WINTER 2017 The Thresholdlimenhouse.org/docs/Newsletter Winter 2017.pdf · 2017. 12. 9. · My name...
2
It is an honor to be asked to give my testimony for all that Limen house has done for me. They took me off the streets December 24, 2011 and gave me the tools that I would need to change my life forever. During my “interview” Mike and Reggie said that they thought I would struggle in the program but agreed to give me a chance and immediately welcomed me. They said that they were giving my family and I the best Christmas present that I had ever gotten before. I will never forget the relief I felt when I realized that everything was going to be OK. I was 13 years old the first time I took a drink. My alcoholism would progress to heavy drinking and legal consequences by the time I was 14, my first institution by 15. That would be the course of the next 16 years of my life. My alcoholism demanded treatment and I found opiates. I would go on to experience all kinds of trauma but never enough to stop me from using. I tried everything that I could until finally, I received the gift of desperation. I ended up in a detox and was ready to follow directions. My twin brother told me to “put on your seatbelt and get ready for the ride of your life”, he was referring to sobriety. The Limen House introduced me to AA and the 12 steps. I would get a sponsor and go through all twelve steps while in the house. I left a changed man and a believer. Today I live a normal life. I was able to graduate with my bachelor’s degree and am currently enrolled in a master’s program. I am able to be available for my 7-year-old son, Oscar and the rest of my family. My twin brother overdosed in August and I was able to show up for my family and lean on my foundation of recovery to cope with the loss. Limen House taught me to set goals and show up no matter what. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Limen House has given me and the vision for my future that I clearly see today. Tips for enjoying a sober Holiday! 1. Don’t Go! – if you are invited to a holiday party and you just are not feeling good about it…Just Say NO! People will not think about it nearly as much as you will! It’s OK to say NO! 2. Breathe…It is a fact that our breathing can help control our anxiety, our energy level, our sense of calm. Practice a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your nose. Close your eyes. 3. Exit Strategy! If you decide to go to any social gathering where there will be alcohol, make sure to have your own ride home. Once people start drinking, they tend to want to stay…Don’t get Stuck! 4. Breathe some more! Try saying the Serenity Prayer. 5. “I don’t feel like it” is a perfectly appropriate response to someone if they ask you why you aren’t drinking…You will think about it a lot more than they will – most people don’t really care if you are drinking or not… 6. Avoid desserts/drinks that may be laced with alcohol and don’t put your drink down at a party! 7. Remember… it is another day and This too Shall Pass! 8. Call your sponsor or a friend in the program more often and check in about what your plans are and how you are really feeling. 9. Breathe! P.O. Box 1306 Wilmington, DE 19899 YOU have made a real difference! Look inside to see how… My name is Adam Center. The Threshold WINTER 2017 LIMEN HOUSE – Post Office Box 1306, Wilmington, DE 19899 Men’s House - 600 W. 10th Street, 302-652-7969 / Women’s House – 1900 Baynard Boulevard, 302-571-1216 Your Generosity Continues to Provide New Life My name is Ashley. I am a recovering sober woman, and I am FREE. For so many years I was locked in a never-ending cycle of drugs and alcohol. I lost everything, multiple times. And in the end, I found myself in an abandoned building praying to a God, that I wasn't sure existed, to please help me or take me away. Laying there that morning, I found the strength to get up and start walking. I didn't know where I was going. It was as if someone was moving my legs for me. What I found was the Limen House. The place that would teach me how to live. They gave me the tools to cope with life on life's terms. They held me accountable. They encouraged me to dig down deep and let go of so much that was blocking me off from being genuinely happy. They gave me love... They gave me AA. And in AA I found FREEDOM. I built my relationships back with my family. I worked with a sponsor. And have built a solid foundation in recovery that is lasting. I am forever grateful. You can contribute to Limen House through your United Way Contributions by designating Agency #0422. Limen House is a United Way agency. Limen House receives funding and is part of the system of public services offered by the Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Did you know...?
Transcript of WINTER 2017 The Thresholdlimenhouse.org/docs/Newsletter Winter 2017.pdf · 2017. 12. 9. · My name...
It is an honor to be asked to give my testimony for all that Limen house has done for me. They took me o� the streets December 24, 2011 and gave me the tools that I would need to change my life forever. During my “interview” Mike and Reggie said that they thought I would struggle in the program but agreed to give me a chance and immediately welcomed me. They said that they were giving my family and I the best Christmas present that I had ever gotten before. I will never forget the relief I felt when I realized that everything was going to be OK. I was 13 years old the �rst time I took a drink. My alcoholism would progress to heavy drinking and legal consequences by the time I was 14, my �rst institution by 15. That would be the course of the next 16 years of my life. My alcoholism demanded treatment and I found opiates. I would go on to experience all kinds of trauma but never enough to stop me from using. I tried everything that I could until �nally, I received the gift of desperation. I ended up in a detox and was ready to follow directions. My twin brother told me to “put on your seatbelt and get ready for the ride of your life”, he was referring to sobriety. The Limen House introduced me to AA and the 12 steps. I would get a sponsor and go through all twelve steps while in the house. I left a changed man and a believer. Today I live a normal life. I was able to graduate with my bachelor’s degree and am currently enrolled in a master’s program. I am able to be available for my 7-year-old son, Oscar and the rest of my family. My twin brother overdosed in August and I was able to show up for my family and lean on my foundation of recovery to cope with the loss. Limen House taught me to set goals and show up no matter what. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Limen House has given me and the vision for my future that I clearly see today.
Tips for enjoying a sober Holiday!1. Don’t Go! – if you are invited to a holiday party and you just are not feeling good about it…Just Say NO! People will not think about it nearly as much as you will! It’s OK to say NO!2. Breathe…It is a fact that our breathing can help control our anxiety, our energy level, our sense of calm. Practice a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your nose. Close your eyes. 3. Exit Strategy! If you decide to go to any social gathering where there will be alcohol, make sure to have your own ride home. Once people start drinking, they tend to want to stay…Don’t get Stuck!4. Breathe some more! Try saying the Serenity Prayer.5. “I don’t feel like it” is a perfectly appropriate response to someone if they ask you why you aren’t drinking…You will think about it a lot more than they will – most people don’t really care if you are drinking or not…6. Avoid desserts/drinks that may be laced with alcohol and don’t put your drink down at a party! 7. Remember… it is another day and This too Shall Pass!8. Call your sponsor or a friend in the program more often and check in about what your plans are and how you are really feeling.9. Breathe!
P.O. Box 1306Wilmington, DE 19899
YOU have made a real difference! Look inside to see how…
My name is Adam Center.
The ThresholdWINTER 2017
LIMEN HOUSE – Post Office Box 1306, Wilmington, DE 19899Men’s House - 600 W. 10th Street, 302-652-7969 / Women’s House – 1900 Baynard Boulevard, 302-571-1216
Your Generosity Continues to Provide New Life
My name is Ashley.
I am a recovering sober woman, and I am FREE. For so many years I was locked in a never-ending cycle of drugs and alcohol. I lost everything, multiple times. And in the end, I found myself in an abandoned building praying to a God, that I wasn't sure existed, to please help me or take me away. Laying there that morning, I found the strength to get up and start walking. I didn't know where I was going. It was as if someone was moving my legs for me. What I found was the Limen House. The place that would teach me how to live.They gave me the tools to cope with life on life's terms. They held me accountable. They encouraged me to dig down deep and let go of so much that was blocking me o� from being genuinely happy. They gave me love... They gave me AA. And in AA I found FREEDOM. I built my relationships back with my family. I worked with a sponsor. And have built a solid foundation in recovery that is lasting. I am forever grateful.
You can contribute to Limen House through your United Way Contributions by designating Agency #0422. Limen House is a United Way agency.
Limen House receives funding and is part of the system of public services offered by the Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Did you know...?
Michael Duffy
From our Executive Director
From our President – Sally H. Prendergast
Once again, the month of November is upon us! Finally, the chilly weather is here and it feels like it should for the season. I have mixed feelings about that. I prefer the warm weather, but I love the holidays too. November is Gratitude month which means that we have the Annual Gratitude Service at St. Joe’s on the Brandywine; one of my favorite events of the year! Limen House has so much to be grateful for. We have an Executive Director, Sta� and a Board of Directors who are truly dedicated, talented, and true to our Mission; to o�er a threshold to recovery and break the cycle of addiction in service to our community.In addition, our Team has grown to include a stalwart group of supporters. These supporters are made up of; Friends of Limen, Alumni, Corporate Sponsors, and many more. This circle of Friends of Limen is inclusive, and is growing by the day as more and more people are becoming aware of the work that we do and have been doing for 48+ years. The quality of our program speaks for itself. The incredible truth is that Limen House is much bigger than any individual and much more than four houses. Limen House is living proof that our Higher Power always provides and that if we have faith, all things and anything is possible. The journey I have personally taken with Limen House over these past several years has allowed me to witness that truth �rsthand as I have had the privilege to lead the organization through a lot of growth and change. I feel very blessed to be able to participate in the footwork as together we “trudge the road to happy destiny!”
Peace, love and light to all!Sally H. Prendergast, President
Greetings!
It is hard to believe we are into the Fall/Winter season. This has been a busy year for Limen House as we continue our work helping people begin a new life in recovery. Limen House started in 1969 with a basic philosophy: To give homeless men and women a safe supportive environment to begin to heal and start their recovery process. We do this with no �nancial obligation to the resident. Almost 49 years later, our core mission remains the same. We are a provider for Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to provide substance abuse services and we are grateful for their support. This year we have been fortunate to open our Women's Residential transitional program. This brings our total number of programs to four, serving up to 44 people at any time. This comes at a time when we are facing an addiction epidemic that needs all the resources possible and we are blessed to be able to do what we can. It is a total team e�ort to do what we do and we could not do it without the support of our family of Alumni, Board of Directors and our many supporters. Because of you we are able to help those struggling with addiction discover a threshold to hope and healing. I want to express my deepest thanks for your overwhelming generosity.
Program Committe Newsletter Article 2017
Stay connected with us via Facebook where we post updates on events and addiction and recovery related news.www.facebook.com/Limenhouse
Sally Prendergast, PresidentSusie Hudson, Vice PresidentDiane Burke, CPA, TreasurerJoseph Smack, MPA, SecretaryJames A. BurkeAugustus J. Cicala, Jr.David Dworsky
The Honorable Eric M. DavisTerry Horton, MDFather William J. Hultberg, O.S.F.S.Kelly L. HughesMichael LoessnerPaul McConnellCynthia Mooney
Michael Duffy CADC, Executive DirectorVinnie Garibaldi, House Manager, Men’s Level IISean McCauley CADC, Case Manager, Men’s Level IIIDebbie Pisan CADC, House Manager, Women’s Level IIIAmy Spangler, House Manager, Women’s Level IIBeth Undercuffler, Office Administrator
Limen Board of Directors Limen Staff
Limen House is regularly in need of clothing, furniture, toiletries, linens, kitchen utensils, and especially monetary donations
Please send contributions to:
Limen House • 600 West 10th Street • Wilmington, DE 19801
Email: [email protected]
Pumpkin Carving at Limen House
Programs Committee makes Limen House Family Education Program Top Priority for 2018! We are excited to be developing a program to help provide both residents and families with tools and resources to better understand the disease of addiction and help begin the process of healing for both. Family education not only gives family members support in their personal recovery but empowers the residents to maintain long term sobriety. Watch for details!Family Education also involves community education. Our joint programs with Ashley Treatment Center that began in September with “Families Hurt, Families Heal” got us o� to a tremendous start! The program was very well received, and people came away with a better understanding about addiction and how families are a�ected. Don’t miss our next program to help you and yours get through this upcoming Season, “Staying Sober…One Holiday at a Time”. Hope to see you at Salesanium High School on December 5th at 6:30. We have a great panel, including our own Mike Du�y, to help people learn tips and suggestion for navigating this tricky time of year. Look for details on our Facebook page.A much-appreciated grant from the Speer Foundation has enabled Limen House to start the Men’s Days of Hope (DOH) Program. Patterned after the Women’s DOH that has been in existence for 8 years, we o�er monthly programs, events and retreats that provide educational, inspirational, and spiritual experiences to encourage strong connections with others and help residents learn how to have fun in safe, sober environments. Both men and women groups participated in retreats that were about developing their personal “Vision for Creating a Happy & Ful�lling Life” and in a fun-�lled Pumpkin Carving Event. We are always looking for volunteers to help with our DOH Programs, we guarantee your will get as much out of participating as the residents do! We have some exciting ideas for 2018 and could use your help! If you would like more information, please contact Limen House.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo conse-quat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea com-modo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo conse-quat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation
