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Alumni Newsletter
December 2014 ISSUE

Alumni Workshop

The Alumni Advisory Committee members wish you a happy & safe 2015!

2014: Wow! What a difference a year makes

Looking back on 2014, I am pleased and honored with all the alumni achievements. I am proud of our alumni and family members who have come forward to help the Rosecrance Alumni Program flourish. Our membership has grown 33% from last December to more than 450 members. Last year we had two alumni cafe support groups a month. Today, Rosecrance alumni host five per month in Rockford and the Chicagoland area. This year the Alumni Program hosted thirty-one Alumni Cafe Support Groups, four workshops and four alumni and family events. The Alumni Advisory Committee was formed in March 2014 and committee members actively participated in several recovery-focused community events.

The first alumni newsletter consisted of one page and last month’s news filled five pages. Next year, we will be featuring more alumni-composed articles and the alumni webpage will be taking on a new look as well. Plans are to include alumni music, video, art, poetry and achievements.

Because Rosecrance alumni played active roles in planning, constructing and producing these 2014 events, the alumni program will continue to grow. It has been an amazing experience to watch these events and to see our alumni transform into supportive and motivational members. Being able to see our alumni members' recovery progress and families heal make my position as Rosecrance Alumni Coordinator incredibly gratifying.

Thank you all for making 2014 an amazing year and may we continue this to strengthen our network of support for one another in 2015.

“Missy” Garrison
Rosecrance Alumni Coordinator

Celebrating Alumni Anniversaries!
Kelly B. RHC 4 years 12/11/14 12/11/10
Lisa S. RHC 1 year 12/2/14 12/2/13
Shivani K. RGW/Marlowe 3 years 12/26/14 12/26/11
Stephen S. RHC 5 months 12/10/14 7/10/14
Teresa M. RHC 4 years 12/2/14 12/2/10
Mark G. RHC 1 year 12/25/14 12/25/13
Holly H. RHC 1 year 12/31/14 12/31/13
Patrick W. RGW/Greendale 7 months 12/20/14

5/20/13

Patience M. Marlowe 9 months 12/3/14 3/3/14
Korin P. Crystal Lake IOP 1 year 12/24/14

12/14/13

Cortney D. Crystal Lake IOP 1 year, 8 months 12/24/14 4/24/14
Rosecrance would love to know your recovery anniversary date so we can celebrate your successes with your fellow alumni! Do you have other news you'd like to share? Let us know!





2015 Alumni & Family Events
calendar

Want to host an Alumni and/or Family event in your area? This is a great way to connect and support fellow alums and their families in your community. Contact the Alumni Coordinator with your ideas and plans in organizing an event or activity in your community. Recovery events may include:

  • Picnic
  • Speakers
  • Bowling
  • Movie Night
  • Sporting Events
  • Alumni Sport Leagues
  • Workshops Dances
  • Game Night
  • Ice Skating
  • Dinners
  • Study Groups
Living Life on Life's Terms with 12 Steps

Hey everyone! My name is Shivani Kumar and my sobriety date is December 26th, 2011. I am very excited to announce that starting in January's issue I will be writing an article focusing on the step that corresponds to the month and how this step was applied in my daily life throughout that month. For example, I will kick off this series in January with step 1: "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable." I hope you all enjoy the upcoming series and I look forward to sharing my experience, strength, and hope with you all.
Enjoy the holidays and have a very happy New Year!

Shivani Kumar
Alumni Tales of Triumph

New to the Rosecrance Alumni Webpage next year is the "Alumni Tales of Triumph," a digital book filled with YOUR stories of help, hope and recovery. Enclosed in these pages you will find stories, poetry and thoughts composed by Rosecrance alumni members to empower you on your journey of lasting recovery.

You can now submit your work on the Alumni page or contact Missy Garrison at 815.387.2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.


How to Enjoy the Holiday Spirit Without Spirits II

Alumni & family members came together for the 2nd annual “How to Enjoy the Holiday Spirit without Spirits” workshop series December 7, 2014 at the Rosecrance Berry Center, Rockford. The informative panel comprised of RGW and RHC alumni and family members shared what the holidays are like now that recovery is part of their lives. Each panelist shared from their heart and reinforced the need for 12 step and family support, communication and safety during this time of year.

Participants enjoyed a traditional holiday dinner and had the opportunity to decorate Christmas cookies.

Cindy B. watches her son Jordan B. (RHC) share how he uses service work as one way to get him through the holiday season.

Denise C. (RHC), Bill S. (RGW Family), Matt S. (RGW Staff), Mallori S. (RGW Family), Katrina C. (RHC), Teresa M. (RHC), Matt M. (RHC). The Ugly Sweater Contest was filled with nail-biting, belly-laughs and fun for all.
A stellar game of Recovery Jeopardy kept everyone on their toes. Several alumni and family members donned their ugly Christmas sweaters. Each participant shared the history of their unique and tacky garment in hopes of winning a place of honor. At the end of the night, everyone had a great time, starting off the holidays and coming together to celebrate the miracle of recovery.
Alumni Workshop Series: "Emotional Relapse and Recovery"
with David Lee (Registration Requested)

Rosecrance will host "Emotional Relapse & Recovery" in the Chicago area for alumni and their families on January 17, 2015. The workshop will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the Community Christian Church (Yellow Box Church), 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540.

David Lee is the founder of Intervention Services and Technologies, Inc., the largest intervention service provider in North America. Lee has more than 10 years of experience in interventions, addiction counseling, family systems and recovery. His professional background includes development of the S.M.A.R.T. model of interventions, CEO of Sober Solutions, Inc., and Program Developer and Director of the A Forever Recovery program in Battle Creek, Michigan.


David Lee

"I can't stress this enough: David's message is one that every family member or loved one NEEDS to hear. Families will see addiction in a new way - a way they can clearly relate to. Those in recovery will gain a better understanding of why and how we got where we are.

David's message will open your eyes, change your perspective, and help you live productively and successfully. It has been a life-changing event for myself and my family." - Kevin D. (RHC Alumnus)

Please register by January 14, 2015. Click here to register or contact the Alumni Coordinator at mgarrison@rosecrance.org or 815.387.2537.




ROSECRANCE NAPERVILLE ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP ROSECRANCE ROCKFORD ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP

This Alumni Cafe meets every second Monday from 7 to 8 pm at the Community Christian Church (Yellow Box Church), 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540.

There will be NO MEETING in January.

 

 

  This Alumni Cafe meets every second Thursday of the month and every third Monday of the month at the Rosecrance Harrison Campus, 3815 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL. Alumni meet from 6 to 7 pm.
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ROSECRANCE LINCOLN PARK ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP ROSECRANCE CRYSTAL LAKE ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP

This Alumni Cafe meets every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 pm at the Rosecrance Lincoln Park office located at 2835 N Sheffield Avenue, Ste. 209, Chicago, IL 60657-5083.

 

 

  This Alumni Cafe meets every fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 pm at the Rosecrance Crystal Lake office located at 422 Tracy Court, Crystal Lake, IL.
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