Walden Recaps a Strong Year
Please consider helping us to continue to positively impact the Southern Maryland community. With gratitude for what our supporters have already given Walden this year in donation of funds, time and talent, we invite you to contribute to our tax-deductible Year-End 2012 Gratitude campaign.
This is some of what Walden accomplished in 2012 as a result of your generosity.
Seven Challenges Comes to Southern Maryland
In November, Walden hosted Seven Challenges training for treatment providers and team members serving adolescents of the St. Mary’s and Charles County Juvenile Drug Courts. Considered a premier best practice in working with adolescents with behavioral health issues, Seven Challenges emphasizes honesty and building thoughtful decision making skills. Based in a harm reduction model, it is founded on the concept that adolescents must see that the positives of not using drugs and alcohol outweigh the negatives of ending their substance use/abuse. Delegate Johnny Wood and the Hon. Judge Stamm (St. Mary’s County Circuit Court) joined court and treatment personnel for an overview of the model.
Our Newest Voyage: a Recovery Center for Adolescents
Walden and St. Mary’s County are part of a select group of just five jurisdictions who received funding from the state of Maryland to open adolescent “clubhouse” centers in 2013. Christened “The Cove/D.F.Z.”, Walden’s adolescent center will open in January and focus on supporting recovery, wellness and life skills for adolescents with substance use issues; a service priority will be given to those who are participating, or have completed, treatment. Peer support, social, recreational, employment readiness, educational, personal development and coping skill activities and options will be offered in a “drug free zone” (D.F.Z.)
Community Happenings
In October, Walden teamed up with Camp Maria Retreat Center to hold a Recovery Coach Academy Retreat. The training prepares individuals to act as recovery coaches (peer supporters) for those seeking support in recovery related to substance abuse/misuse. A total of 14 certified as recovery coaches, including individuals from St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties as well as Baltimore.
Piggy Bank “Yard” Sale at Beacon of Hope Helped over 100 people
Everything was just a penny at this indoor yard sale held at Beacon of Hope Recovery Community Center on December 1st. Many thanks to the community members who donated the wonderful clothing and household goods. Those who came out for the sale were amazed at the quality and variety of items available. “I came in here and didn’t have any winter clothes,” said one guest as she counted out her pennies. “I am walking out with so many warm and really nice things! Thank you!”
Free ” Help Portraits” at Beacon of Hope in December
These free photographic portraits were offered by local volunteers. The organizers focused on photographing anyone involved in some form/experience–and any stage–of recovery. Beacon of Hope at Millison Plaza expands Walden’s array and reach of services into Lexington Park.
Walden a Comcast “Newsmaker” for Charles County
Walden assessment, treatment and counseling services available to Charles County residents and a message to community members to not neglect their behavioral health are featured in a video appearing on Comcast Cable. Thanks, Comcast!
Join Walden’s Year-End Gratitude Campaign!
To donate on-line, please click here. You may also mail your donation to Walden at 30007 Business Center Drive, Charlotte Hall, Md 20622, attn: Gratitude Campaign.
As Elizabeth Gilbert writes, “In the end, maybe its wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.”
As we head into 2013, our 40th anniversary year, we find we have an ever-growing list of reasons to be thankful.
