The Recovery Review: May 2018

Posted May 30, 2018
in Newsletters

The Recovery Review

Real Hope for Addiction

Isaiah House Newsletter, May 2018

Memorial Day: A Time to Remember

For veterans and families of fallen soldiers, Memorial Day is a day of great significance. It’s a day that causes a myriad of indescribable emotions to surface; emotions that I can’t begin to comprehend. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the price willingly paid by the multitudes of people who have served our country across the years. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices of families who experience the anxiety, hardship, emptiness, loneliness and loss of loved ones.

It’s also a time when many of us will pause to reflect on loved ones who have lost their lives due to the tragic consequences of substance abuse. When we look into the faces of those who still mourn their loved ones, we often sense their pain and loneliness. What do we say to the family members who have lost loved ones in combat? “Happy Memorial Day” doesn’t seem appropriate. What do we say to those who mourn the loss of a loved one due to overdose? Perhaps in both cases, “I’m so very sorry for your loss” is more appropriate.

The Memorial Day speech by Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr. given in 1884 is often quoted in Memorial Day services. The speech ended with these words, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death — of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.”

Perhaps Holmes’ challenge to “think of life, not death” would best honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus laying down His life for our freedom. It’s selfless love for others; not so others can mourn forever, but live forever!

We are blessed beyond our ability to express gratitude to be living in a free society. May we honor our American soldiers for the liberty we have in our country. May we honor those fallen victims to substance abuse by fighting for the cause of recovery and sobriety. May we give thanks to God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

Grateful,

Mike Cox
President, Isaiah House, Inc.

Isaiah House Welcomes Dr. Christie Wise,

New Medical Director

Over the past 4 years the Isaiah House has grown by leaps and bounds—opening two 16-bed facilities, expanding the main campus to 92 beds and, most importantly, becoming nationally accredited through CARF to add to our licensure by the State of Kentucky as a certified Alcohol and Other Drug Entity, and Behavioral Health Services Organization. As such, when seeking a new Medical Director, Isaiah House executives decided that a Psychiatrist with experience in treating mental health and addiction would be the next step in our continued growth.

After a thorough search, Dr. Christina Wise, an Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology was recommended by Dr. Mike Kalfas, Isaiah House’s acting Medical Director and long-time board member. The interest was mutual; as a graduate of Harvard University and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, with training in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky, the Isaiah House staff was overjoyed to have someone of Dr. Wise’s caliber on their team. Over the past 15 years, throughout her medical education and practice, Dr. Wise has worked with people of all ages, primarily focusing on mood, thought and anxiety disorders, ADHD and, above all, substance abuse. When considering the Isaiah House’s goal to treat “dual diagnosis” clients, that is, those facing mental health issues in addition to addiction, there is not a candidate better suited for the job.

Dr. Wise loves the relational aspect of practicing psychiatry: getting to know her patients, learning about the complexity of their strengths and struggles, and helping them find creative resolutions to their issues. She says that, when working with addicts, they often feel ashamed of their actions and behaviors. Dr. Wise strives to give them hope by helping them reach their goals and showing them that they are still valuable and God still loves them. This theistic approach is not typical in the medical field but, as a committed Christian, Dr. Wise believes that faith and science are both necessary to treat psychological disorders. “Spiritually we all crave something and unless we are in right relationship with our creator we as humans can never experience true fulfillment,” she explains. “Addicts use drugs to try to satisfy those carvings, and in the process allows them to hijack the brain.”

Dr. Wise says that clinical and medical treatment are required to restore the health of the brain so that the patient can then begin to pursue a relationship with God. Often, people struggling with substance use disorders are struggling with spiritual issues—addressing their needs medically can, in turn, allow them to grow spiritually.

Dr. Wise has a personal perspective toward substance abuse issues. Growing up, she had a close family member who suffered with alcoholism. It was this experience that lead her to work with addicts—she wants to help those whose struggles she knows all too well.

As Medical Director at the Isaiah House, I think that we can anticipate great things from a person who is not only educated in the world, but whose wisdom arises from a fear of the Lord. With a heart for developing relationships, caring for addicts and fostering a love of God, it is clear that the Isaiah House has found a Doctor who will continue to push forward into a bright future.

Kentucky LIVES Day Campaign Was A Roaring Success

Tuesday, May 22nd was the Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s annual Kentucky Gives Day. The Isaiah House decided to run a campaign that was a play on the name of the event, calling our fundraiser “Kentucky Lives Day.” Despite the fact that the most recent statistics show 1,404 people passed away from opioid overdose in the Commonwealth in 2016, Isaiah House staff are working every day to decrease that number for future years. Not only are we trying to stop people from dying, but we strive that our program, with its comprehensive clinical services, targeted case management, nutrition, financial, parenting, GED and college classes, and job skills training, will give our clients their best lives. We don’t just want our men to survive, we want them to thrive! That is what Kentucky Lives day was all about, raising money to give “life and life abundantly.”

It is our great pleasure to inform you that we broke records for a single day of giving at the Isaiah House on Kentucky Lives Day. Thanks to you, our supporters, and not one, but two donors who matched all funds raised up to $10,000, The Isaiah House collected over $33,000 for addiction treatment during the campaign. It is hard to express the sincere and deep gratitude a number like that inspires in our team. Whether you donated money, shared our social media posts, or simply joined us in prayer on the day of the campaign, each of you played a part in making this a day that will go down in Isaiah House history.

Overall, 142 participating nonprofits collectively raised $348,761 from 2050 donors during the sixth annual Kentucky Gives Day– bringing the six year Kentucky Gives Day total to $1,684,310 raised in partnership with Kentucky nonprofits. Kentucky is generous. Kentucky Gives.

My Name is Kenny Rick and I Am Free!!

My name is Kenny Rick and I am a grateful recovering addict. I was born in Louisville, KY and I am 29 years old. My parents have always shown my two sisters and me unconditional love with all the support we ever needed.

As I started high school, I began to experiment with drugs and alcohol with my friends. The effects of being under the influence gave me a sense of belonging with my peers and a confidence to face life.

My freshman year I was expelled for possession of marijuana and over the next couple of years, I began selling drugs and stealing to support my habit. I was arrested and released 3 months later on my 18th birthday. I did not believe that drugs were the cause of my legal issues, and believed I could manage my drug use. Using cocaine and partying at the time was all I wanted to do, and eventually I was arrested for credit card fraud which is how I was supplying my habit. I ended up with a 15 year prison sentence and spent 5 years in jails and penitentiaries across the state of Kentucky.

I was arrested when my daughter was 10 days old, and it was devastating to miss out on her childhood while I was incarcerated. I was released in January 2013 and remained sober for close to 6 months, only later to relapse on methamphetamine and alcohol. I know now that it was because I failed to enlarge my spiritual life!

I continued to use off and on until I tried heroin for the first time in 2015, and it quickly consumed my entire life. I abandoned my family and daughter, and quickly lost everything I owned because I was living to use and using to live. I knew I needed help and tried short term treatment centers a couple of times with no success. I was broken and had no hope for a life without the use of drugs. I did not know where to turn.

I was referred to Isaiah House by a close friend and walked in the doors withdrawing from heroin and scared to death. I was tired of hurting my family and not being the father my daughter deserves, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get sober.

I was welcomed with opened arms and accepted into a brotherhood like I have never known before. God has restored my relationship with my family and my precious daughter. I do not know where I would be today without my family’s support and love. We laugh together every day! Since being here at Isaiah House, the case team has helped me resolve all of my legal issues, and I am no longer on parole. Above all else, I have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has given me a hope and peace which is indescribable. I would not trade my worst days sober, for my best days in active addiction. God is truly doing for me what I could not do for myself!

A wise man at Isaiah House told me, “That at the point of surrender, one’s eyes are opened.” I believe the power of prayer from so many people who loved me when I didn’t know how to love myself opened the doors of the mercy of God. And I would not be the man I am today if it were not for the people who believed in me in my darkest days.
My name is Kenny Rick, and I am Free!!

The Jake Kuertz Center Welcomes Its First Clients

It was June of 2017, almost a full year ago, when Isaiah House staff found out about the former Chaplin Elementary School; site of the Golden Leaf Center and Howard’s Metal Sales, as a potential location for a new treatment facility. The owner of the building, Charles Howard, reached out and invited Isaiah House executives over for a tour and immediately they knew that this was a divine appointment. Soon after, efforts began to acquire the future home of the Jake Kuertz and Greg Bowen Centers. Fundraising began, board members were brought in for tours and negotiations began over when and how the Isaiah House would take ownership of the property. Once a press release went our announcing the Isaiah House’s intentions, news crews began doing stories on Nelson County’s newest addiction treatment center. Public relations staff went door to door in the community introducing the Isaiah House to Chaplin residents. There was a community dinner catered by Chaplin’s own Keepsakes diner, a prayer meeting with pastors from regional churches and even an intimate gathering where the staffs of Howard’s Metals and the Isaiah House became better acquainted.

Isaiah House Staff have been working tirelessly for months to get the facility ready and finally, on the 14th of May, 2018, we welcomed the first official Client into the new 16-bed Medicaid facility known as the Jake Kuertz Center. While there is still a lot of work to be done in order to complete the entire building (we still need donations of kitchen equipment!), one wing is officially open and changing lives.

The plan will be to have a grand opening for the Jake Kuertz Center in August of this year, and we want our elected officials, news media and, most importantly, our supporters, there for the ribbon cutting. If you can help us by bringing VIPs to the event, please contact David Cobb at David.Cobb@Isaiah-House.org. This is not just an event for big names however, and we want everyone there to see what a year’s worth of work looks like. We will be releasing more details soon but for now, pencil us in on your calendars for the second week of August and come out to help us celebrate God redeeming addicts’ lives in Nelson County.

Our May 5 Star Employee of the Month is Chris Taylor

Congratulations to Chris Taylor, our May 5 Star Employee of the Month!

Chris’s job is House Assistant. He describes his job as getting people were they need to go, keeping order and helping clients with what problems they may have.

What he likes about his job is that he is helping others. He feels that he is giving back when he helps clients with their problems like someone helped him when he was in the program. Chris went through our long term program and graduated June 25, 2016.

When we asked Chris what he liked about working for Isaiah House, Chris said, “It’s a brotherhood here.” He added that Isaiah House staff is family.

Chris was chosen by his co-workers. He received a special keepsake gift, front door parking in the designated “Employee of the Month” parking space and he will enjoy lunch with Isaiah House, Inc. President, Mike Cox.

Volunteer for the Isaiah House: In Your Home Town!

As some of you may have heard, the Isaiah House Treatment Center is hosting the Second Annual Drive for Recovery Golf Event Saturday, June 23rd at Boone’s Trace National Golf Club in Richmond. The Isaiah House uses this event to raise money for addiction treatment and to give our supporters a chance to have fun out on the golf course with some of our staff and clients. Last year, The Isaiah House raised over $8,000 through this event while giving out incredible prizes and creating a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

Believe it or not, the Isaiah house Public Relations team that organized the event last year was only 4 people strong. While we were very happy with the results, the number of man hours required to achieve it were truly remarkable. This year, we are hoping that our loyal supporters like you can help us and make the event even more successful than it was in 2017! We don’t need your money, but just a little bit of your time. We are seeking volunteers who are willing to approach businesses in their local communities about sponsoring the Drive for Recovery Golf Event.
Approaching businesses may sound intimidating to some of you, but with the tools we’ve prepared, pursuing sponsors will be stress free! The Isaiah House PR team created a thorough sponsorship packet that we use when they approach potential sponsors. In it is everything a volunteer needs to successfully sell a sponsorship for the event. We have a cover letter with a general sales pitch, sponsorship levels that truly give the partnering businesses their money’s worth, and a form that, when completed, gives the Isaiah House all the information we need to complete the sponsorship. I know that everyone may not feel gifted in sales, but when you are supporting a cause as worthy as saving lives and stopping addiction, it is easy to make your passion contagious. I’m sure that even as you read this you can think of one or two businesses that you think might be interested in partnering with the Isaiah House. If we can get each of you to bring even one sponsor on board, it would make a world of difference to the Drive for Recovery and the Isaiah House as a whole.

You can find a copy of our sponsorship packet here. If you have any questions or would like to help in any other way, please contact David Cobb at 859-516-3632 or David.Cobb@Isaiah-House.org. Thank you so much for your loyal support of the Isaiah House and its mission to save lives threatened by addiction!

Career Opportunities

Clinical Therapist
Are you a licensed therapist looking for an opportunity to work in a growing and dynamic company that offers a full array of clinical services and a Christ-centered atmosphere? If so, Isaiah House, Inc. is looking for YOU! We are currently in the process of hiring multiple therapists to staff our expanding programs with two new centers opening soon. RESIDENTIAL and OUTPATIENT positions are available. ALL SHIFTS AVAILABLE, INCLUDING WEEKENDS. We offer competitive wages and benefits! SIGNING BONUS OFFERED! Preferred licenses for these new positions include LPCC (with capability to provide board approved supervision), LPCA, LCADC, LCSW, CSW or other comparable licenses. • Must possess a current valid and unrestricted license or associate license from the state of Kentucky Mental Health Licensing Board. • Prefer to have 1 or more years in license.• Prefer knowledge of recovery, mental health and other co-occurring disorders and experience in working with addiction in a residential and / or intensive outpatient milieu.• Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills. Please see our website for job descriptions and to apply.

General Laborer/ Crew Leader/ Renovation Supervisor
Isaiah 58 Builders are looking for several hard workers to join our team. We need full time employees, preferably with a year or more of construction experience. We also require a high school diploma. We are looking for entry level positions as well as some supervisory positions. If you are interested in working in a Christ Centered environment, with a great group of men and women, please apply through our website today.

Making it Simple To Help Isaiah House

As we grow and open more beds to provide addiction treatment for men in our communities, we have increasing needs for items ranging from vehicles and computers to bed linens and supplies for Patricia’s Place and Isaiah House in Willisburg, KY, and the Jake Kuertz Center in Chaplin, KY. We are a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization, donations can be tax deductible. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you!

To donate an item, contact the Public Relations Department by calling 859-375-9200.

Monetary donations can be made through our website by clicking the Donate Now buttons on our Newsletter.

You can support Isaiah House Treatment Center while you grocery shop at your local Kroger. When you enroll in Kroger Community Rewards®, you’ll earn rewards for Isaiah House every time you shop and use your Kroger Plus Card. To enroll your card just click on the logo.

.As you shop online on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Isaiah House, Inc. as the charitable organization of your choice. Choose Isaiah House, Inc as your charity and go shopping by clicking on the logo!

Start saving money nearly everywhere you go, just by using iBennie and iBennie will make a donation to us. You can save money and support addiction treatment. Sign up for this free program by clicking the logo.