January is resolution season. As we lean into the start of 2024, self-improvement is on the mind of everyone, including the residents of the MSCL houses. The men are optimistic and positive about the coming year, focusing on sustained sobriety, improving their job prospects through training and education, saving money, improving their health, and focusing on the “four r’s” of recovery, rebuilding, restoring, and reentering, all with a goal of successful reintegration in our amazing community.
Early winter has been busy at both houses. December required a special focus as the most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most difficult for those in recovery. Countless studies show the special challenges the holiday season brings, increasing the risk of relapse. Because of this, MSCL House worked actively and mindfully to provide extra support and activities to our residents during the holiday weeks to help them thrive during this challenging time. We are so proud of our residents for embracing healthy choices.
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Thanks to our generous donors, residents took advantage of many opportunities to work on their wellness. Our Physical Health program continues to offer activities to appeal to all our residents. Many have taken advantage of membership at Gravity Fitness and Tennis, spending time in the weight room, blowing off steam doing cardio, and even trying their hand at pickleball. The outdoors has beckoned and thanks to donors, downhill ski passes, cross country ski passes, and snowshoes are available for residents to enjoy the snow season by getting onto the hills and trails, enjoying crisp air and bluebird skies.
“I really appreciate the chances MSCL has given me to work out and be healthy this winter. It gives me something positive to focus on.” – Current Resident |
Healthy alternatives to substance use are more important than ever as the Wood River Valley is far from immune to the growing fentanyl crisis in the United States. MSCL was thrilled to receive a grant through Blaine County from the Federal Opioid Crisis Fund to help us stay on top of this threat. Please take a moment to read the drug facts below that describe the dangers of fentanyl. We are very grateful to the MSCL House community for your continued support. Our recent Annual Appeal raised more than 40 percent of our operating budget, positioning us for continued success in 2024. Thank you so much for your generosity. |
With gratitude, Sonya Wilander
Executive Director |
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Theresa and Colin Jensen, the owners of Jensen Stern Joaillier, understand the profound significance of jewelry in the human experience. They recognize that jewelry reflects our values, desires for beauty, and our yearning for connection and creativity. At their store on Leadville Avenue in Ketchum, they offer captivating collections characterized by their unique and vibrant designs.
The couple’s journey in Ketchum started as many do, with Theresa coming to the area from Scottsdale to ski. “I was running my father’s jewelry store. When he passed away, I needed a break,” Theresa shared. Soon after, she married Colin, had a child, and relocated permanently in the Wood River Valley. And so, it began. Theresa traveled the country and the world discovering new artists and creating beautiful jewelry pieces. Colin, who comes from a remarkable line of horologists as the grandson of Henri Stern, owner of Patek Philippe watch company, was also instrumental in shaping Jensen Stern's exceptional vision.
In 2020, Theresa and Colin merged their love for jewelry with a greater purpose that transcended esthetics. Through their collaboration with MSCL on The Chance to Change Holiday Raffle, they not only raised awareness for our cause, but also provided generous financial support with the sales of raffle tickets. Their contributions made a significant positive impact on the lives of our men in recovery. Theresa expressed her personal connection to the cause, saying, “I am very touched by Sonya’s achievements. Addiction has affected my family. I truly believe that if you get involved with something in life, work hard, stick with it, you will find peace and happiness.”
After 34 years of curating stunning wearable art, Theresa and Colin have decided to pass on the torch to new owners. Thank you Theresa and Colin for your exquisite designs, for championing the cause of men in recovery, and for providing support and inspiration within the community.
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Congratulations to JIM FIGGE for winning a $10,000 Jensen Stern gift certificate at MSCL’s Chance to Change Holiday Raffle 2023! |
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Best Overall: Men’s Second Chance Living
Best Nonprofit: Blaine County Historical Museum Best First Responder: Christian Ervin Best Amateur: Braun family |
| 5-Alarm Chili Cook Off
Congratulations Team Second Chance!
There was a huge turnout at the September 30 combined event - Meet the Fleet and 5-Alarm Chili Cook Off. Attendees sampled 14 chilis made by the local fire departments and nonprofits to benefit the Hailey Fire Department. The men at the sober house worked their magic into a Mexican-inspired chili that quickly became the favorite of the competition. The Second Chance Chili, as they called it, ended up winning Best Overall Chili. Chili con carne after all does translate to "chili pepper with meat". So on a chilly day in September, the proud residents of MSCL House offered bowls of chili to keep participants from the chill of the day.
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| Wild Christmas Tree Tradition
The early winter season found residents out in the wilderness to find the perfect ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas trees which they decorated in each house to add a good dose of cheer! Residents in both houses enjoyed a holiday dinner that they planned and prepared using the skills and information learned through our Nutritional Counseling Program. |
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The Facts About Fentanyl from the CDC
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Illegally made fentanyl (IMF) is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl. In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
A Hidden Threat
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. 2 mg of fentanyl, the amount on the tip of a pencil, can be enough to kill an average person. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips. Test strips are inexpensive and typically give results within 5 minutes, which can be the difference between life or death. Even if the test is negative, take caution as test strips might not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) statistics and images on fentanyl and counterfeit pills. CLICK HERE
The Idaho Prescription Drug monitoring program. CLICK HERE Drug Overdose Prevention Program (DOPP) Dashboard: CLICK HERE |
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Men’s Second Chance Living is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and registered with the IRS Tax ID #82-4647969 |
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Our Contact Information
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott S. Lucas, President
Nancy Mann, MD, Secretary John G. Murray, Treasurer John S. Miller Kathryn Riedinger Atty. Lee P. Ritzau Andrew Rothermel Sonja Uri |
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