January 2024

Dear Friends,

Recovery Family + Recovering Family = Love, Trust, and Shared Experiences

Families are hard work. They can be demanding, hurtful, dysfunctional, and unsupportive, or they can be loving, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and … whatever we want them to be.

Thankfully, a family is more than blood ties; a family encompasses a profound sense of connection, support, and love. The essence of Family-with-a-capital-F lies in the emotional bonds, care, and mutual support shared among its members. It's about being there for one another through life's highs and lows, offering understanding, acceptance, and encouragement. Families can be made up of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption, but they can also be comprised of close friends, mentors, or anyone who plays a significant role in providing emotional support and guidance.

My family is defined by connections and relationships built on unconditional love, trust, and shared experiences. I discovered my family in recovery.

With love and support,

Lesley

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Strengthening Communities

Join us for a FREE Strengthening Communities Workshop series educating our friends, families, and neighbors about substance use disorder. The hybrid sessions are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., both virtually and in-person at one of our FAVOR Upstate centers.

Topic:

Camp Mariposa - Youth Prevention Camp

Presenter:

Edmond Bowers, Ph.D. Professor

When:

Wednesday, January 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Volunteerism

Meet Kacey Morrow, Volunteer of the Month

Kacey found her recovery home at FAVOR Upstate!

Kacey was sober for three years on her own, but a car accident and going on pain medications changed all that. She was mandated to attend meetings due to legal difficulties but never really enjoyed them.

Kacey heard about FAVOR Upstate following a stint in the Phoenix Center's detox program and decided to visit the FAVOR Upstate Anderson Center when she returned home.

To read more click here

Thank you, employees of Integrated Support Systems, for remembering FAVOR Upstate this holiday season!

Talk about the holiday spirit! What do ugly Christmas sweaters, employees of Integrated Support Systems (ISS), and giving back to FAVOR Upstate have in common? A lot!

FAVOR Upstate Board Member, Reid Thomas, President of ISS, headquartered in Seneca, S.C., was surprised by his employees at their annual “Ugly Sweater” Holiday Office Party with a check to FAVOR Upstate honoring him and his sister Sarah Maiberger, Vice President of ISS.

Reid said, “This gift to FAVOR on behalf of our employees means so much as it will help someone struggling with substance use disorder to find a new life in recovery.”

Are you looking for ways to give back?

Would you like an opportunity to accompany our Outreach Team at the Project Host Soup Kitchen or the Poe Mill Outreach on the 3rd week of each month? If you are interested please contact us at the FAVOR Upstate, Greenville Center at 864-385-7757.

Want to Become an Ambassador?

Ambassadors are volunteers who support FAVOR Upstate's mission by hosting a Hope and Healing Hour with 10 or more guests. The purpose of these sessions is to engage more people in the community and share the impact of FAVOR Upstate's work in rebuilding lives, healing families, and strengthening communities.

To learn how you can become an Ambassador or to host your own Hope and Healing Hour, contact Summer Spears at summer@favorupstate.org or Carroll Easterling at carroll@favorupstate.org.

FAVOR Upstate Featured Book of the Month

FAVOR Upstate houses a sizable library in the Greenville Center that is open to all. Stop by and browse our selection: if you need a book, take a book. Or if you have a book, leave a book.

Special thanks to Beth Holladay-Edwards for volunteering her services to highlight a different book each month.

Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith, Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott is a renowned American author known for her candid and insightful writings that explore faith, vulnerability, and the complexity of being human.

Lamott also has over 25 years of sobriety and has battled depression and eating disorders (she’s one of us!)

With a unique blend of humor and honesty, Lamott's work resonates deeply with readers, as she fearlessly confronts life's challenges and shares her own experiences with wit and wisdom.

Click here to read more

Send future book review recommendations to Roy@favorupstate.org

Recent Events

Calendar of Activities

CALENDAR

Online Recovery Meetings

ZOOM

Anyone is welcome to attend any Adventure in Recovery (AiR) event regardless of location. Check back frequently as items may be added throughout the month.