"The work of mature human beings is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by these two things."

None of us escape our time on earth without experiencing grief. It is the price we pay for LIFE and LOVE. Most of our residents have suffered many losses, yet the autumn leaves remind us there can still be beauty in the process of letting go. As the leaves crumble and fade, they become nourishment for the forest floor and spring's new growth. At Serenity Grove, residents are able to face and feel loss, grief, and the inevitable pains of life in a safe and supported environment. Even positive changes can be scary and uncomfortable. We bear witness to one another and offer support. Gratitude for a new way of living begins to weave its way underfoot like the roots of a tree ensuring that when a storm comes, the leaves may rattle but the structure will stand firm. This is the solid foundation that is built at Serenity Grove--one day at a time.

Gratitude begins with small things like waking up with a clear head ready to face the day. Often, the first BIG gift is the reparation of broken or damaged relationships. What a surprise it was when two estranged sisters landed at Serenity Grove within days of each other--neither one knowing that the other would be there. Here they are visiting The Recovery Community Organization (RCO) tent at the Paw Paw Festival in September along with former resident, Charity, hugged by advisory board member, Dr. Cate Matisi.

The Sister's Health Foundation continues to support our Tuesday dinners through grant funding. Attendees contribute a home-cooked (and sometimes home-grown) dish, and we are thankful for the Community Food Initiatives weekly produce that helps ensure a well-rounded meal. Recent donations from Athens Food Rescue are also deeply appreciated. The residents take notice as this community we share truly cares about all its citizens, and many choose to stay in the Athens area when they move out of Serenity Grove.

Passion Works began collaborating with Serenity Grove in 2019 to utilize grant funding that has provided an amazing job opportunity for several of our residents. Crystal and Charity are pictured above with Patty Mitchell at the studio. For both women, this has been the first real job they have ever had. The living wage with rewards for hard work is appreciated, but just as important are the friendships formed in such a joyful environment. “Charity and Crystal have a wonderful impact on Passion Works and all the folks involved in their time with us. Their hard work and resiliency ripple into whatever space they are in. Both ladies have become such an important part of our team. They have developed healthy professional relationships with the artists and staff, and always deliver when it comes to their responsibilities.”

--Simone Villavicencio, Lead Production Artist, Passion Works Studio

This fall, the REID foundation attended a Tuesday dinner at Serenity Grove and provided music afterwards using a didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by Aboriginal peoples of northern Australia at least 1,000 years go. The REID Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to utilizing the healing power of music and creative expression to bring “front-line therapy” and prevention to communities and those impacted by the opioid crisis, substance abuse, mental health issues, or life crisis. REID Music Programs provide creative arts programming, training, and consultative support for community agencies through partnerships with board-certified music therapists, specially trained artists & musicians, and healthcare & education professionals to empower program participants to use, develop and explore the artist within to promote healing, growth and wellness. Music therapy at Serenity Grove is grant-funded through the REID foundation to whom we are deeply grateful.

On October 30, 2024, staff and residents joined over 400 individuals from across the state as they attended the 2024 Recovery Celebration hosted by The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) in Columbus, Ohio. With support from The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OHMHAS) and Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, this event celebrates individuals in recovery and those living with mental illness and substance use disorders. There is much to celebrate about recovery!

A monthly Meditative Outdoor Experience has been provided by Michelle Greenfield for several years. Each month, residents, board members, and staff enjoy time together OUTSIDE at Serenity Grove, taking time to appreciate this land we call home, those who lived here before us, and the inherent benefits of fresh air and the great outdoors. In October, we gathered items found on the property to collectively create a nature mandala.

On Tuesdays, Dr. Ron Davis brings acupuncture and qigong to Serenity Grove. For well over a year, we have alternated between the two practices. Recently, we participated in qigong outside as autumn leaves drifted from the trees on a perfect fall morning.

Our annual donation request letter will be in your mailbox soon. Please know that we deeply appreciate any gift that helps us provide this safe home for people trying to rebuild their lives.