Friday, July 17, 2015


    

 Sign this Petition to Keep COA in Hamilton!
 
Repeal Ordinance 15-023 NOW and allow non profits to operate rent free in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ. Non Profits should be able to use their precious donations to save lives not pay rent to Hamilton Township. The rent is minimal it should be donated by the township in praise of the volunteer work by so many to address the current drug epidemic we are experiencing. 

Please sign this petition and send a message to our elected officials to do the right thing! Add your signature to the more than 400 who have already signed.
To sign this online petition, click here.

City of Angels NJ, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization that operates at a township-owned building in Groveville known as the Raymond Dwier Center. The group provides free services to help people and families affected by drug addiction.

In 2010, then-Mayor John Bencivengo negotiated an agreement that allowed City of Angels to have free and "unfettered" access to the Dwier Center, but the newly passed Ordinance 15-023 changes the equation by imposing a monthly rental fee, which negatively impacts City of Angel's ability to provide intervention services.

In response to the $195.50 monthly rent that is retroactive to January, City of Angels has downsized its operations at the Dwier Center and has set up operations at a church in Hightstown,To read more about this in the Trentonian, click here.
New on COA Recovery Radio


What are YOUR Recovery Dreams? And how can you make them happen? Find out on "Prosperity in Recovery".... 

In this new show, Rich Alexander will talk about how he achieved his dreams and how you can, too.

A person in Long-Term Recovery for over 25 years, Rich started his career in banking and financial sales then transitioned to pharmaceutical advertising and marketing. With a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University and an MBA from Seton Hall University, Rich now helps others - especially recoverees! - achieve success.

To listen to the first episode of this brand new show on demand, click here.

DUIs? Felonies? Custody problems? Other charges? If you are in recovery and have LEGAL issues, now is your chance to get your questions answered! 

This Friday at 7:00 pm EST, COA Recovery Radio is launching a new, original show hosted by an attorney who is licensed to practice in both NJ and PA. On this first show, he will respond to listeners' questions about grandparents' rights, drug court and how to find a good lawyer. To listen, go towww.coaradio.com or tune in thru the free COA Recovery Radio smartphone app.

Recoverees are invited to submit their legal questions for future shows via email, text or phone. Anonymity will be fully protected.

Anyone interested, contactCityofAngelsNJ@hotmail.com and tell us what you would like to ask the attorney.
Listen to past COARR shows any time: 

 
For "Stop Feeding the Predators" with  Lynn McClain, click here

For "Wellness in Recovery" with life coach Nancy Tilelli, click here


For "Journey Thru the 12 Steps with the Life Recovery Bible," click here.


For "Share Your Scars!" with Vicki, click here.


For "Wings Over Water: Creativity in Recovery" with recovery musician Kathy Moser,click here.

 
For "Families and Recovery" with Cathy and Bill, click here.
Take This Survey, Help Fight Addiction!

The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County (PCMC) needs your help in battling drug addiction!

This voluntary survey will take about five minutes of your time and will help the Prevention Coalition's efforts to strengthen our community's capacity to address substance abuse issues across the lifespan for residents of Mercer County.  We can see if we are making a difference by tracking community change over time.To take the survey, click here.

The PCMC is a community group made up of representatives from treatment centers, government, the healthcare system, the school system, parents, the recovery community and others. Its mission is to reduce substance abuse through collaboration and sharing of resources. COA is an active member. To learn more about PCMC, click here.
Partnership for Drug-free Kids
 
 
We know that talking about marijuana with your kids can be difficult – especially these days, with the drug becoming legalizedin some states and the increasingly casual presence of weed in the media and pop culture. But with the right tools and skills, you can have easier, more productive conversations with your teen about marijuana, despite these unique challenges.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new YouTube video series for parents, featuring Heather Senior, LCSW, our Director of Family Support Services. The videos are designed to give you quick and simple tips and skills that will help you answer all kinds of tough questions and respond to push-back from your teen.
Launching each Thursday for the next few weeks, the videos will cover topics like:
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know when we upload a new video in the series. 

These conversations can be challenging, and we’re here to help. For more tips on how to talk about marijuana, download our free Marijuana Talk Kit.
 
 
 
Where Families
   
We're here to help.
Call our Parents Toll-Free Helpline
1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)
Donate NowTwitter  Twitter  Youtube  Instagram
 
 
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Drugfree.org, add thepartnership@drugfree.org to your address book.

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids | 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010

   


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A Subject So Often Hidden in Darkness....YES I AM AN ADDICT’S MOM
Written by TAM Mom Gail Simmons
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I can still hear my dearest friend’s uncontrollable guttural screams bouncing off the panels of the inside of the ambulance. As we raced down the winding road to survival, I watched the tears trickle down the driver’s face. He kept softly repeating, in a trance like state, that this career choice was more than he could stomach. He did not know how much longer he wanted to be a witness to this played out scenario.
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As they hurriedly wheeled the gurney into the ER, silence filled the room. This time no more chances were given. I heard the DR. say, “It’s another DOA.” Everyone was affected.
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Her son lost his battle with addiction that night. As the truth unraveled, her loss continued. The stigma, the stares, the whispers, the glares. “She’s the addict’s mom.” They said.
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Searching for support she finally found a group that felt right. She is now a member of the Addict’s Mom.
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The Addict’s Mom is a support group founded in 2008, by Barbara Theodosiou. When Barbara realized two of her four children were practicing addicts, she knew she had to react. With over 30,000 followers as of 2015 she had access to an unending amount of support and information.
,
Still – her son Daniel was found DEAD in April of this year.
,
In its “Path of Wrath” it does not care. Rich or poor, red, yellow, black or white, educated, or uneducated. Unfortunately all stirred into the same melting pot.
Substance Abuse Awareness Month is in September each year. It is a month long of awareness campaigns addressing the stone cold facts. As an organization we understand the need for continued and ongoing awareness. The Addict’s Mom participates with open arms.
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Our “Lights of Hope,” campaign spreading clear across the United States, gives our communities and opportunity to group together and gather strength and wisdom from one another. Three candles will be lit.
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• A white one for those in recovery
• A red one for those who are still using
• A black one for our lost loved ones
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Join in our organizations planning of these events in hopes of uniting in our fight of this horrible disease that is claiming the lives of our precious children.
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Sunday September 13th is our official date, but you can set YOUR EVENT for any day during the month of September. The Addict’s Mom embraces this opportunity to share and show support. Won’t you join us by hosting, attending or promoting a “Lights of Hope” event in your area?
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Let us know longer walk in darkness alone.
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Yes I deeply understand. As my only child died from a drug overdose as well.
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*The Addict’s Mom Lights of Hope tee shirts are now available, to purchase yours visit
Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

 July 14, 2015
Times are Changing
Information and Recovery Support Line Now Available Monday-Friday9:00am-5:00pm

                   
Addiction is a complex, chronic disease requiring long-term support and recovery management strategies.  We have developed a broader array of approaches and strategies to provide access to resources to those seeking help.


The Council draws on 40 years of experience and its reputation as a national leader in recovery-oriented care to offer recovery management strategies, a comprehensive, personalized approach to provide individuals and families with recovery support and skills needed for long-term thriving and growth. While formal treatment is a component of many people's recovery process, a referral to treatment is only a part of a comprehensive approach to sustained wellness and recovery. The recovery management approach moves beyond the provision of information and referral to personalized solutions beginning with recovery planning, taking into consideration individual and family strengths, needs, and goals. 


Long-term recovery management recognizes that recovery is not only the absence of substance use, but means improved quality of life, more positive family and community relationships, and holistic wellness.  The Council provides comprehensive recovery management including:  personalized support solutions, intervention guidance, family consultation services, and long-term recovery support.  Recovery management services are available for both individuals and families seeking to address substance use related challenges.


At any stage of recovery,  The Council's Alcohol & Other Drug Information and Recovery Support Line (1-800-221-6333) is available Monday-Friday,  9am-5pm,  to provide individuals and families with resources and guidance on appropriate steps for moving forward.  Information Specialists will help answer your questions concerning alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Services are available to all - community members, service providers, community organizations, and professionals who need information, support, referrals and advocacy.


Although there is a wealth of information online and by phone, there is no substitute for the personal touch you get when you come see us at one of our several locations in Southeast Pennsylvania.  Our knowledgeable and welcoming staff members will help address your questions and concerns and get you and/or your family started on the path to long-term recovery.


Central Bucks                                               Montgomery County
252 W. Swamp Rd, Units 12 and 33                    1062 E. Lancaster Ave, Suite 22-A
Doylestown, PA  18901                                     Rosemont, PA  19010
215-345-6644                                                  484-383-0802

 
Southern Bucks                                             Philadelphia
1286 Veterans Hwy, D-6                                   1701 W. Lehigh Ave, #6
Bristol, PA  19007                                            Philadelphia, PA  19132
215-489-6120                                                  215-223-7700

                                                                    444 N. 3rd St, Ste 307
                                                                    Philadelphia, PA  19123
                                                                    215-923-1661
New Members!


As of July 9, 2015, the Women's Recovery Community Center is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences.
 
The Women's Recovery Community Center (WRCC) is a community center focused on helping women achieve, sustain and enhance their recovery from addiction. We recognize that recovery is not only about maintaining abstinence from substances, but about achieving overall health and wellness and giving back to the community.

We also recognize that women in recovery have unique gender-specific needs that can be met by the support of peers along with assistance from a professional staff. The Women's Recovery Community Center respects all paths to recovery and works with individuals to begin or continue on their recovery journey.

Professional Training for Supervisors of 
Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS)

Save the Dates
October 16 and 23, 2015
Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center
1286 Verterans Hwy, D-6
Bristol, PA  19007

More information will be available soon!!
PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2015
 Penn's Landing, Philadelphia
Saturday, September 19

Register Free . Form a Team . Volunteer . Donate . Sponsor
Join the Honor Guard (living in recovery 10+ years)
click link recoverywalks.org  
National Recovery Night at the Baseball Game!
Phillies vs. Cubs
Saturday, September 12, 2015

6:00 pm Gathering - 7:05 pm Game Time
           Citizens Bank Park North Pattison Avenue,
                 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148


Amber Baughman will be Throwing Out the First Pitch! Amber won this prize by being Captain of the Minions of Chaos team who walked last year and raised the most donations for Recovery Walks! 2014.
Enjoy a fun night of Phillies baseball with about 500 other fans in recovery! See the Phillies take on the Chicago Cubs at home without everyone around you drinking beer! For the 10th consecutive year, PRO-ACT will participate in this annual baseball game, developed to gain national visibility for recovery in celebration of SAMHSA's National Recovery Month in September. Attendees are requested not to consume or purchase alcohol.

Would YOU like to know how YOU can throw the first pitch next year?

Become a Team Captain for Recovery Walks! 2015, September 19.  Read more about it at www.recoverywalks.org.

Form a team, sign up for Honor Guard, and more!

To order Phillies tickets and pay online go to www.councilsepa.org and click on the Phillies logo on the home page.  Tickets are $20, which includes a donation to PRO-ACT.

For further information contact PRO-ACT's Fred Martin at 215-923-1661 or email:   Fred Martin
 
Form a Team

We have many tips learned over the years to help Team Captains. Come to one of our Team Captain Kick-Off meetings where you'll learn how to organize a team, sign up online, and get copies of helpful tools. We even have a contact in case you want to order customized t-shirts for your team.

Thursday, July 16, 12 noon to 1 pm  OR
Thursday, July 236 - 7 pm
Philadelphia Recovery Training Center
444 North 3rd Street, Suite 307
Philadelphia, PA 19123

To register for either, please contact John Carlson here or call 215-923-1661.

Tuesday, July 21, 12 noon to 1 pm, OR 6 to 7 pm
Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center
1286 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007

To register for either, please call 215-788-3738

Wednesday, July 22, 11 am-12 noon (for companies and organizations)  OR
Wednesday, July 226 - 7 pm (anyone)
Main Line Office
1062 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 22-A
Rosemont, PA 19090


To register for either, please contact Rick Young here or call 484-383-0802.

Another helpful resource is our Team Captain's Kit. However, if you have specific questions about organizing your team, call Steve Calderbank at215-345-6644 or email him here.
 
  
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to The Council.
  • Go to www.smile.amazon.com 
  • Log in with Amazon account info or register if you are a new member
  • Type in The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. and click SEARCH
  • We will come up, hit SELECT
  • Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Council.
   Our Mission 

To provide resources and opportunities to reduce the impact of addiction, trauma, and other health related issues.  

 
We offer prevention, intervention, assessment, counseling, education, advocacy, and recovery support services.

DONATEDonations help us to reduce the impact of addiction for more individuals and families. The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Click here for Employment Opportunities
Click here to Join Our Mailing List
Confidential Information/Referral Line: 800-221-6333

 Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

 Women for Sobriety, Inc.
I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN

҉ 
  
“If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it.  You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”  -Rosalynn Carter

“I was doing something I’d never done before.  And what will I be able to do tomorrow that I cannot yet do today?”  -Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

“If you never try, you’ll never know what you are capable of.”  -John Barrow

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Statement #12, “I am a competent woman and have much to give life.”
This is what I am and I shall know it always.
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+++++++++++++++++++
Karen’s Perspective +
+++++++++++++++++++
     “Always.”  That’s still the hardest part for me.  “I shall know it always.”
     Doubt is a sneaky little feeling that can strike at any time and in any place.  In the past, I wore a dark, heavy cloak of doubt and wrapped myself in a scarf woven from the finest excuses.  I was actually really good at making excuses; and, sadly, I was good at believing them too.
     Alcohol had a way of preventing me from believing in myself.  I guess it was the fact that I would start the day affirming to myself that I would be able to manage alcohol that day.  By nightfall, I was completely lost, under the influence and another token of my competence had been easily removed.  I became filled with shame, guilt and deep feelings of incompetence.  I felt empty and such a failure so often that I just stopped trying.  Sadly, I even stopped trying to live.  I felt it was just. too. hard.
     Thankfully those days are far, far behind me.  Yet they also serve a purpose; they help me to understand and embrace who I am and where I am in this moment.  The clarity that sobriety brings helps me to see doubt for what it really is; fear.  Simple fear.  When I dig down deep to find the origin of my doubt, most often I am able to release the negativity and replace it with an attitude of trying.  I can, at least, try.  I can try, try again; and, at least, know what does not work and learn something valuable along the way.
     Today I feel competent because I am competent.  I know my competence and also am not afraid to say that I don’t know something or that I need some help.  This was almost impossible before my New Life.  Statement #12 changes all that.  Practicing this Statement, I reinforce my strengths.  When doubt suddenly appears, I am able to take a moment, pause, see it for what it really is and move through it.  No longer stuck wearing that heavy darkness, I am able to live in fearlessness and freedom!  I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN!!  Hugzzz, Karen
  • How do you respond to doubt in your New Life? 
+++++++++++++++
+  Dee’s Insights  +
+++++++++++++++
     Hi 4C Women, Doubt and excuses really described me before I started living my New Life.  Even in early sobriety, I had a difficult time believing I could handle life’s challenges.  This is why I loved started the meetings by introducing myself as a competent woman.  Alcohol is what I used to cope, it was not my identity.  The more I said “I am a competent woman,” the more I began to believe and behave as though it was my truth.  Jean was such a smart woman, knowing how difficult it was to actually believe we were competent.  I am so grateful that she chose that word to identify ourselves in order to see ourselves in such a positive light.
     Yesterday I had to take my granddaughter to the ER and, as I was driving there, I thought, why is it always me that has to be the responsible one?  I just got through the difficult and scary month of my daughter being diagnosed with Diabetes, financially supporting her and having her stay with me; learned I could not have my knee replacement surgery because my immune system won’t handle it, went on vacation and learned that my granddaughter’s grandfather passed away and I was a day late for the funeral; and now my granddaughter has a severe kidney infection.  It is a serious situation as she had kidney surgery when she was only a year old and the doctor said this could lead to kidney issues as she got older.  So, as I am driving, I thought I am the responsible one because I am competent and can handle it.  Years ago, I would have completely fallen apart.  Too much all at once would have destroyed my ability to remain calm at all!  I have also learned over the years that I can ask for help and that there are friends who let me vent, cry and work on facing these challenges.
     I am not perfect, no one is perfect and sobriety/recovery does not guarantee we will always make the right decisions.  What it does give us is hope, clarity to focus on problem solving, the ability to know when we need to ask for help and actually do that, to realize that it is okay to feel fear, anger, disappointment and all those unsettling feelings and to LEARN new coping skills.  As the saying goes, “It is not what happens to us, it is what we do with what happens to us.”  So if you make a mistake, remember it and choose differently the next time.  It is not an excuse or reason to drink/drug, to return to those old coping habits.  It is the opportunity to practice competency as you build that treasure chest of new coping skills/tools.  Each time you handle a situation with a positive outcome (or not), practice saying, “I am a competent woman and have much to give life.  This is what I am and I shall know it always.”  Soon enough, that treasure chest will be bulging with wonderful coping tools and the best part is that you can share that life experience with others who are struggling.  Remember to give what we need to receive.  That is exactly what Jean did when she created the WFS program.  -Dee
_________________________
Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration!
~Becky Fenner, WFS Director
Email:  contact@womenforsobriety.org   *   Tel215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026
http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org