Summer Takes Flight at MSCL House
In May, when spring refused to give even an inch to summer, MSCL residents took the fun indoors, enjoying a night of camaraderie and cheer at Hailey’s Flight Archery Studio. The arching arrows sometimes hit the target, sometimes they fell short, but all that mattered was showing up and trying something new. The residents of our two homes show up every day, exhibiting positivity, and the understanding that it’s not about hitting the bullseye every time, but rather about the process.
There’s much to feel good about at the houses in Hailey. Residents have been out in the yard doing the spring cleanup, preparing beds for vegetable starts, and working together to care for their home. When the vegetables are ready to harvest, the men will have some new recipes at the ready. Thanks to a recent collaboration with the Sun Valley Culinary Institute, Chef Joe came to the house to teach important cooking techniques and share some menus. Other collaborations this spring also brought color and fun. Members of the MSCL community walked the Catwalk for a Cause at an event sponsored by the Crisis Hotline, voguing to a cheering audience. We value these collaborations and are thankful for the chance to work with amazing non-profits in the Wood River Valley. In other good news, two of our residents are taking advantage of programmatic support for educational pursuits and plan to pursue programs starting this fall – a huge step toward self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community.
Support for MSCL House remains strong and we have truly hit our stride. Both houses are at capacity, every resident is taking advantage of our proven programs, and each is committed to the process. Summer is indeed taking flight! Best wishes, Sonya Wilander
Executive Director |
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The Culinary Hub for the Wood River Valley. A non-profit organization devoted to providing culinary education and experiences. Sun Valley Culinary Institute |
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Whenever there is work to be done or a helping hand needed, MSCL board member Maria Gerhardt will, without fail, quietly roll up her sleeves and help get whatever needs to be done, done. Maria defines the term ‘tireless volunteer.’ One of MSCL’s first supporters, she worked in the background to set up all the organization’s extensive paperwork allowing us to open our doors. Whether she is soliciting donations for coveted auction items, assisting in the office, or bringing a delicious home-cooked meal to the residents, Maria’s constant support of MSCL’s mission helps us be at our best. Her financial and temporal contributions help us spread the word about our work and helps remove the stigma associated with substance abuse disorder.
A 25-year resident of the Wood River Valley, Maria has been a driving force behind many organizations. From lending her extensive skills to help make costumes for local theater companies, to fundraising and event planning for local schools, nonprofits, and public organizations, countless people have benefited from her energy, ideas, and dedication. When asked about her experiences with MSCL, she said, "Through the years I have witnessed firsthand many miracles of recovery at MSCL House. I am so proud of the men in the MSCL program for making the commitment to their recovery, for staying the course, and for moving their lives forward!" Thank you, Maria, for your unwavering commitment to MSCL House. We appreciate you! |
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The Summer 2023 MSCL House Online Auction is Now Open! Click here to bid on one-of-a-kind items and packages– there is something for everyone and all proceeds support the residents of MSCL House and their commitment to a second chance! Also check out ways to directly fund a need or program. Bidding ends on August 5 at the conclusion of our Second Annual Pickleball Tournament! |
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Register today to join us at The Valley Club for an afternoon of fearless fun Saturday, August 5th! |
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING WOOD RIVER VALLEY BUSINESSES FOR BOTH THEIR GENEROSITY AND THEIR SUPPORT OF THE WORK WE DO TO GROW AND SUSTAIN A HEALTHY COMMUNITY!! |
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NATIONAL PRESCRIPTON DRUG TAKE BACK DAY |
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Hailey Police, NAMI, and MSCL working together for a safer community. |
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So many people have leftover prescription drugs in their medicine chests - medication that should not end up in the wrong hands but that is hard to dispose of properly. Young people are some of the most vulnerable to having access to these medications as they may think that if something has been prescribed, it must be ok, or just try it because it’s there. Out of MSCL House's current and past residents, 75 percent reported using drugs for the first time by or before the age of 18.
On April 22, MSCL House teamed up with the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Hailey Police Department to help tackle this challenging issue. Together, we hosted National Prescription takeback day. Collection sites on this day are set up throughout country, allowing people to dispose of unwanted medications easily and safely. Thanks to Albertson’s, we set up a collection site in their parking lot and facilitated the project.
Statewide, a total of of 6,000 pounds of medication was collected. In the Wood River Valley, we “took back” 200 pounds of prescriptions people no longer need. At the collection point, the Department of Health and Welfare also supplied literature on substance abuse to help educate people. Special thanks to Albertson’s for supplying yummy treats and a steady supply of coffee to keep us energized throughout the day! |
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Thank you to Sandy at Flight Archery!
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Idaho Gives and Funky Fashion Show |
Thank you to our donors for making our Idaho Gives Campaign a huge success! And thank you to The Crisis Hotline's executive director, Tammy Davis, for inviting us to be a part of the Funky Fashion Show to kick of Idaho Gives! We had a terrific time, as did a couple of former MSCL residents who were happy to strut the catwalk.
"I suggested the Funky Fashion show as a means of bringing us all together to empower each other, refuel our passions and make our cheeks hurt from laughing. It was an entertaining evening with over 15 organizations joining in, volunteers blowing up balloons, models walking the catwalk, and participants bidding on the latest fashions. All-in-all to me, it was an event that achieved exactly what I hoped it would, we shared information, networked, and laughed. It was a great way to kick off 'Mental Health Awareness' Month, May Day and Idaho Gives!! Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the many organizations, especially The Limelight Hotel."
-Tammy Davis, Executive Director for The Crisis Hotline
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Dr. Jared Hill, Dr. Dan Nelson, and their team at Wood River Dental Care in Hailey are providing critical dental services to MSCL House residents, helping them in their recovery. Now THAT'S a reason to smile! |
| Leaving a Legacy of Smiles |
In addition to their Hailey dental practice, Dr. Hill and Dr. Nelson are co-founders of the Dental Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides free dental care and oral hygiene education in communities where there is currently little to no access. MSCL House is grateful for their efforts to serve those in need, both around the world and close to home.
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| BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott S. Lucas, President Nancy Mann, MD, Secretary
John G. Murray, Treasurer Maria M. Gerhardt John S. Miller Atty. Lee P. Ritzau Andrew Rothermel |
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