FALL 2021

Dear Friends of MSCL House,

MSCL House is celebrating three successful years of operating in the Wood River Valley this fall. Staff, residents, and board members are so grateful to all who have been an integral part of MSCL House programs and operations, in some way, shape or form. YOU, MSCL House volunteers and donors, have made safe and sober living in the Wood River Valley a dream come true. THANK YOU!

Thanks to MSCL House residents that were able to assist in the success of the the 4th July Parade. Six of the MSCL House residents worked hard to set up the stage and repair the sound system. Thank you Hailey Rotary for including us in this community event.

A generous friends of MSCL House provided residents a cabin, where they were able to spend a weekend relaxing in the Sawtooth Mountains hiking, paddle-boarding, and swimming in the oh-so-cold water!

Residents hiking at the annual camping trip in July.

Vocation and Education

As we settle into Fall, MSCL House residents are settling into full time work and school. Many residents are working overtime, as there are shortages of workers in the Wood River Valley. Making extra money helps them save to make the next step on their sobriety journey.

August 23rd started the Fall semester at College of Southern Idaho. MSCL House has one resident beginning his final year of schooling and another beginning his first year in a specialized program.

MSCL House resident practicing his welding skills at CSI.

Match $avings Program

Residents took part in financial education classes and learned to manage their capital during 2020-2021. As the first year of MSCL House Match $avings program is coming to an end, residents are looking forward to using their money in different ways; One will be buying a more reliable car to get him to school in Twin Falls. Others will be putting a deposit down on a rental in the next 6 months.

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for being part of the MSCL House team. We couldn't do this work without your support!

Sonya Wilander

Executive Director

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

A huge thank you to the Dozoretz family, especially Ronald. Ronald passed away peacefully in 2020 at the age of 85. He dedicated his entire life to helping people. He had a very gentle and kind nature; however, he was a strong, confident leader who touched so many family members, communities, and individuals worldwide. He was integral to the growth and early success of MSCL House. He will be missed.

A NIGHT OF LAUGHS!

September 12th, 2021 marked another successful MSCL House event: Mark Lundholm's Comedy Night at The Argyros! This event supported MSCL House programs and operations. Thank you for making this event a success!

COVID-19’s Impact on Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Idaho

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of substance use treatment in Idaho. Access to services for individuals with smart phones and the internet increased, while those without access to technology may not have received services. This gap in services, and decreased access to services, was painfully present, as we saw substance use rates rise in the United States by 55-67% (Survey, 2020). Idaho addiction prevention services worked diligently, and as quickly as possible, to adapt to meet the needs of those we serve, while maintaining 6 feet distance.

For individuals with histories of substance use disorder, or are in active addiction, COVID-19 may have hit them harder than the average American. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports people with Substance Use Disorders are at higher risk of contracting and suffering worse consequences from COVID-19 (NIDA, 2020). This put a greater need for service providers to take precautions to keep their clients safe.

MSCL House supports men in recovery by providing a safe and sober living environment, a supportive network of peers, and services to address health and wellbeing. MSCL House is working to combat increases of substance use disorder in the Wood River Valley. Your support helps keep these programs going. Thank you!

Survey: Alcohol and Drug Use Increase During COVID-19 Pandemic (2020, September 22). https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/alcohol-and-drug-use-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-pandemic/.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard W. Brown

Honorable Mark A. Ingram

Scott S. Lucas

Nancy Mann, M.D.

John S. Miller

Lee P. Ritzau

Spooky Taft, C.I.P.

John Murray

Do you shop on Amazon? Support MSCL House with every purchase by going to smile.amazon.com and selecting Men's Second Chance Living. Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to our organization. Cheers to shopping responsibly!

How good does it feel to use a new, soft towel? Sleep with comfortable, warm bedding? Use a new toothbrush? Or have a new razor?

The MSCL House residents have gone without these basic items in their life, which can contribute to the cycle of addiction. When residents' basic needs are met, they are more likely to succeed in recovery.

By providing MSCL House residents with items from the Wishlist, you say to them, "You are worthy of nice things" which changes their mindset in life. When a person feels valued, the believe they are valuable.

Help MSCL House residents realize their own value.

From the MSCL House Resident Wishlist:

Dove Body Wash
Phillips Electric Toothbrush
Schick Razors
Dove Shampoo & Conditioner
Twin Comforter
Twin Sheets
Bath Towels
Cleaning Wipes
All Purpose Cleaner
Kitchen Utensils
Vacuum
Laptop

This list can be found by clicking HERE. If you'd like to donate these items without using the link, please email Caitlin@msclhouse.org