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CeDAR Connects Alumni Newsletter
November 18th, 2021 | Volume 6
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Though very necessary, being in treatment is hard. You're away from family, friends, pets and everything that is familiar. Being in treatment during the holiday season can be especially hard. Many of you have spent the holidays at CeDAR so you know firsthand of its challenges. The feeling of missing out - on gatherings, traditions, out-of-town visitors... food! Now, consider what treatment during the holidays is like with COVID-19 restrictions. In-person meetings aren't happening - most notably, the beloved Gratitude Meeting. Residents aren't able to share a Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones. The usual recovery spirit we would share with CeDAR residents during this time simply can't happen, at least in the way we've previously known. Through problems, opportunities emerge. We, of all people, are familiar with such a notion.
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Many of you, who are members of our Facebook group, know we have been running a 30 day Gratitude Challenge during the month of November. Well, when I wrote the daily challenges, I only accounted for 28 days, not 30! I'm sharing this with you 1) to illustrate that it is OK to make mistakes and to practice grace and 2) I promised I would make up the other 2 challenges along the way. So, here is your challenge: Show up. Show up for our CeDAR residents over the next several weeks, spanning the holiday season. As it's been said, the newcomer is the most important person in the room. So, let's show them they are supported, that they have an entire community rallying behind them, that recovery is possible, during the holidays and always. How does this relate to gratitude? Through showing up for others, we express gratitude for those who have shown up for us during our own journeys. It's an act of paying it forward, of reciprocity, of giving away what we have in order to keep it. As you read on in this newsletter, I have featured a couple of ways you can show up: attend the gratitude meeting, consider donating a gift to our annual gift drive for residents, donate warm coats to our clothing pantry for residents who may be in need. We also encourage you attend an alumni meeting and share words of encouragement. You can also write a holiday card to residents with your well wishes (mail to CeDAR). What do you say, challenge accepted?
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Email me to schedule a virtual or in-person 1:1. If you'd like to join our private CeDAR Alumni Facebook group, request me here. Once we're connected, I'll send you an invite to join the group. And, we'd love for you to give CeDAR a follow on Facebook.
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CeDAR's 10th Annual Gratitude Meeting:
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Every year, for the past 10 years, we hold what is called a Gratitude Meeting on Thanksgiving morning. The meeting is a tremendous display of community as it welcomes residents, alumni, families, staff and friends of CeDAR. It is an opportunity to reflect, in gratitude, on the past year and is a highlight of the year for many. Do not miss this CeDAR tradition! The meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, November 25th from 10am-12pm MST. Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows.
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Thursday's 6:30am Friends in Recovery AA meeting and the 7pm alumni meeting will be happening, as usual, on Zoom.
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2021 Patient Gift Drive:
For longer than I can remember, we have run a gift drive for CeDAR residents to bring them a little cheer.
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Please donate unwrapped gifts from the approved list below and keep them between $10 - $20. I also encourage you to keep the gifts non-gender specific as it ensures we will have enough gifts to go around for everyone.
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Gifts can be dropped off at the front desk during business hours or send them to CeDAR. We appreciate your efforts and can tell you, our residents do too!
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Approved gifts: Scarves, beanies, gloves, journals, coloring/sketch books, markers and pencils, recovery-based books, board games, puzzles, cozy blankets, slippers, stationary.
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All Aboard CeDAR Central:
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Have you checked out CeDAR Central, yet?! CeDAR Central organizes and updates information so you don't have to, allowing you to stay better connected. I encourage you to bookmark CC in your browser and routinely check it. You can use the link or the QR code below.
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We Do Recover... Even Through the Holidaze.
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For this month's feature, we'll hear from several alumni who have experience with navigating the holidays clean and sober. Read-on for invaluable tips to help you enjoy the holiday season while safeguarding your recovery.
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Together, We Rise.
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Did you know The Phoenix started right here in Colorado and is now in 30 states and 79 cities? In this month's recovery resource spotlight, Alumni Contributor, Jean U., chats with The Phoenix and learns how they have successfully expanded programming over the years.
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Family Support:
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We whole-heartedly believe in treating and supporting the entire family system, not just the individual in our direct care. We have developed additional layers of support for family and loved ones, including a weekly virtual family support group and a Facebook group. Family & loved ones are always welcome to attend alumni events, as well. Share these resources with your loved ones!
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Recovery Meetings:
Things remain fluid as it relates to COVID-19 guidelines. Most recently, Infection Prevention has given the directive to suspend in-person meetings due to rising positivity rates. We don't yet have a timeline for their return. That being said, the virtual platform remains strong so please consider dropping in to a meeting! The new Tuesday night Mom's in Recovery group has been a hit! We are also looking for support with Wednesday night's Unity meeting supporting LGBTQ+ and allies.
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Calling all alumni with 2+ years of recovery: I encourage you to get involved with attending in-house meetings. Our patients always love and appreciate when alumni show up!
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Upcoming Activities:
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November 27: Virtual creativity meditation workshop with CAiR
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December 1: Music & poetry open mic night at Awake Denver
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