December 2015 Dear Friends,             The clock is winding down on 2015. If you have not yet made your charitable contribution for this year, please consider making a meaningful gift to Livengrin Foundation. Your donation will help us to provide more than 4,000 patients and their families with life-saving treatment over the next year-offering hope and help to those struggling with this disease. "I had a full scholarship to Livengrin. In the past, due to insurance (or lack thereof), I had never been given the opportunity to stay longer than 14 days in a rehabilitation facility. Nor had I been able to stay at one that was so helpful and comforting and so forthright in giving me the tools to stay sober. Livengrin provided me the stepping stones to finding serenity and a newfound happiness." Annie, Livengrin alumnus

Only 10% of those with an addiction receive the help they need, and even fewer are able to stay long enough so that the treatment can be effective. Many patients who arrive at Livengrin do not have insurance, or are underinsured, and cannot afford to pay for treatment. As a mission-based nonprofit, Livengrin provides charity care to those in need. We believe that lack of adequate health insurance or inability to pay should not prevent someone from getting treatment. After receiving a treatment scholarship, Livengrin alumnus Annie Murray was able to stay in residential treatment for the recommended 30 days. She said that the financial relief was a huge burden off her chest, allowing her to focus on her recovery and to make the most out of her time at Livengrin.Today, Annie has more than 18 months of sobriety, and she is grateful for the generosity of donors like you who helped make her recovery possible.      Livengrin is here to serve you, your loved ones, and your community-to provide hope, healing, and recovery. In order to continue to provide life-saving services to patients and their families, we count on your support now more than ever. We ask that you consider making a gift as generous as you can afford so that we can continue to provide Charity Care and other core programs to the patients and families struggling with this disease.  Your donation will make a world of difference, an immediate impact that truly transforms lives.   Thank you for giving the gift of hope this holiday season. Warmly, Scott F. Blacker Vice President for Development Give the gift that lasts a lifetime. The gift of recovery!  DONATE

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Women for Sobriety, Inc. Release the Past, Plan for Tomorrow and Live for Today ҉      “We must liberate ourselves from what was in order to be free for what is.” -Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., WFS Program Booklet “You build on failure.  You use it as a stepping stone.  Close the door on the past.  You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it.  You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.”  -Johnny Cash “When the past calls, let it go to voicemail.  It has nothing new to say.”  -Mandy Hale ********************************************************* Statement #9, “The past is gone forever.” No longer will I be victimized by the past.  I am a new person. ********************************************************* +++++++++++++++++++ + Karen’s Perspective + +++++++++++++++++++      This week we welcome a new year.  Yesterday is gone forever, replaced by unlimited new experiences and fresh perspectives.  Statement #9 in action is absolutely necessary to create our 4C sober tomorrows.      Closing the year can be a wonderful time as the past is released and a clean slate is prepared for the upcoming year.  It can also be a time of insightful reflection; learning from trial and error as well and accumulating confidence.  It feels very freeing to live Statement #9 with an open heart and mind.      Often times on our journey of New Life, there may have been moments that we wish we could erase and some that we desperately wish to hang on to.  Since we cannot hold onto or erase the past, we must learn how to live with the past behind us.  This means taking what may have appeared to be utter moments of pain or joy and turning them into moments of learning.  When we find growth from an experience, we can also find value and purpose.  This creates closure while opening the present.      In our Program Booklet, Jean mentions the “only interest in the past is for it to act as a guide, a map, for what we want to avoid in the future.”  Understanding and accepting what previously worked and what did not, direction is unveiled.  Instead of jumping from one dramatic moment to the next, vision and purpose unfolds.  No matter what the past held, today is here and now.      Our Mission Statement concludes with “Release the past, plan for tomorrow and live for today.”  Are you ready to do just that?  Happy 4C New Year!!  Hugzzz, Karen What will you leave behind in 2015? What will you prepare for in 2016? How will you live today? +++++++++++++++ +  Dee’s Insights  + +++++++++++++++      Hi 4C Women, 2015 was a difficult, challenging year, so I thought about Karen’s question regarding what I will leave behind.  I’m going to leave behind the mistakes I made and work on learning from them, to not care more than the other person does so I don’t become trapped and resentful in doing too much and letting go of the hurt and disappointment I experienced by doing too much for others (you all know I am NOT talking about friends!).      I will prepare for 2016 by creating and actually following through on healthier boundaries and practicing better self-care, which means I need to put myself first rather than sacrificing my needs for those who don’t care as much as I do.  I am repeating that because I really need to learn this lesson.      I did learn a lot about myself this year and one of the greatest lessons is that I matter and it is important to consider my needs and well-being.  Going on my trip to PA and NJ this past June was a huge wake up call.  I wasn’t going to go because I was fearful of leaving my daughter after she got out of the hospital.  It had been a month and the doctor told me I had better go on that trip because my daughter could handle it.  I also was hoping my granddaughter would step up to the plate.  Well, my granddaughter did not step up to the plate but my daughter survived without me! Wonder of all wonders.  I had such fun visiting my family and friends so I now recognize that this needs to be a priority for my emotional health.      I am hoping that each of you will consider Karen’s questions and reflect in a manner that is not judgmental but definitely honest.  It is that honesty that will help us know what we need to work on and therefore create a more fulfilling and joyful life in 2016.      For today, I will work on being true to myself and mostly to release the past so that I can heal, learn and become my own best friend.  –Dee _________________________ Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration to start off our New Year!  ~Becky Fenner, WFS Director Email:  contact@womenforsobriety.org   *   Tel: 215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026 http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

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CIR Meetings Are Here For You Are you feeling lonely, stuck in your recovery, tired of hanging out with people that don't understand where you are coming from and where you want to go in life? Do you know that Christians in Recovery can help? At CIR online meetings you can be with other Christians who truly understand. You can freely share your heart with safe people, learn how to grow spiritually and get back on track with your relationship with God, with others, and with yourself. You won't meet perfect people at CIR meetings, but you will meet people that will welcome you with Christian love and open arms. Make the resolution to start your recovery off right in 2016. Join us and talk with others who have found help, hope and healing at CIR meetings. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much Christian support and friendship you will find at these meetings, if you will only give it a chance. You don't have to face recovery alone. CIR meetings will lift you up and help you on your recovery journey. Please come and Join us. Click Here for the meeting schedule to find the meeting(s) that suit your individual needs.

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Upcoming Events

Free Seminar: Addiction and the Brain This free community seminar hosted by Livengrin's Family Services Department, will be presented by William J. Lorman, PhD, MSN, PsyNP. Learn more about addiction and the recovery process from experts in the treatment field. When:  Monday, January 11, 2016 6:00PM - 8:00PM Where:   195 Bristol-Oxford Valley Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047

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Dry Humor: Standup for Recovery Liz Russo is a native of Easton, PA and currently performs standup at festivals, casinos, colleges, and comedy clubs nationwide. As a recovering alcoholic, in her comedy act, Liz often discusses her struggles with addiction and living in recovery. January 16th, 2016 will mark Liz Russo's 5 year sober-anniversary and she wants to celebrate with laughter, while also giving back!  Liz Russo presents a lineup of clean and sober stand-up comics to benefit the non-profit Livengrin Foundation For Addiction Recovery. When:  Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 8:00PM Where: 101 Founders Way Bethlehem, PA 18015

MORE/TICKETS

Alumni & Friends 12 Step Meeting Our monthly Alumni 12 Step Meeting in Shannahan Hall. Encourage your friends and fellow Livengrin Alumni to attend. When: Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 1:00PM Where: 4833 Hulmeville Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020

Livengrin Foundation | 215-638-5200 | Email | Website

December 19 Chp 33 v13v14v15 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

THE PROMISE

From heaven the lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth- He who forms the hearts of all ,who considers everything they do.

(GODS BIG BOOK)

THE KEY

Step 4 - Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

(NA BIG BOOK)

Our life is made up of experiences whether good or bad.We are a product of society. How we live is the end result of those life experiences . If your heart is full of hurt from painful experiences ,the natural thing to do is find a way to rid yourself of the pain. Society teaches there is something wrong with you and prescribes something to help you cope. Well we all know that is just a lie to you .We end up taking more and more and before you know it we are caught by addiction. Do you really want to be pain free ? There is a way ! The issues of life flow from our hearts even though society tries to convince you it comes from the mind. When your sad what hurts , that's right your heart ! God promises in His word that He always watches over you and when your heart hurts His heart  hurts . His Love for you is without  measure and He wants to take away your hurts .  He will give you supernatural strength to deal with those hurts but you have to work the steps . I call them keys (12 steps) because with Gods supernatural strength you will be able to face those  hurts  .Getting that painful stuff out into the open takes away its power to keep you sad , captive ,and bound. Gods help is so needed in all situations especially when we dig really deep .The stuff in my life was buried deep in my heart and no matter how much I self medicated it would not leave me alone .God gave me the strength to face it all once and for all and the more I exposed it the less and less its grip became. No matter what it is that is making your heart sick ,God already knows . Go to a quiet place and talk it out with God ,then find another human someone trustworthy and get it out of your system .You have been heartsick for way too long and that sickness is robbing you of life.

THE PROMISE

James 5:16 - Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.(GODS BIG BOOK)

More Infants Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs to Address Behavior - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

More Infants Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs to Address Behavior - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Could Magnets Help Treat Drug Addiction?

Could Magnets Help Treat Drug Addiction?

Mary’s Song And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, - Luke 1:46-47 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke1:46-47&version=NIV

December 2015 Dear Friends,          As we approach the holiday season, our thoughts naturally turn towards those we love. Many of us love someone who has struggled with or continues to struggle with addiction. In a season so full of hope and peace what more meaningful gift could you give than the gift of recovery? A gift to Livengrin Foundation this holiday season makes recovery possible. "Livengrin not only saved our son's life, but restored peace and sanity to our life as well...The extended support that Livengrin provides to addicts, their families and the community is unfailing and constantly expanding. LIVENGRIN SAVES LIVES."  Sharon & Ralph, Livengrin Alumni Parents

Addiction is a dangerous and heartbreaking disease. It affects not only the individual suffering from addiction-it affects parents, siblings, children, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and our entire community. As members of our Parent Support Group, Sharon & Ralph say that, "it has seen us through the hopeless days of our son's relapse, has enlightened us about our co-dependence and the family sickness of addiction, and has allowed us to share the roller-coaster ride of addiction with other parents. It has healed us and gifted us with peace no matter what twists and turns our son's recovery has taken." Today, Sharon & Ralph's son is sober, and they know that the generosity of donors like you helped make his recovery possible.      Livengrin is here to serve you, your loved ones, and your community-to provide hope, healing, and recovery. In order to continue to provide life-saving services to patients and their families, we count on your support-now more than ever. We ask that you consider making a gift as generous as you can afford, to ensure programs like our Parent Support Group are available to the families of addicts coping with their disease.  Your donation will make a world of difference, an immediate impact that truly transforms lives.   Thank you for giving the gift of hope this holiday season. Warmly, Scott F. Blacker Vice President for Development Give the gift that lasts a lifetime. The gift of recovery!  DONATE

STAY CONNECTED

Can You Help? If your holiday giving includes charitable donations, please consider supporting one of these very worthy organizations.  All three spend countless hours working to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from serious mental/physical/emotional conditions. Without that assistance, many of their clients would not receive the help they need. All three groups offer their services at no charge and have helped hundreds of people find healing, hope and recovery. All are run entirely by volunteers who have experienced firsthand the devastation of childhood sexual abuse, self-injury and/or addiction.  All donations are tax deductible. Please click the links below, learn about these groups and, if you can, lend a hand.  Stop Feeding the Predators  Lynn McClain Lifelong Mission Stop Feeding the Predators is an all volunteer organization that helps victims of childhood sexual abuse find healing. To learn more about the issues faced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse, or to get help,click here for SFTP's groundbreaking show on COA Recovery Radio. To learn more about SFTP and/or to make a donation, click here. Launching Point, Inc. Understanding Self Injury Launching Point is an all volunteer organization that offers support, groups and programs for people who self injure. To learn more about self injury and the issues faced by those who self-harm, or to get help, click here for "Share Your Scars!", Launching Point's excellent show on COA Recovery Radio. To make a donation, click here. City of Angels NJ, Inc.   How City of Angels Began City of Angels NJ, Inc. is an all volunteer organization that helps people with addictions get into, and stay in, recovery.  To learn more about COA, to get help or to make a donation, click here.

This Friday will be Road to Recovery’s Christmas Celebration. We will be celebrating the birth of our SAVIOR!! Please try and bring a special dish if you can. This will be our last meeting until Jan 8^th  ( that’s a looooonnnnnnngggg time). Please try and come out. We need to cover our Recovery Family with prayer!!!.

So far:

          Hoagie tray

          Cake and pie

          wings

            chips and dip

Pamela M. Hayward