Save the Date! The “Thriving in Recovery” Gala will be held May 5th, 2016 at Normandy Farm in Bluebell, PA.

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. is grateful for 40 years servicing families and communities in this region.  We’ve made great strides, with national recognition for integrating cutting-edge, evidence-based programming in prevention, intervention and recovery, providing services impacting over 15,000 individuals annually.  As we operationalize our strategic plan for expansion of services throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware counties and Philadelphia to reduce the impact of addiction throughout the region, we want to recognize and celebrate those thriving in recovery.  While addiction is a complex problem, 23 million Americans are living in long-term recovery.  We are asking you to invest in our work, our shared community, and a brighter future free from stigma, discrimination and barriers to healthy living.

For the past year, the Council has been capturing stories of individuals thriving in recovery from our community, across the spectrum of addiction and circumstance.  The message is undeniable: Addiction is costly, but there is hope; long-term recovery is possible and is a good investment.

It is with much excitement that on May , 5, 2016, The Council will host the “Thriving in Recovery” Gala.  It will evoke the celebratory atmosphere associated with this date in a recovery-rich environment.  We will celebrate the advances that have been made and will recommit to the work that still needs to be done – together.

Your support of the “Thriving in Recovery” capital campaign and gala will recognize the importance of community in preventing addition and sustaining recovery.

Stay tuned to learn how you can support this campaign.

As I stared through watery eyes at pictures of a rainbow-splattered White House recently, I was moved like never before by the magnificent power contained in a critical mass courageously stepping out of the shadows.

I thought of all the small acts of bravery that many individuals performed and considered the immense personal risks that many individuals took. I thought about the ridicule some faced and about others who lost their jobs, found themselves shunned by their families, misunderstood by their friends or judged by their communities. I marveled at how despite these significant challenges, many still stepped out of the shadows and boldly stood for their truth. The results of this boldness and authenticity are as clear as the red, yellow, green, purple and blue lights that illuminated the walls of the White House. Change happened, and quite literally, the light of the movement shined upon the heart of America’s democracy.

I then thought to myself, “What if?”

What if another social issue near and dear to my heart were to be met with the same critical mass courageously stepping out of the shadows? What if this other group of individuals who have been stigmatized, discriminated against, and treated with far less than the equality they are promised in our Constitution were to so boldly step out of the shadows and into their truth?

What if the over 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction were to come out of the shadows and let the world know of their stories and their solutions?

What if over 23 million Americans and their families, friends, communities and allies stood as one and demanded equality?

But before I could answer, another gnawing question that has lingered with me came to mind:

How exactly has the LBGTQ+ equality movement been able to muster such momentum and achieve such significant gains, including widespread support from allies, businesses, legislators, religious leaders, higher education institutions and more? How did this happen and what do we, as the addiction recovery advocacy movement, have to learn here?

While the answer to this question is certainly complex, multi-faceted and systemic in nature, there is one thing that continues to jump out at me. Money—yes, it’s the M word. The LGBTQ+ equality movement has been able to secure financial support in a rather impressive fashion not only from members of the LBGTQ communities themselves but from their allies and supporters as well. This financial support serves as a catalyst for obtaining and sustaining access to the resources needed to carry out the cause.

With 350 people dying across America every single day from the treatable illness of substance use disorder, we cannot afford to roll along as slowly as we have. It is imperative that we put money into funding services and campaigns with the same ferocity and dedication that the LGBTQ+ equality movement has shown us. The time is NOW for the addiction recovery advocacy movement to finds ways to secure financial support from its own vast network of recovery communities, along with its allies and supporters.

One way you can act immediately is by registering to attend the PRO-ACT Recovery Walk (www.recoverywalks.org) on September 19th at Penn’s Landing and begin fundraising.  Whether as a sponsor; an individual, team member or team captain; or donor if you cannot attend; every dollar you contribute will help PRO-ACT (www.proact.org) to erase stigma, fight discrimination, increase awareness of the benefits of recovery, and provide support and resources to individuals and families working to achieve long-term recovery.

Step out of the shadows on September 19 with 23,000 other supporters of recovery and participate in the largest walk ever assembled in support of addiction recovery—PRO-ACT’s 14th annual Recovery Walk. Put a face and voice on recovery; show that recovery is possible; and honor those who have lost their lives.

Stepping out of the shadows takes courage. Recovery takes courage. But the LGBTQ+ equality movement has shown us just how much power we have to initiate change if we show courage by stepping out and speaking up.

Please join us on September 19th at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia by registering at www.recoverywalks.org.

Brooke Feldman
Project Coordinator, Supporting Youth Recovery
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
www.councilsepa.org

Volunteer Celebration 2015

As a recent addition to The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., I can say that I have never had a more fulfilling position.  Each day, I feel honored to contribute my strengths and skills to an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of so many members of my community.  The disease of addiction affects individuals, families and our community as a whole.  The Council is an open, warm environment full of compassion where members of staff and volunteers work together as a team with a focused mission.

The primary purpose of The Council is to provide resources and opportunities to reduce the impact of addiction, trauma, and other related health issues.

I am constantly amazed by the volunteers for The Council.   So many volunteers share in our mission and contribute their talents and time for the benefit of our community.  The Council recently hosted a Volunteer Appreciation event to honor those individuals who give so much of themselves to others.   This activity and the passion that went into planning it gave me a sense of pride to be a part of an organization that respects and appreciates its volunteers.

Currently, we are expanding our services and will welcome four new staff members at our main line location.  We are now accepting resumes for Recovery Support Project Coordinator, Certified Recovery Specialists, and a Part-Time Administrative Assistant.  Working for The Council is an opportunity to share life experience and expertise and to contribute to hope and healing for those whose lives have been affected by addiction.

For more information on our open positions, visit our employment page

 Melanie Boyd works as the Special Projects Administrator and Central Office Coordinator at The Council.  She joined The Council in December 2014.  Melanie supports several programs, marketing and training through The Council.  She holds a BS in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.