As the first leaves begin to hint at their autumn glory, we look back to the memorable summer that was. The Wood River Valley was in full swing with never-ending ways to play and the residents of both MSCL Houses made the most of it. The season kicked off at the crowd-favorite Hailey Fourth of July Parade where the men volunteered throughout the day, helping participants and spectators with smiles and good will. Residents were also able to get into this gorgeous wilderness that surrounds us to connect with nature and enjoy some amazing, sober fun hiking, golfing, fishing, and camping. |
The fall sees four of our residents returning to school to improve their skills and employability. Other residents are embarking on new jobs, working on getting promoted, spending time with family, cooking healthy meals, and working very hard to re-integrate into the community as sober, contributing members.
Our residents are committed to lasting sobriety, second chances, and improving their lives. They know that by getting and staying healthy, they positively affect those around them. This ripple effect impacts residents' families, friends, employers, and the community at large. Addiction does not just impact one person. It is far reaching and puts stress on anyone who cares about or interacts with the person struggling with a substance abuse disorder.
You are an essential part of our MSCL community and we couldn't make the life-changing impact in the lives of our residents without you. We thank you sincerely. Sonya Wilander
Executive Director |
|
Philanthropist and trailblazer Dr. Jeanne L. Herberger has been recognized for her extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to community issues--education, community development, the arts, and the welfare of women and children. In 2003, she received the prestigious IWF Leading Light Awards for her work with Ukrainian refugees. In 2012, she was named "48 most intriguing women" in Arizona for her dedication and commitment to community issues in Phoenix. And in 2023, she was recognized at the International World Leadership Conference for her accomplishments and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
How fortunate are we that Jeanne decided to build a home in the Wood River Valley. She identified the most important need in our community and in true Jeanne fashion, became intensely involved with ARCH Community Housing Trust--a local non-profit who develops permanent affordable housing for persons of low to moderate-income. She saw an immediate need in workforce housing and wasted no time in initiating a challenge match that has resulted in the successful funding of these housing projects. Creating a lasting impact in the lives of the people we depend upon the most in our community--teachers, nurses, firefighters, electricians, landscapers, painters, engineers, and senior citizens.
We connected with Jeanne in 2022, while we were in the midst of our capital campaign to purchase a second sober home. Once learning of our efforts to expand our much-needed services to the community, Jeanne did not hesitate and provided us the funding we needed to complete the capital campaign. This allowed us to quickly move forward with the purchase of our second home and to double the number of men we serve in the Wood River Valley in short order. We're grateful that Jeanne had joined all those who supported our capital campaign to make the second home a reality for men in recovery in our valley. The effect of her generosity and dedication is far reaching and has improved the lives of our residents in many impactful ways. From the MSCL family and the community we serve, an overwhelming thank you to Jeanne! |
|
|
A fun-filled afternoon was had by all at our 2nd Annual Pickleball fundraiser held at the Valley Club on August 5th. Thanks to all who attended for making it a smashing success and to our sponsors for your generous support of our event. |
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNING PICKLERS! |
| |
1st Place Winners - BRINE BASHERS Karen Holzman, Elizabeth Lucas, Carol Gullstad, Bob Pierpoint, Cooper Taylor and Chris Seldon. Missing in photo: Pete Prekeges, and Jon Verhaeghe |
|
2nd Place Winners – PICKLE BALLERS
Adam Taylor, Lee Spongaule, Joanne Wetherell, Cash Peterson, Brock Peterson, Karl Wilander. Missing in photo: Candice Stark and William Peppo |
| 3rd Place Winners – SMASH SORCERERS James McCann, Michell Sabina, Tom Robinson, Jesse Silverman, Bonnie Larsen, Jason Child. Missing in photo: Emily Johnstone and Carla Murray. |
|
|
|
National Recovery Month started in 1989 and is a month-long observance that promotes and supports new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s proud recovery community, and the dedication of services providers and community who support recovery.
|
|
|
Summer ended on a high note when, on August 30, MSCL House hosted speaker Benjamin Seymour at the Community Library. During this free, well-attended event, Seymour shared his experiences of 23-years in behavioral healthcare with the rapt audience. Seymour is a nationally recognized interventionist, consultant, counselor, author, and public speaker who served as the founder and CEO of several healthcare companies in the U.S. and is well-versed in working with healthcare organizations in a consultative capacity. His personal, resonant, and impactful presentation kicked off National Recovery Month which started September 1.
CLICK HERE to listen to the talk.
CLICK HERE to visit Southworth Associates' website for information on interventions and addiction services.
CLICK HERE to contact Ben directly. |
| |
|
| "We are honored to showcase the individuals and agencies in this booklet that strive to unify and empower those engaging in treatment and recovery, while reducing the stigma surrounding substance abuse." - IDHW, September 2023 |
|
MSCL House was featured in the Department of Health and Welfare's booklet Who's Who in Recovery 2023 created for Idaho Recovery Month. The booklet recognizes the work of individuals and agencies in the Idaho recovery community.
CLICK HERE to view the booklet (MSCL page 5, Sonya page 18) |
|
| What is Kratom?
Struggles with substance abuse will not end anytime soon, and the landscape is always changing with a current focus on well-known drugs such as opioids and fentanyl. But something called kratom is also very troubling, primarily due to its availability. Kratom is an unregulated, legal herbal supplement available throughout the valley under brand names including Vivazen, Zen, and K Meta shots.
Kratom affects the brain in the manner opiates do, binding to the same receptors in the brain as morphine and other opioids. Its addiction risk has been downplayed giving users a false sense of security, but, although legal, it is prone to being abused. The opioid effects from kratom derive from the tree’s leaf. One compound, mitragynine has mild opioid effects. The other, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is 13 times more potent than morphine milligram for milligram, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine. The drug has a dual effect as stimulant and sedative, depending on dosage. Most people are unfamiliar with kratom’s opioid-like effects and think since you can buy it at the gas station, it must be safe. Please take a few minutes to read the important linked article featured in the Idaho Mountain Express about a local family's struggle with kratom and a flyer with facts on kratom and Idaho statistics.
CLICK HERE to read the IME article, "How kratom, a legal 'herbal opioid,' tore one local family apart"
CLICK HERE to download the flyer on Kratom Facts and ODP Facts on Kratom Use in Idaho |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}*
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
