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CeDAR Connects Alumni Newsletter
February 17th, 2022 | Volume 9
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At the start of the New Year, I am like a kid in a candy shop, "Oh, the possibilities!" By the time we reach this point in the year, I start to wonder if maybe I've stretched myself in too many directions. In talking with many of you, themes of balance and clarity are recurrent. Sometimes, we have to take a step back and look at the big picture to remind ourselves why we started in the first place. Stepping back is not a set-back, it's part of the process. If I am to stay the course of my intentions, I have to allow for this. It's in this phase of growth for CeDAR's Alumni Program where I focus my attention. I am reminded to get "back to the basics". Those basics being: connection, community & collaboration. What basics do you need to get back to? Which brings me to....
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Coffee Talk: Inspiration can be found in the most unassuming of places, if we are open enough to receive it. Some of you may recall the legendary SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit, Coffee Talk, featuring comedian, Mike Myers. As odd as it may sound, this skit is where I found inspiration to lay down a foundational piece of CeDAR's Alumni Program: Coffee Talk. Simply put, Coffee Talk creates community through individual connection. It is an opportunity for you and I to spend some 1:1 time together. We can either meet virtually on Zoom or in-person at a coffee shop local to CeDAR. Coffee's on me!
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If addiction is a family disease, then recovery can be a family solution:
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A group of CeDAR staff have been collaborating on how we can best serve, educate and support the families & loved ones of CeDAR patients, from all levels of care, including alumni. We would love for your families & loved ones to join the collaborative process by filling out the survey below. Since we do not have contact information for all loved ones, we are asking for your help by sharing this survey to those who could benefit from family support services. Thank you!
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CeDAR Staff Appreciation:
Despite the changes CeDAR has seen over the years, one aspect has remained steadfast: a dedicated & compassionate staff. In this section of CeDAR Connects, we show gratitude to staff and remind them that their work matters and it translates to the world beyond CeDAR.
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"As a patient, you treated me with the upmost respect. I’ll take this opportunity to give a special shoutout to a few staff members who really touched my heart. Nurse Nancy, Nurse Tuesday, Nurse Lily are a cornerstone of the program. The care and compassion they showed me is unparalleled. As for the BHS team, Ashley and Maddie and are also a vital part of the team and go out of their way to take care of the patients. Last but not least, a HUGE shoutout to Ken and William for helping me to identify the roots of my addiction. Thank you to everyone at CeDAR! That place has changed my life and the work you all do there is helping people in times when they need it the most."
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-Daniel M., IRT Alumni 2020/21
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Upcoming Activities:
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For many of us, boredom is a bigtime trigger. Fortunately, there are tons of recovery-related activities, both in-person and virtual, happening locally and Nationally, to keep us all busy. We keep track all of these activities in a centralized Google Doc, so you don't have to. We would love for you to share any recovery events you know of, perhaps one hosted by your clubhouse or recovery program. Upcoming activities include: trivia night at The Phoenix, a DU hockey game with Sober AF, making sack lunches for community members in need at FREE and more!
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After Hours,
The Place To Be:
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After Hours is what we call the alumni group's business meeting. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, which just so happens to be today. The meeting starts at the end of the alumni meeting, about 8pm, and is open to any of our alumni who want to get involved and be of service. During this month's After Hours meeting, we will be: defining what it means to be a home group member, forming an activities committee to help plan sober social and service activities, and assigning service roles: meeting secretary, graphic/content support, newsletter contributors & more.
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Creating Pawsibilities:
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Dog lovers and pet owners, this is a MUST READ. This month we are excited to feature PAWsitive Recovery, a Colorado non-profit that fosters pets while their PAWrents are in treatment. They provide a myriad of animal-assisted services to people in recovery including opportunities to volunteer, workshops and animal-assisted therapy. There has been a need for this for so long! Serena Saunders, the founder, talks to Jean Unger about how she has built this organization from scratch and the rewards and benefits it has created for her and the recovery community.
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Meetings Update:
- The Unity LGBTQ+ meeting is on pause due to low attendance. We will reassess closer to summer with hopes of more involvement. Let us know if you want to join!
- We are narrowing down a physical meeting space for the Northern Colorado Alumni Chapter, likely in the Loveland area. The group meets Mondays at 7pm on Zoom until we secure a space.
- Would you like to share your story of recovery on CeDAR's premier virtual stage, CNL? We encourage 1 year in active recovery. Let us know if you would like to speak or have a speaker referral as we welcome community members to the stage, also. Saturdays 7pm.
- Are you an alumni dad who would like to be a part of a recovery group specific for dads? We are getting one started and would love your involvement. The meeting will be virtual on a weekday evening. Start date TBD.
- The Thursday night alumni meeting continues to see amazing attendance. Haven't been in a while? We would love to have you back! I am especially hoping alumni from years past reengage.
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Spirituality Panel for IOP:
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I am looking for alumni to join an upcoming virtual spirituality panel for IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) groups on Thursday, February 24th. Two alumni are needed for the 9am-10am group and one alumnus is needed for the 1pm-2pm group. If you'd like more information on the panel or other speaking opportunities, reach out!
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Your monthly reminder to check out CeDAR Central for all the latest news!
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