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Flair for care
CONTINUING CARE FACILITATORS HONORED
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Yesterday afternoon, we learned of the passing of one of the pillars of the Statesboro recovery community, Mr. Joe G. He was a fixture at the Smokehouse, but often spotted too near the front of the Fork in his dapper driving cap and with a bad cat joke at the ready. Mr. Joe had decades of continuous sobriety and it showed in everything that he did. The message of experience, strength, and hope that he shared often focused on the "I can't/we can" nature of a solid recovery foundation.
A big part of the "we" at Willingway can be found in our Continuing Care groups and as many of you witnessed at Homecoming, we recently honored our facilitators who keep these weekly support networks humming. From the podium on Saturday night, CEO Cherie Tolley highlighted the program, our 12 facilitators, and new Continuing Care Coordinator Jason "JD" DuPell. The group was invited onstage and presented with plaques honoring them for all that they do for our recovery community. We say thanks again to these special folks, who are a vital part of many people's walk towards serenity. Below, you will find some snapshots from the weekend and feedback we recently received from our Atlanta Continuing Care community about what they have found in their meetings with each other and facilitator Robby Carroll. Those experiences are replicated each week throughout the southeast. More on where to find one near you here or you can email JD.
Lastly, I invite you to read all the way through to the bottom of the issue. We have a lot of content this month. There were many happy moments with so many people celebrating graduations and spring nuptials, but several members of the Willingway family lost loved ones to the disease in May. This is when the we becomes so critical and our hope is that you will join us in standing in the darkness with anyone suffering such profound grief as a result of addiction.
All my best,
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"I have attended the continuing care program since its beginning back in 2005. I went through the Willingway treatment program in Dec-Jan 2003-2004. The group has become an important part of my life. During this Lenten season, I am reading a book called "The Clearing Season." It talks about going into the wilderness and facing your fears, clearing space in the wilderness to bring your cares to God, and watching for new growth in your life as the result. I feel this way about the group. To me it is a clearing in the wilderness where I can come and share my feelings with others and be refreshed by listening to the their stories as well. I have seen new growth in myself and others as a result of these meetings. I always come away feeling uplifted. I regularly attend AA meetings, but the group meetings are different, those attending being a mixture of alcoholics and families of alcoholics. I get a different, more diverse perspective which helps me appreciate more fully the impact of my disease on myself and my family.
Over the years the group has evolved as attendance has gone up and down. I feel now the group is the strongest it's ever been, where true friendships have formed, where members look out for one another and check on each other outside of the regular group time. I feel it is like a family and I feel very grateful to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing my friends every week.
Robby, your leadership has brought our group to where it is now and I thank you for all your have done over the years to make myself and others feel welcome and genuinely cared for."
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The Willingway Continuing Care Group has become my family in recovery. It has over the years provided me with a safe place to discuss the challenges I face each day in recovery. Unlike AA groups, the meeting participants are from both sides of the addiction spectrum -- there are those of us who are in recovery from addiction and those whose lives have been, or still are, impacted by someone in active addiction or in recovery. There is a compassion and understanding that comes from seeing addiction from a different and sometimes opposite perspective as well as from those at different points along their road to recovery. I have learned more about myself and how my disease has impacted those around me by experiencing the disease from the viewpoint of a loved one of another addict/alcoholic. Today, some of my closest friends belong to this group and I would be lost without their support."
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"It is difficult to put into words how much the Willingway Continuing Care Group has helped me, my husband and indirectly my son/my husband’s step son.
First of all, I would like to share how wonderful Robby is in his role as professional leader of the group. He always makes sure everyone feels welcome, comfortable and accepted. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding the disease of addiction and the effect on family dynamics. Robby is authentic and has had the courage to share his own struggles with addiction and codependency. It has helped us that Robby has lived the hardest experience of all by losing his son to the disease of addiction, but has the strength to offer us all hope that one can cope and live one’s life with peace and compassion for others after such a tragic and seemingly senseless loss.
The first time I attended a group meeting my palms were sweaty, my mouth was dry and my heart rate was elevated. The experience of addiction in my family was weighing heavy on me. It has been such an emotional journey watching and trying to help my son as addiction continued to take over his life in a very bad way. He has been in and out of treatment for 3.5 years and had been through heroin and benzodiazepine overdoses which landed him the ER multiple times and in the ICU on one of the last overdoses which was as he was feeling the effects of hitting the bottom. He was end stage in the disease process when he arrived at Willingway. The legal fall-out has been significant as well. He had multiple misdemeanors and two felony charges. His journey soon became our journey. It has taken a huge emotional and financial toll on our family. Fortunately, we figured out fairly early on that his disease of addiction would become our to fight together, therefore, we sought professional help as well as personal help for his recovery and our recovery as a family.
I mentioned the anxiety I felt during my first attendance at the Willingway Continuing Care Group. I continued to attend and my husband started joining me. I have benefited from the support, education and fellowship that occur in the meetings. I have learned that I can help support my son in his recovery, but ultimately he has to do his own hard work in maintaining his sobriety and in reclaiming his life. I have learned that life goes on and I have to take care of myself, my marriage (husband) and other family members such as siblings of the addict to find peace and happiness and to make as many great memories as possible in life’s journey. The chaos of addiction cannot destroy or define our family!
In summary, Robby has helped us in so many ways and the other members of the group have given us great feedback and support as well. The group has really kept us from isolating during a very difficult period in our lives. I am truly grateful that Robby reached out to us by calling and inviting us to attend when our son was admitted to Willingway. Our son has continued on with his rehabilitation at Louie’s House."
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"I have found this meeting to be the best by far of the many 12-step al anon meetings and similar family group meetings I've been to over the past 5 years. This group has a level of intimacy that I haven't experienced with other groups or meetings. I like that a good number of parents attend who are dealing with adult children who are addicts or alcoholics, because we are parents in the same position. I like that the group includes members who have the disease of addiction and those who are 'double-winners'. I especially like that Robby you are our group leader and facilitator, that you share openly and honestly about yourself and your son, that you are a Presbyterian minister, and that you bring and share different ideas and thoughts from your experiences and readings. I like that you bring us back in focus if we get off track."
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I will say the most valuable thing I’ve received from the group other than the obvious which is emotional support in times of trial, but also helping me change my perspective on some things. Recognizing that the only changes I can make are with myself was huge for me."
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"The Willingway Continuing Care Group has become my family in recovery. It has over the years provided me with a safe place to discuss the challenges I face each day in recovery. Unlike AA groups, the meeting participants are from both sides of the addiction spectrum -- there are those of us who are in recovery from addiction and those whose lives have been, or still are, impacted by someone in active addiction or in recovery. There is a compassion and understanding that comes from seeing addiction from a different and sometimes opposite perspective as well as from those at different points along their road to recovery. I have learned more about myself and how my disease has impacted those around me by experiencing the disease from the viewpoint of a loved one of another addict/alcoholic. Today, some of my closest friends belong to this group and I would be lost without their support."
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"A great meeting in a safe, non intimidating, and comfortable location. The flow of the meeting is wonderful, particularly sharing for what each one is grateful. The people become like a second family. Personally it is good for me to hear the experiences from the Al-Anon side and to share my experiences with them. You knowing from experience both sides gives more depth and understanding
The best part is Robby Carroll, Jr. !!! This group is a Godsend to me, as is [Robby]!!!"
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"The Willingway Continuing Care Group has been a lifeline for me as I continue my codependent recovery. The honest sharing, non-judgmental interaction, acceptance despite my own character defects, and the ability to talk about things that the general public does not understand, anchor hope for myself and all dysfunctional people. A multi-addiction group is far superior to other organizations that separate people by gender and addiction. In this group I learn, and respect, multiple perspectives.
The topics and discussions apply to everyone, actually, because we're all "addicted" to something. I rely heavily on what I learn in Willingway Continuing Care in my work as a job placement specialist for unskilled and low-skilled workers, hard-to-place populations like long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, people over 60, and many, many people from recovery programs.
The open attendance policy makes it possible for me to still belong, even though my work and school schedules often intervene. If there was mandatory weekly attendance I couldn't be part of the group."
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"In addition to valuable time with my sponsor, multiple Alanon meetings and some individual sessions with a counselor, the support group has meant more than I can truly express. It's a caring group environment where it's safe to share the myriad of feelings and experiences we have. It allows me time to pour out things I don't share in Al anon. The support group allows us to help one another by telling our stories, listening, consoling, and exploring how we are doing with Robby Carol facilitating. The group has helped me when I was drained, frightened, hopeless, sad, and enabling. I felt that I'd been on my knees praying for so many years and wasn't finding a solution. Getting through each day can take courage and I'm not the addict! Addiction has robbed our family in many ways and the support group makes me think about the many aspects of addiction from both sides. I'm grateful each week for the support group, even when my schedule won't allow me to be in attendance. I know it's there with members I can talk to if I need to. Thank you for Robby and the Willingway support group."
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Hearts in the arts
YOUR HOMECOMING FUNDRAISING IN ACTION
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Congratulations to Gage Lewis, second grader at Mattie Lively Elementary, and one of the 2017 recipients of the Averitt Center for the Arts Youth Arts Scholarship awards!
Proceeds raised by the Willingway Alumni/Staff community at this year's Homecoming Slop Bucket Challenge help send outstanding Bulloch County schoolchildren as selected by their teachers to Averitt classes and camps. Gage is pictured at the school's awards ceremony on May 11 with teacher Paula Devlin and WW inpatient counselor Kinder Cannon, who presented him with the award.
The Averitt is a longtime community partner of ours. Many of our clients and alumni have volunteered for, been employed by, and performed there over the years and this is Willingway's fourth year supporting the Youth Arts Scholarship awards. We hope the winners have a great summer participating in the Averitt's excellent program offerings!
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Alumni Updates
NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE MAY GRADUATES!
If you would like to submit yourself or someone else who has recently graduated for the June Chandelier issue, please Email Us by 6/15/17.
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Commencements
Sara B.
Clayton, Georgia
Former staffer and daughter of Dr. Robert B. and Carol Lind M., Sara B., graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant program at South University in Savannah, Georgia and accepted a job with Mountain Physical Therapy in Clayton.
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Summer C.
Statesboro, Georgia
Summer C. graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and an interdisciplinary minor in gerontology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.
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Jana H.
Statesboro, Georgia
Jana H. completed her Master of Public Health with Georgia Southern University's Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
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Steve P.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Recovery rider Steve P. earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
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School Acceptance
Amy B.
Statesboro, Georgia
Staffer and alumna Amy B. was accepted into Ogeechee Technical College's practical nursing program and will begin pursuing her LPN on their Statesboro campus in the fall.
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Sarah D.
Augusta, Georgia
Shameless plug! Your intrepid alumni director was accepted into Boston University's College of Communications and I will gratefully begin a Master of Science program in Public Relations in Massachusetts this fall.
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Engagement
Heather C. and Nathan S.
Statesboro, Georgia
Heather C. said yes when Nathan S. proposed on May 21 in Bimini, Bahamas. Nathan captains the luxury fishing charter REHAB Offshore out of West Palm Beach and filed the following report the day after his engagement: "Snapper, Tuna and I went 1 for 1 on the fiancée of my dreams." Best wishes to the happy couple on netting such a great catch!
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Wedding
Laura A.
Birmingham, Alabama
Laura A. and Kevin G. were married on Saturday, May 13 in a plein air ceremony on the Gulf Green lawn at Alys Beach, Florida. Following their wedding weekend, Laura and Kevin honeymooned in the Caribbean on St. Barth's. Félicitations à vous deux!
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OUR HEARTS REMAIN HEAVY
Our community was rocked earlier this month and is still devastated by the tragic deaths of three of our young men in the span of a few short days. The disease of addiction has never seemed more cunning, baffling, and powerful than it does in 2017. Our hearts and minds remain with the family and friends of Mick, Jake, and Blake and we invite everyone to please join us in keeping them in our collective prayers.
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Passings
Michael "Mick" Willard S., II
Gainesville, Georgia
Mick passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the age of 26. He was born on December 4, 1990, in Gainesville, GA, to Michael and Dana Tane S. Mick was a senior at the University of North Georgia, where he was working to receive a Bachelors of Science, and he was a member of Free Chapel Worship Center.
He is survived by his parents, Mike and Tane S. of Gainesville; sister and brother-in-law, Kaylan and Jared C. of Braselton; sister, Ryleigh S. of Australia; niece, Everett Grace C.; grandfather and grandmother, Milton and LaClitta R. of Gainesville; grandfather and grandmother, Donald and Brenda P. of Gainesville; uncle and aunt, Todd and Lisa R. of Gainesville; uncle and aunt, Ed Jr. and Jeanine S. of Gainesville; aunt and uncle, Elaine and Dan S. of Washington, D.C.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Straight Street Ministry, 2145 Centennial Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504, 678-989-0255, www.ssrevolution.com or "Think about it." Send check to the MAG Foundation, 1849 The Exchange, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30339, Attn: Lori Murphy (Bringing prescription drug awareness).
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Jacob "Jake" Wesley M.
Kennesaw, Georgia
Jake M., 32, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.
Jake was the son of Thomas A. and Diane D. M. of Aiken. Born in Augusta, GA on May 2, 1985, he was a lifelong resident of Aiken until recent years when he moved to Brunswick, GA, then more recently to Kennesaw, GA, where he was attending school at Kennesaw State University. He was a 2003 graduate of Aiken High. He fervently loved his immediate and extended family, his recovery fellowships and friends, his dogs Rocky Top and Minnie, and he was an ever faithful fan of Tennessee Vols football. He thoroughly embraced being Uncle Jake to his nephews, happily anticipating the arrival of a niece this Fall. His mischievous twinkling eyes, infectious sparkling smile and loving generous spirit will be missed by those who knew and loved him. His earthly trials are over as his loving and compassionate God now welcomes him home.
In addition to his parents, Jake is survived by his two brothers, T. Alan (Erin) M., Jr., Holly Springs, NC, Robert "Davis" (Megan) M., Aiken, nephews; Thomas "Dunn" M., Robert D. M., Jr. and an uncle, Roy A. M. of Columbia, SC.
If desired, memorials may be directed to Jake's home church, St. John's United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St., NW- Aiken, SC 29801.
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Joseph Blake H.
Augusta, Georgia
Joseph Blake Hadden, 23, entered into rest Friday, May 5, 2017.
Blake was born in 1994 on his grandfather's birthday. He attended Augusta Prep and Academy of Richmond County. Golf had long been a passion of Blake's. At the age of 12 he made two holes in one in The Future Masters Tournament. He grew up competing in golf tournaments throughout the Southeast. After graduating from ARC in 2012 he then became a proud Paladin at Furman University, graduating in 2017. He was a member of the Augusta Country Club.
Family members include his mother: Emily B. H.; two younger brothers: Brent A. H. and Carter R. H.; aunt and uncle: Liz and James O.; cousin: Madelyn O.; maternal grandparents: James R. and Emily P. B.; father: Joseph L. H.; aunt and uncle: Jeff and Roxanne H.; and paternal grandparents: Joanne and the late John H.. Blake leaves behind many great aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hale Foundation, Inc., 402 Walker St, Augusta, GA 30901.
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Do you have news to share?
- Birth announcements
- Marriages
- New jobs
- Sobriety/Wedding anniversaries
- Obituaries
- Spiritual support requests
Use "Alumni News" in the subject line for all submissions and let us know where you are currently located. We welcome your photos.
Deadline for inclusion is the 15th of each month and as they say, thanks for sharing.
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Highlights from around the Way
Welcome aboard
Jim Kress has joined our staff as a counselor at our Savannah Avenue Outpatient program in Statesboro. Jim comes to Willingway from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, where he worked as a counselor for 12 years. Jim is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and holds Bachelor and Master degrees from Florida State University.
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Something exciting is about to hatch
We've been hard at work on a brand new home for Willingway.com that will be easier to navigate and are also giving our logo a facelift. Maroon has been very good to us since the early 90s but we're ready to step out in something new. Look for launch updates in your inbox and on our social pages.
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“There is no place love is not.”
- Hugh Prather
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The Chandelier is a digital monthly publication for the Alumni, Family, and Friends of Willingway. For any questions about it or our Alumni program in general, please contact Alumni Director Sarah Dasher.
[email protected] or 404.388.3750
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