VOLUME 7, ISSUE 11 HOPE - CHOICE - EMPOWERMENT - RECOVERY CULTURE - SPIRITUALITY NOVEMBER 2015 November 2015 Recovery Innovations extends heartfelt THANKS and APPRECIATION to the organizations that provide class locations, presentations, services and referrals. Our connections with others, provide opportunities and environments that empower people to recover, to succeed in accomplishing their goals, and to reconnect with themselves, others and meaning and purpose in life. Community Connections Quotes of Inspiration “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratude.” – Denis Waitley “At the crossroad, where do you turn to? Listen to your inner-self, it will point the right road for you to follow.” ― Lailah Giſty Akita, Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluering from the autumn tree. – Emily Bronte How well do you handle stress in your life? 1. I have people I confide in when I’m feeling under pressure who make me feel better. 2. I feel comfortable expressing how I feel when something is bothering me. 3. In general, I feel in control of my life and confident in my ability to handle what comes my way. 4. I find reasons to laugh and feel grateful, even when going through difficulties. 5. No matter how busy I am, I make it a priority to sleep, exercise, and eat right. 6. I’m able to calm myself down when I start to feel overwhelmed. Each “yes” answer represents an important stress coping skill. Each “no” represents an area to work on to become more resilient. Learn how to manage stress You may feel like the stress in your life is out of your control, but you can always control the way you respond. Meditation can teach you healthier ways to cope with stress, help you reduce its harmful effects, and prevent stress from spiraling out of control again in the future. Engage socially. The simple act of talking face to face with another human being can release hormones that reduce stress even if you’re still unable to alter the stressful situation. Opening up to someone is not a sign of weakness and it won’t make you a burden to others. Get moving. Physical activity plays a key role in managing stress. Activities that require moving both your arms and your legs are particularly effective. Walking, running, swimming, dancing, and aerobic classes are good choices, especially if you exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move). Focused movement helps to get your nervous system back into balance. Set aside relaxation time. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the fight or flight stress response. Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress. Get plenty of sleep. Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. Keep your cool in stressful situations by getting a good night’s sleep. For details on Wellness classes, Peer Support and possible Resource Connections, call Recovery Innovations at 1-866-481-5361
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Recovery Innovations extends heartfelt THANKS and APPRECIATION to the
organizations that provide class locations, presentations, services and referrals.
Our connections with others, provide opportunities and environments that empower people to recover, to succeed in accomplishing their goals, and to
reconnect with themselves, others and meaning and purpose in life.
Community Connections
Quotes of
Inspiration
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” – Denis Waitley
“At the crossroad, where do you turn to? Listen to your inner-self, it will point the right road for you to follow.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita,
Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. – Emily Bronte
How well do you handle stress in
your life?
1. I have people I confide in when I’m
feeling under pressure who make me
feel better.
2. I feel comfortable expressing how I
feel when something is bothering me.
3. In general, I feel in control of my life
and confident in my ability to handle
what comes my way.
4. I find reasons to laugh and feel
grateful, even when going through
difficulties.
5. No matter how busy I am, I make it a
priority to sleep, exercise, and eat
right.
6. I’m able to calm myself down when I
start to feel overwhelmed.
Each “yes” answer represents an
important stress coping skill. Each
“no” represents an area to work on to
become more resilient.
Learn how to manage stress
You may feel like the stress in your life is
out of your control, but you can always
control the way you respond. Meditation
can teach you healthier ways to cope with
stress, help you reduce its harmful
effects, and prevent stress from spiraling
out of control again in the future.
Engage socially. The simple act of
talking face to face with another human
being can release hormones that reduce
stress even if you’re still unable to alter
the stressful situation. Opening up to
someone is not a sign of weakness and it
won’t make you a burden to others.
Get moving. Physical activity plays a key role in managing stress. Activities that require moving both your arms and your legs are particularly effective. Walking, running, swimming, dancing, and aerobic classes are good choices, especially if you
exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move). Focused movement helps to get your nervous system back into balance.
Set aside relaxation time. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and
deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the fight or flight stress response.
Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress.
Get plenty of sleep. Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. Keep your cool in stressful situations by getting a good night’s sleep.
Connect is a one-day, one-stop event to provide people
experiencing - or at risk of experiencing - homelessness with a
broad range of services including housing, employment, health and
dental care, mental health care, veterans' and social service
benefits, legal services, and more. This was Durham Wellness City’s
fifth year participating in this event and we enjoyed meeting all the
people who stopped by the Wellness City table to learn about all the
wonderful classes and events we have to offer. For many of the
participants at this event, just having a place to go that is safe, warm, and welcoming is a novelty and is
especially important as the winter holidays and cold winter weather are soon upon us. What a joy it was
to share this wonderful resource with so many new people!
Creating art is a great way to come together as a community and prepare ourselves and our physical
space for the upcoming holidays. As the weather becomes cooler
and wetter, it is wonderful to sit inside, warm and dry, and spend
time creating together. Some of the beautiful crafts that are
created will be taken home to decorate our own living spaces and
some will be left at Wellness City to create a warm, welcoming space
that celebrates the upcoming holidays. On Saturday, 10/17, the
citizens carved these amazing pumpkins to decorate the
community space at Durham Wellness City. Happy Halloween!!
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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice NOVEMBER 2015
Community Building Team
Citizen Spotlight!
My name is Carlos and I was adopted at the age of 8. I went to live with my adoptive parents, where I began to act out a lot. I did not do well in school because I was always acting out. Once I set myself on fire. By the time I was 18, I was sent to live in a group home which I did not like because they were always telling me what to do. I was put on all kinds of medicine for Bipolar 2 disorder. Finally I went back to live with my adopted parents in 2014. I love my Mom and Dad but they always have negative things to say to me. I got involved with this program with Trillium and Recovery Innovations. I started doing a lot better and was one of the lucky ones to be able to transition into independent living with the support of my Peer Recovery Coach, Medication Management and Trillium. I moved about 6 weeks ago and things are going well. I am currently working on my WRAP and setting goals for success. My Peer recovery coach comes and spends time with me twice a week to support me in all I do. I love living on my own. I am doing well with my medications and meeting people in the community. I am also learning how to cook. I go to church every Sunday and in 2016 I will be going back to school to get my G.E.D. I want to thank my coach Kristye for always supporting me.
A note from Kristye Holt CPSS, Peer Recovery Coach
Carlos transitioned a little over a month ago and has been doing very well. Carlos wants to go back to school to get his G.E.D. He is working on getting acclimated into the community and has made some new friends. Carlos is also working on WRAP with his PRC. Carlos has come a long way and is continuing to grow and has a willingness to go the extra mile for himself and others. It has been a pleasure working with Carlos and seeing that light of hope within him. I love working with Carlos because of his courage and strength to keep moving forward. Carlos is very kind in nature. My name is Kristye and I am Carlos’s CPSS, PRC. What I love about working with Carlos is how rewarding it is to give back what was so freely given to me. It helps my own recovery every day to be a part of giving back. I love working for R.I. because of who they are and what we do. It brings me joy to support people with similar challenges and it also has a way of keeping my own recovery in order. I am a firm believer that I must continue doing the things that keep me well so that I can empower others. The one thing I have learned through the many years of being in recovery is that recovery is a process not an event. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this team. #AsTheJournyContinues.
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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice
NOVEMBER 2015
This year our very own Wellness City of New Bern
partook in the 35th annual Mumfest in downtown
New Bern. And though we had to fight the wind
and the rain, we were able to help generate
information about Recovery Innovations and all of
the services that we offer for free to the general
public. Many of the individuals that came to our
booth stated that they have heard of Wellness City
before, yet did not know the exact location of our
program. Others said that they have never heard
of Wellness City and were glad to know there was
a place in town that helped people during their
time of need. Some were just interested in
partaking in our free classes that range from Drum Circle, to Understanding
Schizophrenia, to Art for Recovery. The staff
handed out information sheets, class schedules
and cards for them to come to the facility and
share a cup of free coffee with us. While there, we
gave them a tour of the facility and explained in
more detail what we do here at Wellness City;
maybe, just maybe we can help them get the tools
they need to get back on the road to recovery.
—Joseph Villarreal RSA New Bern
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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice NOVEMBER 2015
Outreach
Left to Right: Georgia J. (Front); Rebecca H. Yvonne B. Stephanie S. Brad L., Jenn F. and Cheryl S.
Held at PORT Human Services in Elizabeth City, the SAIOP group (pictured above proudly displaying their Certificates of
Completion) came to the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) class every day of the 9-week class and all 7 attendees graduated!
To celebrate, everyone brought a dish to pass and had a big Pot Luck!
Here are some things the students had to say about their WRAP experience:
“Gives me so much Hope and I know I can do this! This group and you, Ron (WRAP Facilitator) makes me feel I am not alone.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I’m finding peace in my life. Thank you so much for being in my life.” ~Georgia J.
“Today I was reassured that I have all the support and tools I need to make larger steps forward in my Recovery!” ~Stephanie S.
As you can see by the above quotes, people are attending our classes and growing in their Recovery! If you want what they have,
are 18 Years or older and would like to find a class nearest you, please call Susan Hall, Outreach Team Lead at 252-876-3645.
Remember~ You are never alone on your road to Recovery!
All of our classes are offered FREE of charge!
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Wellness City VoiceWellness City VoiceWellness City Voice NOVEMBER 2015
SPECIAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
OUTREACH
FREE WORKSHOPS ALL OVER EASTERN NC! Right now, we are offering WELL (Wellness & Empowerment in Life & Living in Ahoskie. Each week we cover a different topic such as Recovery, Stress Management, Sub-stance Use and Trauma.
Join us at Roanoke Chowan Community Health, Ahoskie On Wednesdays from 2:00PM—3:30PM! Call Susan @ 252-876-3645 for more details on this and our other work-shops.
Wellness City New Bern
Is having a Thanksgiving gathering on
Wednesday, November 25th, at 12:00PM. Come and join us!
Wellness City Greenville
Is having a Thanksgiving supper on
Wednesday, November 25th, at 11:00AM
until 1:00PM Save the date!
Our Mission
To create opportunities and environments
that empower people to recover, to succeed
in accomplishing their goals, and to reconnect
with themselves, others and meaning and
purpose in life.
Recovery Innovations
Is a nonprofit organization offering recovery-based services in Arizona, California, Delaware, North Carolina, Texas, Washington
state and New Zealand.
www.RecoveryInnovations.org
Recovery Response Center
300 Parkview Drive West
Henderson, NC 27536
Phone: 252-438-4145 Joy Brunson-Nsubuga, Clinical Director: 252-339-2486
Durham Wellness City
401 E. Lakewood Avenue, Suite E1-A
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919-687-4041
Kim Chansen, Recovery Services Administrator: 919-702-3314