Wednesday, February 4, 2015


      The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.PRO-ACT
                                                  and
          Pennsylvania Recovery Organization --
     Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT) 
Recovery in Our Communities
February 3, 2015
 

Information and Recovery Support Line 24/7: 800-221-6333


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Mentoring:  How to Support Recovery

Recovery is influenced by many things, including recovery capital - the sum 
total of the internal and external resources that we can draw on to initiate and maintain recovery.  This includes our own internal strengths and capabilities and the emotional and social support of those around us.  This includes our parents, families, spouses, friends, co-workers and neighbors.   These kinds of assets work best when we are engaged and committed to our communities and are willing to participate in shared activities and responsibilities.  These are the kinds of things that build community.

One way to celebrate the benefits of recovery within our own lives, build community and even save lives, is through volunteering.  The Council and PRO-ACT is excited to launch our new volunteer training process to enhance the skills of our volunteers and to provide them, and those they serve, with capital to help support and maintain recovery. 

Becoming a volunteer begins by meeting one of our Volunteer Coordinators to learn about the mission and purpose of The Council and PRO-ACT and tour one of our Recovery Centers.  The potential volunteer will attend a Volunteer Orientation Training to further learn the roles and tasks available to volunteers.  The orientation is followed by an Interview to help guide the new volunteer towards tasks and goals that fit their gifts, purpose and interests.

One role of our volunteers is to be a guide and mentor to support others in recovery.  Our Peer Mentor Training helps our volunteers develop the skills needed to provide valuable assistance.  Volunteers can continue to grow their leadership and communication skills through our Group Leader/Facilitator Training to become a facilitator of one of our many programs.     

If you are interested in leaning more about becoming a volunteer or wish to attend a training, please contact one of our volunteer coordinators listed below.    

Volunteer for The Council/PRO-ACT !!

Contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators:
Central Bucks:  Email or call Rick at 215-345-6644
Southern Bucks:  Email or call Karen at 215-788-3738 x100
Philadelphia: Email or call She-Ria at 215-233-7700 or Email John or call 215-923-1661 
Chester, Delaware and Montco: Email or call John at 215-923-1661
PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! Committees: Email  or call John at 215-923-1661

Volunteer Training Schedule
Volunteer Orientation Training
Feb. 3, 2015  10 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 7:30 pm at Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 444 N 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Feb. 4, 2015  1 pm - 2:30 pm at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, D-6, Bristol, PA 19007
Feb. 13, 2015  1 pm - 2:30 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown PA 18901

Group Leadership/Facilitation Training
Feb. 11, 2015  1 pm - 3:30 pm at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, D-6, Bristol, PA 19007
Feb. 12, 2015  10 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm at Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 444 N 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia, PA 19123
February 27  1 pm - 3 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901

Peer Mentoring Training
Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2015 11 am - 3 pm at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, D-6, Bristol, PA 19007

Please contact the volunteer coordinator for questions or to attend.
Registration Now Open for CRS Training!

The Council offers a convenient 54 credit training package that allows potential candidates for the CRS to obtain their required training credits in one place.  Our next 2-week training will be held:

March 2 - 6, 2015 and March 9 - 13, 2015
Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center
Veterans Highway, D-6
Bristol, PA  19007

Support The Council with EScrip!
Now there is a convenient way to contribute to The Council just by registering your credit/debit/rewards card! Participating merchants will make contributions to The Council based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered. It's that easy!  Click here to find out how it works! 
AT OUR CENTERS

Planning to Sustain Recovery - every Tuesday 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday 10 - 11:30 am at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Unit 12, Doylestown.  Educational support group to help individuals in all stages of recovery plan goals and action steps to sustain recovery. To registeremail or call Jeanne at 215-345-6644.  

Gateway to Work every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 am at SBRCC, 1286, Veterans Highway, Unit D-6, Bristol; Mon. - Fri. the first week of the month at PRCC, 1701 W Lehigh Ave., #6, Philadelphia, PA 19132; 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 1:00 pm at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown. Get help with resume building, barriers to employment and motivation. Contact Rick at 215-345-6644 or email for more information.

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Employment Opportunities: Click here  
DONATEDonations help us to reduce the impact of addiction for more individuals and families. The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministries, Inc.
conquering grounds header 
Join us this  
       Saturday February 7, 2015    
7- 10:00pm
doors open at 6:30
A Love Never Fails Event
  
 Featured Artist:

 
 
Plus Special Guest
"Jesse Shultz"
  
Join us for a Night of High 
Energy Worship!!
     
FOOD, COFFEE, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL!  
ADMISSION IS FREE!
  (Donations appreciated to cover costs and for the band. Thanks for your prayerful consideration and generosity so we can keep this event FREE!)   
      
WHERE:  
The Edge Building at Christian Life Center 
3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA   

QUESTIONS:

          
 
Conquering Grounds 
Outdoor Music Fest
On September 13, 2014 We held our 2nd annual outdoor music fest to help fight addiction. Thank You to all who sponsored, supported, attended or volunteered at this year's event. It was a HUGE success!! And Thank You to all the wonderful Artist's who gave their time and talents. Also to Christian Life Center for allowing us to do God's work at their campus and be a blessing to the community. 
Next Music Fest will be:
Saturday September 12, 2015
12pm to 7pm
Stay tuned for more details and visit the website at www.clprm.org
 
Has this ministry been a Blessing to you or someone you Love? 
Would you prayerfully consider a 
Gift to CLPRM?
This ministry, coffee house, recovery meetings, prison chapel services and ALL Special Events operate because of private donations from people like you. Your Gift 
will be fully 
Tax-deductible and will help us to reach those trapped in addiction and crime with the Hope of Jesus Christ!
or you can send a check to 
CLPRM Po Box 1624 
Southampton, PA 18966
 Thank you and Blessings to All of you in 2015!!
Forward this email to a Friend
The Conquering Addiction Hour with CLPRM
UPCOMING CAFE EVENT

February 7th
"Descendants of Noah"
Plus Special Guest
Jesse Shultz

March 14th
Plus Special Guests
Kris and Ed Vincent

April 11th
Plus Special Guest

May 11th


 MMMMMM
Conquering Grounds Café, our monthly coffee house ministry, reaches out to individuals and families who have been affected by substance abuse. The Café serves up Christian bands, plus
FREE beverages and baked goods in a laid-back atmosphere. ALL are invited to this
FREE event!
Thanks to Shoprite Bensalem and Hornbergers Bakery for their generous donation of baked good to Conquering Grounds.  
RECOVERY RESOURCES
Join Our Mailing List
Gray
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View our videos on YouTube

"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he
will release my feet from the snare."  ~Psalm 25:15
CLPRM logo
OUR MISSION: CLPRM is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping those incarcerated and to stop substance abuse in the community by offering support to those actively struggling with addiction, as well as to their families. We offer recovery meetings, resources, counseling, and referral services to those who wish to seek treatment.
 Women for Sobriety, Inc.
Take ACTION to Make Those Inside Changes: Happiness is CREATED
Greatness takes CONSCIOUS EFFORT
Enthusiasm is DAILY EXERCISE

҉ 

5 Ways to be Happier Today 

These cold grey winter days can send even the most positive people into a downward funk.  Now that winter is truly upon us, what can you do to keep your spirits up?  Here are five ways to be happier TODAY:

1.  Start a gratitude list or journal.

Concentrating on what you are thankful for in your life is a sure fire way to feel better about yourself and improve you attitude.  A few lines written in a journal is sufficient--I like to simply jot down something I am grateful for each day on my calendar.  Don’t have pen and paper handy? That’s okay, you can also think about what you are grateful for---or even say it out loud.  Once you get on a roll with this, it’s amazing how quickly you can turn complaints into gratefulness.

2.  Do something you love.

Take a few minutes out of your day to spend time on a project you enjoy, read a few pages of a book you love, or engage in an activity that brings you joy.  It is so easy to get caught up in our crazy, busy schedules and ‘to do’ lists and then, before you know it, you are simply going through the motions of life instead of enjoying it.  Taking a little more time each day to fully engage in something that you love to do will increase your satisfaction in life and therefore increase your happiness.

3.  Connect with others.

Call a friend or family member to talk.  Or better yet, meet someone you have fun spending time with for coffee or a bite to eat.  Connecting with the people we love is a terrific way to feel happier about your life.  After all, what’s better than reminding yourself of the people who love you and enjoying their company?

4.  Exercise.

Moving your body will help reduce stress, improve your health and make you feel better about yourself.  Exercise is an underused happiness booster.  When exercising, your body releases endorphins.  I’m sure you have heard runners talk about a ‘runners high’.  When they mention this, they are referencing this release of chemicals--those endorphins that create a surge of positivity.

5.  Help someone else.

This tip is a guaranteed way to feel happier.  Help out at a shelter, pick out a toy or coat for a child in need, buy a drink for the person in line behind you in the coffee shop or even just offer a compliment and a smile to a harried store clerk.  Have doubts that this will work?  Give it a try—it’s simple and infectious.

Next time you find yourself feeling down, pick one of these ideas and go for it.  Odds are good you’ll reap the benefits immediately with an increase in your happiness level regardless of the weather.  Want to boost your happiness further?  Incorporating some of these practices into your regularly weekly routine is a fantastic way to create an overall happier life.
~~Pam Howard, Certified Health Coach~~

**************************************************
Statement #3, “Happiness is a habit I will develop.”
Happiness is created, not waited for.
**************************************************

     Reading this blog from Pam Howard, I had to smile.  I am doing a number of items on this list for creating happiness.  Back in 2011, I began two different gratitude journals.  One I write in the morning and acknowledge one thing that I feel grateful for; while the second one is for right before I go to sleep at night.  This one ritual has made an immense difference in my life and I am able to not only see but genuinely feel gratitude almost everywhere.
     Upon becoming sober, I felt incredibly happy.  I was now sober and staying sober.  I felt proud of this great accomplishment and, not long after this, I began to feel something was amiss.  I could not put my finger on it so I reminded myself every day that I was sober and growing.  This helped for a while and then I happily found WFS.  As I read the 13 Statements, I found what I was searching for:  I was home!
     Today I create happiness by taking action.  Doing something I love usually involves creativity, whether it be writing, doodling or my new favorite, watercolor.  Connecting with others on a daily basis grants multitudes of happiness, from our face to face WFS group to the newest crew, our county beekeeping group that my dear husband has recently started.
     The one area in which I feel I am lacking is #4 Exercise.  I can get started on my stationary bike and go for a bit; yet, for reasons I have not discovered, I lose interest and make excuses.  I have also let my Tai Chi practice go to the wayside.  This is the area where I need to apply my effort and feel the joy from taking care of myself physically.  Time to make a plan of success.
     The last item mentioned is helping someone else, which I feel is exactly what WFS does.  You may never meet face to face with a WFS sister or you might be attending the yearly Conference with gusto...together we make this program benefit individuals everywhere.  From this beautiful beginning, we have the opportunity to touch the life of another, whether we volunteer at the library or support our local animal shelter.  Happiness is an expression of pure love!
     So on this “Groundhog Day”, shadow or no shadow...I am creating happiness and living in joy!

What action(s) do you take to create happiness?

Hugzzz, Karen

~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~

Hi 4C Women,
     Great ideas for creating your own happiness.  I was one of those women who thought happiness came from the outside - whether it was material things or hoping someone would love me enough to heal all of my wounds.  WFS taught me that happiness is indeed an inside job. While there can be a momentary joy of receiving an item you were desiring or feeling joy at having someone acknowledge they care about you, if you are depending on things and other people to continually feed your need for happiness, it will always be elusive.  It also puts a lot of pressure on a relationship for a loved one to fulfill such an unending need if it is one sided.  I do believe we can receive happiness from healthy relationships.  I guess what I am trying to say is that we need to have a healthy relationship with ourselves - to be responsible for bringing our own happiness into our lives, to be able to share that so we have balance in our relationships when it comes to creating happiness.  -Dee



  ~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~
Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration to start off our week!  As for Groundhog Day today - there were no words of encouragement coming from Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil - he predicted 6 more weeks of winter - boo!  However, Staten Island Chuck wasn't afraid of his shadow - woohoo!  Early Spring!  (AND the stats say that in the last 10 years, his predictions are 80% accurate...that's pretty good!  Phil - only 39% - not so good.  I'm sticking with Chuck's positive attitude!).  PS: Thanks to Chantel "SlightlyOff" for inspiring the title to take action - her inspiring article will be in an upcoming newsletter!
~Becky Fenner, WFS Director

Email:  newlife@nni.com   *   Tel215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026
http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Sunday, February 1, 2015

February 1 CHAP 26 v 2 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS



Put me on trial ,Lord ,and cross -examine me .
Test my motives and my heart. (GODS BIG BOOK)



STEP 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

There is an order to this step in which it is very important to follow. God should be first in everything when it comes to us living life. Especially for those of  us in recovery . We were first always and that is selfishness and pride . Coming second teaches humility and that cultivates patience and these two are essential for sobriety .What is driving your behaviors and what are the reasons behind the decisions you are making when it comes to how you treat others and how you live your life . Is your heart still ruled by a ME desire or is it full of love for others . During cross-examination be ready to discover the real reason behind the pain you caused others . During my working of this step the reality of all the pain I caused hit me like a run away locomotive. The self-inflicted pain was slowly opening the bars around my heart .It is so important we take this on it is called accountability and responsibility . It will be one of the hardest steps but it is one that will bring a joy and freedom you thought not possible in this life. When working this step with another person be sure it is with someone who has a proven track record when it comes to carrying other peoples dirty laundry.





James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

(GODS BIG BOOK)         By Joseph Dickerson



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