. I came to Philadelphia seven years ago when I first entered recovery. I lived in a recovery house and eventually rented a room in a home. I lived there until November of 2013 when I decided to go back to Newark and “help” my nieces and nephews, be the uncle I should be, not the uncle I was in my active addiction. I thought I could share my experiences with them.

I found myself doing the same things I did when I was actively using; isolating myself and not taking care of myself, only this time, I was doing it in recovery. I felt like I had no “me” time. I felt trapped and I didn’t realize it until I got a call saying an efficiency apartment was available in Philadelphia in the same building a friend that has been there for me through my recovery process lived. I was so excited. I couldn’t pack my bags fast enough. I came back in the beginning of May to stay with a friend and just moved into my apartment this past June 6^th.

Being a volunteer for The Philadelphia Recovery Community Center has taught me how to deal with my problems, talk about my problems, not hold everything inside and I learned how to ask for and accept help. That it is not a weakness to ask for help but strength to ask for help and to know when you need help.

I do miss my family but I have to let them grow, and I have to think what is best for me and my recovery process. So, I am grateful today for all of my friends through my 12-step mutual support group and most especially the PRCC staff and volunteers. I am grateful to be a volunteer at the PRCC because it gives me an opportunity to give back to my adopted community. I have learned to really meet people where they are at, to listen to others when they are struggling with a situation. I have even learned how to facilitate groups and discovered some recovery discussion groups I like to run.

Life couldn’t be better; just for today!

Greg High
PRCC/PRO-ACT Volunteer

A New Normal, and a New Me

June 9, 2014PRO-ACT, VolunteerThe Council

Throughout my childhood, I was faced with many traumatic challenges with family and friends including murder, addiction, mental health challenges, gambling, domestic violence and various forms of abuse. I lost hope and assumed that this lifestyle was the norm. I felt alone and isolated.

Then I saw an internet advertisement for “Recovery Coaches at PRO-ACT” in Philadelphia. I thought that maybe with some training and support, I could use my life experiences as a warning to help others. So I signed-up to learn about recovery coaching.

I completed the training and became a volunteer for PRO-ACT. I learned that recovery is possible, and that I was not alone in how I feel. I met other individuals, staff members and volunteers who empathized with me and provided me with resources and guidance. I learned how to utilize my experiences to empower others. I practiced my skills by assisting PRO-ACT in their service projects such as MLK Day of Service, Annual Holiday Dinner, Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet and the Recovery Walks! Planning Committee.

Through the help of PRO-ACT, I now work for the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania as a Recovery Coach. I assist those with severe mental health challenges to identify and develop recovery-oriented goals and use their supports to increase their success in community integration and inclusion. I am also a training instructor and facilitator, as well as a website designer for several recovery organizations. I am the founder and owner of a website and graphic design company.

I am also resilient and very thankful for all those who helped me along the way. I never dreamed that an advertisement for Recovery Coaches would lead to all this, but I am glad it did.

Stacie Leap, CPS, FPS

Hello, I’m an Addict named Cindy

June 2, 2014Addiction, PRO-ACT, Recovery, VolunteerThe Council

I always felt as though I never fit in or was truly loved. I ran away at the age of 14 and continued running until the age of 48, always trying to escape myself. My life became a long, lonely road of self-destruction. I have seen and survived many years of self-inflicted drug and alcohol abuse, all of which brought about abusive relationships, lies, theft, prostitution, a brutal rape, jail cells and psychiatric wards. My childhood dream of becoming a nurse disappeared.

On January 14, 2014, I ended up in yet another psychiatric facility. Broken, desperate, and suicidal, I still felt blessed for a moment of clarity: acceptance set in that I was the problem. I was graced with the willingness to change.

I became receptive to treatment for addiction and open to suggestions to live differently. I entered a treatment facility and stayed there for nearly a month. The process of working on me had officially begun.

Through that process, I was introduced to the recovery community in Bucks County. It was suggested that I get involved. Soon after, I registered as a participant with the Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center and PRO-ACT.

The Recovery Community Center and PRO-ACT welcomed me into a safe and supportive environment. In February of 2014 they took a chance on me, and I became a volunteer. My passion for helping others once again returned. I volunteer nearly every day now. You can find me facilitating a Stress Management group or providing administrative support. The Center has become a life line for me.

At 4 ½ months clean and sober, I no longer feel isolated or like a social idiot. I have a grateful heart today and believe in myself once again. I am able to look forward to each new day because I start with the intention of how I may be of assistance to the next individual in recovery.

I want to thank the Recovery Center staff, PRO-ACT volunteers and the wonderful service participants for helping me along the way. I never imagined that I would be recognized for my efforts. For the month of June, SBRCC/PRO-ACT honored me with the distinction of being their “Volunteer of the Month.”

I have been blessed with the opportunity to live a productive and meaningful way of life today.

Cindy
PRO-ACT Volunteer
June 2014 Volunteer of the Month