by Brandon Orr
During this Covid-19 episode, we here at Reclaiming-Lives/Recovery Café were able to keep plugging away and helping people who are struggling during this time. These are the awesome things we were proud to be a part of and are excited to share.
During this time, while people have temporarily lost their jobs, we helped two people make connections that resulted in finding employment. Also, to relieve some of the stress of being unable to come up with rent, we helped twenty-three individuals with rental assistance through Covid-19 grants from United Way of Jackson County totaling $8,700.
We have stocked up on grocery store gift cards to give out to our members. A number of people have been blessed to receive these cards to help their monthly income stretch.
We also found that a few members weren’t able to either download the Zoom app on the phone they had, or they just did not have a phone to use to participate in their Recovery Circles. We purchased phones at a reduced rate and loaned them out so they are able to keep connection with not only their Circles but also attend other Zoom meetings they may need to continue on their path to recovery.
We have, within the rules of social distancing, oriented fifteen new members as of today and will continue as such as people contact us. During this time, we have also had seven former Café members re-engage.
We are also super happy to share the fact that we have helped two members get into residential alcohol and drug treatment, and we have also helped four members find safe housing. We are also proud to say we helped two members start a Medically Assisted Treatment program with a local provider. These individuals are now well on their way to a positive pathway to a new life of recovery.
Every dollar donated to Reclaiming Lives/Recovery Café helps us help those in our community who wake up every morning and make the decision to embrace their recovery and take another step forward. Thank you for being a part of what we do! It’s an honor to be a part of such a beautiful recovery community.
