CeDAR Connects Alumni Newsletter

July 21st, 2022 | Volume 14

Service. Service is a foundational recovery component no matter the pathway you ascribe to and for good reason as the benefits are abound. As it's been said, "The quickest way to get out of your head to is to be of service to someone else." Beyond silencing the itty bitty sh*tty committee (as my sponsor used to say), service gives us reason to participate and connect with others. Acts of service bring about a sense of contribution and accomplishment which then leads to increased feelings of purposefulness which then leads to increased self-worth & confidence. You see where I'm going with this.

What better way to be of service than to give back to the place that for so many of us allowed us to begin again. We have a service options ranging from to remote to on- campus and from people-centric to behind-the-scenes. Click here to learn more about service opportunities & projects. I encourage getting involved at any recovery stage.

Who wants to grab coffee?! I am available to meet virtually or in-person local to CeDAR. This is a great opportunity to talk about anything you may need recovery support with. Schedule a Coffee Talk and I'll bring you some CeDAR swag, too!

The Spirit of CeDAR:

This month’s Recovery Spotlight features CeDAR Chaplain William Jensen. William serves the CeDAR community by providing spiritual guidance and counseling. Spirituality is a huge component of recovery and living fulfilled lives—to have someone with whom to share these personal viewpoints and struggles is invaluable. His wisdom & guidance are a blessing to the community. Click below to read on.

Recovery Spotlight

The great oak tree has served as a source of spirituality for many.

Announcements:

CNL Hail Mary! We are in need of speakers for CeDAR Night Live on Saturdays at 7pm on Zoom beginning this Saturday, 7/22. We are also looking for alumni to help host meetings.
There is still time to join the new virtual book club. You have until 7/27 to join as that is when the next group is held. The book is A Man's Search for Meaning.
Want to become a home group member for the alumni meeting? Join us for After Hours, our group's business meeting, held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 8pm. Use the alumni meeting link.

If you have interest or questions about any of the announcements, reach out!

CeDAR Central:

Have you browsed through CeDAR Central, yet? This is a site specifically constructed for CeDAR Alumni in an effort to help you navigate programming opportunities and so you can maintain you connection to the CeDAR Community. It is encouraged you bookmark the site for easy access.

CeDAR Central

Drum Roll, Please:

Thank you for participating in Plant the Vote. It was great to see so many of you get involved. So, without further delay the winner of Plant the Vote is.... Roots of Recovery! Congratulations to CeDAR Alumna, Elizabeth W. for the winning suggestion. I was thinking it would be kinda cool to get a sign for the garden that reads: "Roots of Recovery Garden where anything grows." What do you think? At that point, we may have to alert a runner up winner! Speaking of the garden, we are holding open garden hours on Fridays from 9am-11am. We hope to add weekend hours soon. If you want to join, let me know as we are looking to build our green thumb team.

The Vote is in

All Hands on Deck:

We need you! With an increasing census CeDAR could use some helping hands. The greatest need for volunteer support is during the evenings, however we would be grateful for anytime you could spend with us. Volunteer duties can range from escorting residents to outpatient appointments, offering recovery support and encouragement, picking up prescriptions, organizing cottage supplies and more. One year in active recovery is required to volunteer. The application process goes through UCH volunteer services office and is similar to that of a new employee, a process which can take up to 4 weeks. Reach out to Meghan with questions or begin the application process here. This is a opportunity to interact directly with CeDAR residents while supporting staff.

Sunset Alumni Meeting:

It's back! The sunset alumni meeting is now held on Tuesdays at 7pm at Great Lawn Park in Lowry, 10 minutes SW from CeDAR. It has been great to see so many of you in person and to recite the Serenity Prayer in unison! We hand out sobriety chips and have snacks and CeDAR swag. Bring a chair or a blanket and some sunglasses. The sun is hot for the first 15 minutes of the meeting and then we have a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the front range. We meet on the eastside of the park near the steps. Reach out with questions!