The recovery community is struggling. The connections, the meetings that this population depends on to maintain sobriety has come to a halt.
The nonprofit organizations that support the recovery community have rushed to make the switch from in-person meetings to online support but they are struggling, too, from lack of funds.
There is nothing like face to face connection. We all miss hugging and handshakes. But lack of it for this population can be deadly.
Just last week in our area, a young man who had been in recovery for several years took his life. I didn’t know him but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t profoundly affected by his death. After all, my son Charles suffered from depression and addiction and killed himself while going through withdrawal.
Reach out to those you know who have struggled with addiction and depression. Not just one text. But by making a phone call. Visit someone in jail. Consider making a donation to a local nonprofit that supports addiction recovery.
We can’t fix the virus, all we can do is the best we can do by preventing rapid spread. But we can let another human who may be at risk know we are thinking of them.
AM,
This is so true. I have been volunteering with Into the Neighborhood in the Richmond City Justice Center for 4+ years now but as of last week, we were not able to continue going. Instead, we have given our volunteers the information they need to write and to email our friends.
Some of us work with drug court and the HARP program and have continued relationships with our friends on the outside. Into the Neighborhood has organized an adoption process of 16 recovery houses and 3 family units we have been walking with. So far, all but 4 have been adopted.
Adopting means…
· Meet practical need like groceries, cleaning supplies., laundry detergent, toilet paper. A house of 16 women can really roll through some paper!!!
· Cook a meal and drop it off.
· Meet spiritual needs like hosting a zoom bible study with the ones who want to participate. We can supply technology!
· Encourage and support folks in time of stress.
I am grateful to be able to continue reaching out during this unprecedented time. It’s inspiring to see people step up and help their neighborhoods. I hope it continues past this crisis.
That is so awesome Terry. This would make an amazing blog post. Are you OK with that? It would offer others a lot of ideas on how they can help. And as you know, that’s who I reach!
That would be great. We still have 2 houses that need to be adopted. Would I need to write anything else?
Do you want to write more? But I think I have what I need and can add the two houses that need adoption.