News & Blog

The Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner was a success again this year. The entire Fairbanks community is grateful for the opportunity to share our mission with the nearly 500 people in attendance last Thursday, May 2. Three of our courageous alumni shared their stories of hope and recovery and Laurie Dhue told stories of her path to recovery and her new passion in life of raising awareness around the disease of addiction. The Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner would not be possible with our many generous sponsors and donors.

Fairbanks would especially like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and support of our mission!

Benefactor Sponsors
BMO Harris Bank
Community Health Network
IBJ
UnitedHealthcare

Partner Sponsors
Clear Channel Outdoor
Emmerson
Glick Art
Lumina Foundation
SmallBox
The National Bank of Indianapolis
WFYI
F.A. Wilhelm Construction, Co., Inc.
WTHR Channel 13

Table Sponsors
Aon
Architectural Glass & Metal
Axis Architecture + Interiors
Baseline and Data Sense
Blue & Co., LLC
CE Solutions –Structural Engineers
Linda Cheezem and Bill Garrard
Eskenazi Health Foundation
Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
Tom Flowers and Rusty & Patricia McKay
Gaylor Electric
Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County
Indiana Alcohol Research Center
Indiana University School of Nursing
Indianapolis Colts
Krieg DeVault LLP
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Marion County Public Health Department
Merchants Bank of Indiana
MSKTD Architects
Parkview Dental
RJE Business Interiors
St.Vincent Health
Short Strategy Group, Inc.
Neal and Sandi Smith
SuperCuts
 

Did you know that membership in the Fairbanks Alumni Association is free, and offers those who have successfully completed treatment Fairbanks program the following benefits?

• Free admission to various events sponsored by the Alumni Association
• Notification of all alumni workshops & activities
• Discounts on specialty and educational items in the Fairbanks Gift Shop

Please contact Kathleen Gill or Judi Kramer to learn more about the Fairbanks Alumni Association and other ways you can get involved.
 

Submitted by Lisa Wood, Adolescent Recovery Coach at Fairbanks

• Call two different same gender people in the program each week that are not your sponsor in order to expand your recovery support network.

• Make time for fun. Tap into things you enjoyed when you were younger or try something you never took the time to explore.

• Pay attention to self-care basics. Take 5 minutes a day to focus on deep breathing, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious regular meals and develop regular sleeping patterns.

• Refrain from new romantic relationships in the first year of sobriety. Early sobriety is a time to focus on you. Doing this will allow you to be a better partner to someone in the future.

Learn more about our adolescent programs.

Prescription drug addiction is a problem we see each day at Fairbanks. Recently, WTHR News Anchor Scott Swan did a special report on this very prevalent and important topic. Fairbanks Medical Director, Dr. Tim Kelly shared his insight and two former patients told their stories of recovery.

Watch WTHR's special report on prescription drug addiction.

For more than 15 years, veteran news anchor Laurie Dhue lived a double life, struggling with alcoholism while holding down several high profile broadcasting jobs for Fox News Channel, CNN and MSNBC. Her addiction nearly killed her-- until one day she decided to save her life. She has been clean and sober for more than five years and shares her experience, strength and hope to help shed light on a disease that affects tens of millions of Americans. By overcoming her greatest fear, living without alcohol, Laurie is a testament to the power of determination, willingness, honesty and love. Happy, joyous and free, Laurie is living a life beyond her wildest dreams, thanks to her journey of recovery. Her courageous story will inspire you!
 
Veteran news anchor Laurie Dhue is a New York-based TV broadcaster and media strategist. As Founder and President of Laurie Dhue Media, she provides media relations counsel, print and broadcast interview training and presentation coaching to a wide variety of clients.

Dhue is the only anchor to have hosted shows on the three primary cable news networks: CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel. Dhue spent nearly eight years at Fox News, where she hosted the highly-rated "Fox Report" weekend edition and appeared weekly on "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Geraldo at Large". During her tenure at Fox News, Dhue reported extensively from the Middle East, including Jordan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. She also served as the voice of the official launch of Fox News Radio and anchored evening news updates for several years.

Before joining Fox News Channel, Dhue hosted several shows on MSNBC and served as substitute news anchor on NBC's "Weekend Today Show." Dhue began her broadcasting career at CNN, working her way from entry-level to anchor in just six years, becoming one of the youngest full-time anchors in the network's history.

In her 21-year career, Dhue has interviewed countless international leaders as well as politicians, celebrities and newsmakers. She has covered every major news event since the early 1990s as a writer, producer, reporter and anchor. Dhue has moderated discussions on a wide variety of topics, both foreign and domestic, including a panel at the United Nations and has given speeches at numerous symposia and universities.

A recovering alcoholic with five-and-a-half years of continuous sobriety, Dhue is a media advisor and spokesperson for Hazelden and a member of the Caron Foundation's New York Advisory Board. She also serves on the board of The National Youth Recovery Foundation and is an Editor-at-Large for Renew Magazine. Since going public with her alcoholism in early 2011, Dhue has traveled from coast-to-coast as a recovery advocate, giving speeches and emceeing events on behalf of Hazelden, Caron, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Foundations Recovery Network, The McShin Foundation and The Core Company among other organizations. She has moderated discussions at national conferences including JMATE.

Dhue hails from Atlanta. She received her BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was an Academic All-American, a member of the Varsity Swimming team and a member of The Loreleis, an a capella singing group.

At Fairbanks, providing hope and recovery to our patients and their families is our mission. In addition to treatment, we are proud to have served more than 7,000 individuals last year through our recovery support programs. It is because of generous donations that Fairbanks is able to offer additional services that include:

· Recovery Management
· Alumni Activities
· Transportation
· Family Counseling
· Full Time Dietician
· Recreation Therapy
· Patient Assistance
· Nicotine Replacement Therapy

All contributions to Fairbanks, large and small help make these programs possible. Every dollar donated is transformed into hope. Please consider making contribution to Fairbanks today. If you have questions about making a donation, please contact Stacy Traylor.

This expansion of Fairbanks will include additional group space, increased lounge space and quiet areas to enhance patient comfort. The new space will enhance the care we provide to our patients and will accommodate for future growth.

Construction by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc.

Santa Clause is coming to town! Fairbanks is hosting its Third Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 15th at The Fairbanks Recovery Center from 9-11:30pm. Anyone is welcome to join in on this holiday celebration! There will be tasty appetizers, a DJ, dancing, fellowship and of course.... Santa! If you would like to join us, please contact Kathleen Gill at 317-572-9469 or Judi Kramer at 317-572-9305.

Earlier this month, Fairbanks began providing drug and alcohol treatment services for adolescents at the new Plainfield Outpatient Office. Leading the new program is Fairbanks Counselor Mindy Miller. She has worked in adolescent services at Fairbanks for seven years. Mindy received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Indianapolis and is currently working towards a Master’s in Art Therapy from Saint Mary of the Woods College. As a member of the Hendricks County community, Mindy looks forward to the opportunity to reach youth in this area.

Fairbanks Plainfield Outpatient Office Adolescent Services:

Substance Abuse Assessments
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
PRIME For Life, education program
Family Program 

Hours of Operation:
Monday: 11am - 9:30pm
Tuesday: 11am - 9:30pm
Wednesday: 8am - 6:30pm
Thursday: 11am - 9:30pm

Contact Information for Mindy:
(317) 572-9321
mmiller@fairbankscd.org

The holidays will be here soon! This year, surprise your friends and family with personalized gifts. The Fairbanks Craft Fair will be taking place at The Fairbanks Recovery Center Friday, November 16 from 12-8pm.  If you'd like to be a vendor please register here. Don't forget to stop by and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
 

Substance abuse prevention and education can make a major impact on our communities. Substance use, including underage drinking and the non-medical use of prescription medications significantly affects the health and well-being of people of all ages. Recently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported the following statistics about substance abuse in America:

• Approximately 23 million Americans are current illicit drug users.
• Nearly 18 million people 12 or older are classified with alcohol dependence or substance abuse.
• Alcohol consumption is associated with approximately 79,000 deaths per year.
• Marijuana use and non-medical use of prescription medications are the most common types of drug use in America.
• 6 million Americans report using prescription drugs for non medical purposes.

Fairbanks offers educational programs for adults and adolescent exhibiting signs of substance abuse. PRIME for Life is an evidence-based education program for individuals with high-risk behaviors associated with drugs and/or alcohol. The Marijuana Education program teaches participants about research-based information regarding the impact of marijuana on personal health, workplace safety, academic performance, driving under the influence and social behavior. Both programs will provide insight regarding each participant's relationship with marijuana or alcohol and increase their knowledge and understanding about the consequences of their drug use.

PRIME for Life and Marijuana Education classes are offered at the Fairbanks offices in Indianapolis, Kokomo and Plainfield. Learn more about these educational programs.
 

Fairbanks welcomes Mark G. Monson as President and CEO. Mark previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Beaver Dam Community Hospitals in Wisconsin. He has over 30 years of experience as a health care administrator and clinician.

Prior to his role at Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, he served as Vice President of Clinical Services and Operations for Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. He began his professional career in 1980 as a substance abuse counselor. In high school and college, Mark worked as a custodian at Hennepin County Detoxification Unit in Minneapolis where he became interested in the disease of addiction and passionate about treatment.

Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Health Related Professions/Addiction Studies from the University of Arizona. In 2007, he and the organization he served were honored with a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The Fairbanks Alumni Associattion will host its 20th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 22nd at the Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers, IN. Proceeds from this year's outing will support the patient assistance fund. There will be lots of prizes, food and fun. Sign up your team today or contact Judi Kramer with any questions about this event.

The Russ Dellen Memorial Loop is just around the corner, coming up Saturday, September 8th. This event is named in memory of Fairbanks Board of Directors member, Russ Dellen. The Russ Dellen Memorial Loop is a public ride open to all types of motorcycles. It is also a philanthropic ride that is formed to provide funds to local charities, including Fairbanks.

The Loop starts at the Marion County Fairgrounds where the motorcycles head out for the I-465 loop around Indianapolis. The ride is fully escorted with the interstate closed to all other traffic during the event.

Last year, over 1300 bikes completed the Loop with riders ranging in age from 30 to 60 years old. This year more than 3000 bikes are expected to ride the Loop. Visit the Russ Dellen Memorial Loop website for more infomation.

The 2011 - 2012 Fairbanks Annual Report is now available to view online. Inside the report you will see feature articles about: alcohol and your health, stories of recovery from past patients, Hope Academy, outreach services, volunteers and much more. Take a look and learn more about the work of Fairbanks. 

The 20th Annual Fairbanks Golf Outing is coming up September 22 at Ironwood Golf Club! Each year, players come back to enjoy this fun day of golf, food, prizes and recovery! There will be a $10,000 Putt for Cash Contest and 3 Hole in One Cash Prizes of $10,000. All proceeds from the golf outing support the patient assistance fund for individuals who are unable to pay for treatment. Register your foursome today!

The Indiana University Nicotine Dependence program at Fairbanks is now offering a free group tobacco cessation program. This program includes three free group sessions and three weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy patches. Classes will be held at the Fairbanks Recovery Center in the Serenity room. These free classes will be offered for a limited time. For more information and to register call 317-579-7090.

June 2, 2012 Hope Academy graduated its largest class to date. Twenty-two students participated in the graduation ceremony and celebrated with over 200 of their mentors, friends and family members. Graduates will be attending a variety of colleges and universities including: Vincennes University, IUPUI, Marian University and Ivy Tech Community College.

Hope Academy is enrolling for the 2012-2013 school year. For more info visit the Hope Academy page.

The Fairbanks Annual Summer Picnic is coming up June 23 from 11:30am - 2:30pm at Fairbanks! Fairbanks alumni, volunteers and their families are invited to attend. There will be food, music, games and prizes. Please join us from this celebration of recovery! If you have questions, please contact Kathleen Gill.

The Fairbanks 2012 Spring Newsletter is now available online. This newsletter includes the following highlights:

• Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner, featuring Chris Herren

• Letter from Helene Cross, President and CEO

• Susan Li Conference

• Hope Academy Open Enrollment

• Upcoming Events

• Employee Spotlight: Terrence Lacy

If you would like to receive the Fairbanks Newsletter, please email Ty Spisak.

Every year, more than 1.3 million students drop out of high school. That's 7,000 students a day. American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen is a public media initiative, supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), to help students stay on the path to graduation and future success. WFYI launched its American Graduate local initiative in early 2012 with the debut of a strengthened web presence, a comprehensive radio series, and a network of innovative community partnerships. Hope Academy, the recovery high school at Fairbanks, was recently featured on this program. Listen to the segment to learn about how Hope Academy is making a difference in our community.

Join us for sober fun and fellowship as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Fairbanks!

When: Saturday, March 17th from 9 - 11:30pm
Where: Fairbanks Recovery Center (8102A Clearvista Parkway, Indianapolis, IN 46256)

The entire recovery community is invited to attend! There will be a DJ, karaoke, snacks and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded to those with the luck o' the Irish! For more info email Kathleen Gill.

Learn more about alumni events and activities.

Feeling down about your recovery? Come see the positive and funny side of life in the rooms of recovery. Join Creative Communicator Mary Kaye Wells who tells stories and pairs original lyrics with familiar tunes as she embraces the joy, pain and difficulty of life.

Wednesday, February 18, 2012
9:00pm – 10:00pm
Fairbanks Recovery Center

Those of us in recovery sometimes take ourselves and everything in life too seriously. Enjoy the humor of Life as a12-Stepper and share laughter with others in recovery. Come for the ride, it will make you smile. It’s fun and it’s free! This event is hosted by Fairbanks Alumni Services. If you have questions, please contact Kathleen Gill.

Join us for a workshop on spiritual development and the 12-steps. This four part series is a sequence of half-day retreats. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about new techniques to enhance a recovery-based lifestyle! The title of the February 4th session is: Powerlessness and Acceptance.

Saturday, February 4, 2012
9:00am until 12:00pm
Fairbanks Recovery Center, 8102A Clearvista Parkway, Indianapolis, Indiana

Cost: $15 per session or $50 for all four sessions
Contact kgill@fairbankscd.org for more info

 

For Alex M. life was always a little difficult. At the age of five he witnessed an unhealthy relationship between his parents who eventually divorced. Growing up, he spent time between two homes in Greenfield, Indiana with his sister and step-brothers. With little else to do he began experimenting with cigarettes and marijuana when he was just twelve years old.

After struggling with his father’s abrupt move to Florida, Alex began using drugs daily. A once promising high school football player had quickly become more interested in drugs and alcohol. Alex tried to hide his drug use from his parents, but eventually he was caught when his mom and step-dad found drugs, alcohol and paraphernalia in his bedroom.

The day after finding these items they brought Alex to Fairbanks for an assessment. At fifteen years old he was admitted to the Fairbanks Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), but after five months, Alex started using once again. The next months led to an overdose and a hospital visit. Neither even caused him to stop using, but one night he realized he needed and wanted help.

On May 18, 2011 Alex came back to Fairbanks and was admitted to rehab as an adolescent. He believed this would be different. When it was time for him to leave the adolescent unit he knew he wasn’t ready to go yet.

“I wanted to be a responsible person and live a new life,” said Alex. “I knew if I went home I wouldn’t have the structure I needed.”

Alex approached the manager of HOWSE, the adolescent sober living program at Fairbanks, and asked if she would consider letting him live there while he continued his recovery. She and the HOWSE community agreed.

Alex lived in HOWSE for over three months, and then moved to the Supportive Living Program (SLP) for adults at Fairbanks. While a resident in the supportive living programs, Alex also transitioned from the adolescent recovery management group to the adult men’s recovery management group. In recovery management, Alex received the tools he needed to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.

Today he attends five support meetings a week, does service work for the recovery community and talks with his sponsor daily. He has earned his GED and works 35 hours a week at a local restaurant.

“Life is valuable and when I was using, I wasn’t treating it like it was,” remarked Alex.

According to Alex, every aspect of his life is better. His relationships with his friends and family are now based on love and respect. Alex is excited about his new life in recovery and looks forward to enrolling in Ivy Tech soon. His goal is to one day become an architect, but for now he is living clean and sober one day at a time.

Intent Heals is an experiential workshop designed to facilitate a deeper awareness and appreciation for the people who have touched and shaped our lives. Fairbanks Alumni Services will be hosting this workshop at the Fairbanks Recovery Center Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Learn how the power of intention, daily prayer and healing can change your life on physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels. The Intent Heals Journals are hand-made in Nepal and offer a tangible way for people to engage in prayer, gratitude and forgiveness. Facilitator Elaine Voci, Ph.D., has an extensive background of training in Gestalt therapy, group facilitation, life coaching and the Intent Heals process.

Cost: $25 includes a complimentary Intent Heals Journal and silk bag.
Visit www.Elainevoci.com to watch a video about the Intent Heals Journal workshop.
To register contact Kathleen Gill at 317.572.9469.

Did you know...

20 minutes after quitting
Your heart rate drops

12 hours after quitting
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

2 weeks to 3 months after quitting
Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
Your lung function begins to improve.

1 to 9 months after quitting
Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.

1 year after quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.

5 years after quitting
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s

10 years after quitting
Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s.
Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.

15 years after quitting
Your risk of coronary heart disease decreases to that of a nonsmoker’s.

Beginning January, 2012 Fairbanks will offer group tobacco cessation classes. If you or someone you know is interested in quitting the use of tobacco products, please call 579-7090.

Class dates for January:
January 3, 10 & 17

The second annual Fairbanks holiday party is coming up Saturday, December 10 from 9pm-12am at the Fairbanks Recovery Center. There will be refreshments, 50/50 raffle, DJ, dancing and fellowship. Santa Clause will also be attending the festivities! Please contact Kathleen Gill if you have questions or would like to attend.

The holiday season is just around the corner! This year, surprise your friends and family with unique and personalized gifts. The Fairbanks Craft Fair will be taking place at The Fairbanks Recovery Center Friday, November 18 from 2-8pm and Saturday, November 19th from 8am-2pm. You'll find handbags, wickless candles, pewter crafts, quilts, jewelry, journals and more! If you'd like to be a vendor click here to register. Stop by and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
 

Fairbanks is proud to be a United Way of Central Indiana Agency! To help spread the word about United Way and they work there are doing, Fairbanks is participating in the "Give Gleefully" video contest. Please vote for Fairbanks and give gleefully to United Way. Visit the video contest website to vote today!

Spa Day at Fairbanks is a unique experience, one that can be shared and enjoyed by anyone who is looking to celebrate a special occasion or indulge themselves or a loved one. The experienced professionals at Reiki Center of Indiana will provide a memorable day of refreshing and cleansing your mind, body and spirit. The Spa Day Package will consist of three services of your choice. Register by October 22 for $85. If you register anytime after October 22, the cost is $100.

Services (select three - 20 minutes each)
- Massage
- Reflexology
- Ion Foot Spa
- Reiki Treatment

Spa Day will be held at the Fairbanks Recovery Center from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

To register online visit www.reikicenterofindiana.com or call Connie Bunting at 317-259-4599.

Fairbanks was recently recognized as a 2011 recipient of the Indiana Achievement Awards (IAA) during a banquet at Indiana Nonprofit Capacity Building Conference at the IUPUI Solution Center.

The Indiana Achievement Awards is a program that recognizes nonprofits in Indiana for exemplary practices and demonstrated effectiveness. The IAA was created by and continues as a partnership of foundations, businesses and individuals who join together to identify, recognize, and reward effective Indiana nonprofits.

Drug and alcohol addiction impacts all walks of life, including the homeless. In recognition of National Recovery Month the staff and students of Hope Academy and the adolescent patients of Fairbanks are filling backpacks with survival supplies and educational materials for the homeless.

“This project not only provides much needed resources to the homeless, but it also teaches our patients and students the importance of giving back and sharing the message of recovery to others in need,” said Rachelle Gardner, Director of Adolescent Services at Fairbanks and COO of Hope Academy.

Students and staff members from Hope Academy will deliver the back packs to a local agency on Friday, September 30, 2011

Born in Indianapolis in 1951, Delbert grew up on the city’s near Westside, near Indiana Avenue, then a bustling street teaming with people and brimming with jazz. One of eight children, he liked school “to a certain degree” and was eager to get out of the house and make his own way in the world.

Delbert wanted to dress well, drive a nice car and be part of the action. He took his first job shining shoes at a local hotel when he was 14 years old. The hotel’s cosmopolitan environment gave Delbert a glimpse of another world outside of his neighborhood. “Me and my buddies at work saw different lifestyles, and we were always fantasizing about living like that,” he says.

Soon drinking and smoking fueled their dreams. “I got into smoking cigarettes when I was 14,” Delbert says. “We thought that was top of the line.” But before long, it wasn’t. “I was dipping and dabbing with drinking when I was 16,” Delbert says. “It got to be more on weekends. And then I was introduced to marijuana.”

At 18, Delbert quit the shoeshine stand for a series of jobs before landing a far-more lucrative job at International Harvester in the early 1970s. By then he had also begun using heroin and became more involved with his drug use.

In 1971, Delbert became a father to his first child, but his marriage with his child’s mother didn’t last. “I couldn’t function in relationships,” he says. “I wasn’t being responsible, wasn’t paying the bills, didn’t have the money to fix the car when it needed it, all those things. I was never the man and husband she needed me to be.”

Still, Delbert kept his job and stayed out of trouble. “There was no jail, no court, no nothing,” he says. “I was just being a selfish addict. It was my way or no
way at all.”

As Delbert’s use escalated, so did his need to use and his desire to change. “I started praying while I was using,” he says. “I’d ask God for more money so I could use more. And then I started praying to God to take that away from me. I kept praying and praying.”

Delbert had heard of Fairbanks through his job, and in the early 1980s, went to Fairbanks for treatment. “At first I didn’t want to be there,” he says. “I wasn’t communicating with anyone.”

Once he started talking, Delbert began listening to the counselors and became interested in what they had to say. “They told me that if I continued to do what I always did, I’d continue to get what I always got,”
Delbert says. “I could see that if I stopped using, life would be so much better.”

For the first time, Delbert began to understand his disease. Delbert believed his father was an alcoholic, but didn’t realize it. His mother didn’t drink or smoke, but couldn’t give him any direction or help, either. “Nobody understood me,” he says. And that included Delbert. “I didn’t know I was an addict or an alcoholic, or that I had an addictive personality,” he says.

At Fairbanks Delbert found people who understood him and helped him learn how to live a better life. “They gave me direction and showed me how to live, get control of my life, and how to care more about myself,” he says.

Today Delbert is an associate minister. He has six children, is married and now serves on a volunteer panel at Fairbanks where he shares his experience, strength and hope with men in recovery.

“Over the years, I’ve gotten peace because of Fairbanks. It’s not something you get overnight. It has a lot to do with sharing and helping somebody else. My life is so different now.”

It's Recovery Month! This year’s theme for Recovery Month - Join the Voices for Recovery. Recovery benefits everyone. - emphasizes the importance of educating as many people as possible about prevention, treatment and recovery. The observance, celebrated each September for the past 22 years, honors individuals and families in recovery, as well as those who work in the treatment and recovery services field. Addiction can affect anyone, but prevention works, treatment is effective and recovery is possible. Join the voices of recovery by sharing your story. Email your story of recovery to tspisak@fairbankscd.org.

Article by United Way of Central Indiana

"I missed being with young people."

That simple fact set the stage for Harold Grundy's decision to reinvent himself after 31 years of teaching and coaching.

In retirement, Harold found himself "with an abundance of time on my hands." But another, less concrete factor was his sense that "I was missing something in my own recovery."

After five years of recovery, Harold decided that missing "something" was helping others. That decision put him at the door of Fairbanks, first serving men's groups at the treatment and recovery center, and then students at Hope Academy, the high school for young people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

On the first day of the new school year, WTHR's Andrea Morehead interviewed Harold for her station's Sept. 6 United Way segment spotlighting inspiring education volunteers. It will air during a station break of the 7:30 p.m. program that Tuesday.

In the story photographed by Steve Rhodes, you'll hear Harold describe how his experience as a personal mentor and tutor helps young people regain the confidence they need for academic success and sobriety.

Without recovery support to stay sober, students with addictions will likely drop out of school, face years of incarceration or die from the disease, research indicates.

By discovering what was missing in his own life, Harold is helping more kids stay on track to graduate, at Hope.

--Mary Kinney, public/media relations director, United Way of Central Indiana

Fairbanks now offers a non denominational worship service every Sunday at 11am in The Recovery Center. This service is officiated by Chaplain John Barrow and will have focus on recovery. Please join us this Sunday! Anyone is welcome to attend.

Please join us for the Fairbanks Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 20th at 7pm (before the 8pm meeting). There will be lots of fun, fellowship and of course... ice cream! If you would like to attend, please consider making a donation of $5 which will go to the Patient Assistance Fund. Please contact Kathleen Gill with any questions.

The Russ Dellen Memorial Loop is set for August 20th. This motorcycle ride is in memory of Russ Dellen, who served on the Fairbanks Board of Directors. The ride starts at the Marion County Fairgrounds and goes around I-465. Proceeds will support local charities, including Fairbanks. Check out their website to see how you can get involved. www.dellenloop.org

Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery) is a 12 Step Recovery Yoga Meeting for anyone working with addictive patterns or affected by those patterns in others. Y12SR is now holding a meeting at Fairbanks once a week. This meeting takes place every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm – 7:35pm in the Recovery Center rooms 128 and 129. The Yoga meeting is not a class. This is a 12 Step meeting that also incorporates Yoga. It is an open meeting, so anyone may attend. The group has a 45 minute meeting, a 5 minute break, and 45 minutes of Yoga. Contact The Recovery Center Coordinator with any questions.
 

Over the years Fairbanks has shown steady growth and has served patients throughout Indiana and outside of the state. With a large percentage of patients residing in counties surrounding Marion County, Fairbanks recognized the need to provide services outside of Indianapolis. Recently, Fairbanks opened an outpatient satellite office in Kokomo, Indiana.

Fairbanks Kokomo provides assessments and outpatient services for men and women 18 years of age and older. The outpatient office is located on the square in downtown Kokomo, 210 W. Walnut St. For more information, click here or call 756-236-0313.

 

On Saturday, July 16th from 11:30am - 2:30pm Fairbanks will host the annual summer picnic. All alumni, volunteers and their families are invited to attend. There will be good food, music, games and prizes. Please join us as we celebrate recovery! If you plan on attending, please email Kathleen Gill.

In 2010 Fairbanks began offering PRIME for Life, an evidence-based program for individuals with high-risk behaviors associated with drugs and/or alcohol.

PRIME For Life is used in many states across the country in impaired driving programs and education classes. Program studies have shown that PRIME for Life education classes contribute to attendees increasing abstinence, decreasing high-risk use of alcohol or drugs and decreasing recidivism among DUI and other offenders.

“In PRIME for Life we take a proactive approach and focus on prevention and education. Individuals are provided with the resources they need to make informed decisions related to their drug and alcohol use,” said PRIME for Life Counselor Misty Resendez. “This program is a great addition to the continuum of services offered at Fairbanks.”

PRIME for Life classes are offered on weekends each month at the Fairbanks Recovery Center, 8102A Clearvista Parkway. For more information about PRIME for Life, please the Fairbanks access center at 317.572.9396. The 2001 class schedule is available here.
 

The Mindfulness as a Path to Sustained Recovery workshop continues this Saturday June 11. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new techniques to enhance a recovery-based lifestyle! This workshop will focus on awareness and acceptance. To learn more visit the events page or contact kgill@fairbankscd.org.

Hope Academy will celebrate its 5th commencement ceremony on May 28, 2011. All students, parents, alumni and supporters are invited to come out and see the best day of the Hope Academy school year--graduation! It is the culmination of all the students' hard work and it is always an inspirational day.

As a special celebration for the 5th graduation, all previous Hope Academy graduates in attendance will be recognized for their contributions to the school's growing legacy. Don't miss it! It is a great way to show support to this year’s hard working graduates and to see just a few of the many lives Hope Academy has touched and made better.

Please email lbusch@fairbankscd.org if you would like to attend.
 

It’s National Volunteer Week and Fairbanks is fortunate to have many wonderful volunteers. Last year 220 volunteers dedicated nearly 22,000 hours of service work at Fairbanks. Thank you to our volunteers who make a difference in the lives of those we serve, each and every day!

Did you know?

• Everyone working in the Gift Shop and the Coffee Shop are volunteers.

• Volunteers come in week nights from 6 -7pm and lead groups with the adult patients

• Volunteers work in the access center

• The SLP drivers are on call for over 13 hours a day

• Volunteers work in the gym and encourage physical activity as part of recovery

• Our entire Fairbanks Board of Directors, Circle of Hope Committee, Hope Academy Board of Directors and all other committees within Fairbanks serve as volunteers.

So when you see any of these volunteers, please give them a big THANK YOU and let them know that we appreciate what they do for Fairbanks. 

Did you know that formal membership in our alumni association is free and entitles those who have successfully completed treatment at Fairbanks to…

• Free admission to various events
• Notification of all alumni workshops and activities
• 10% discount on specialty and educational items in the Fairbanks gift shop
• Discounted tickets to The  Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner

Fill out an application today!

Hope Academy, the recovery high school at Fairbanks, is a tuition-free, charter high school. Applications for enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year will be accepted from April 11-May 14, 2011. If the number of applications received for enrollment at Hope Academy is greater than 60 on May 14, 2011, a lottery will be held on May 20, 2011. For more information please call 317.572.9440 or visit the Hope Academy page.

Hope Academy Snapshot

• Parents who initially reported being reluctant to enroll their son/daughter in Hope Academy reported 100% satisfaction with the school structure, academics and graduation timeline after their son/daughter was enrolled.

• Hope Academy offers small class sizes with one-on-one teacher instruction.

• Students are provided an opportunity to recover credits online and in the classroom.

• Hope Academy offers the Indiana Core 40 diploma, which is accepted by all colleges.

• All Hope Academy teachers are licensed by the state of Indiana and receive special training in ways to work with young people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

• By joining a sober peer network at Hope Academy, students achieved greater sobriety, increased standardized test scores and showed a 40% increase in their grade point average.
   

Saturday, March 19th Jerry and Jason Lytle will be performing classic rock n' roll music at the Fairbanks Recovery Center. Music will be from 6:45 - 7:45pm, and then again from 9 - 10pm, following the circuit speaker meeting. Please feel free to come and stay a little late to enjoy fellowship, games and great music in the Recovery Center at The Fresh Start Cafe.

If you have questions or are interested in auditioning to perform, please contact Kathleen Gill at 317-572-9469.

Recovery Tip from Tobyn Linton, Adult Services Program Manager
In addition to journaling in your 90 in 90 A Tool For Recovery, get a blank calendar and a stamp or stickers. Place a stamp or sticker on the calendar for each day you don’t drink alcohol or use drugs. This is a great way to visualize and evaluate your progress.

As a leader in addiction treatment, Fairbanks strives to provide the best environment for recovery. To insure the health of patients, employees, students and volunteers Fairbanks is now tobacco-free. Studies show that when an individual stops the use of tobacco products while in treatment, his or her chance for recovery success increases.
The tobacco-free Fairbanks initiative has been positively received by staff, patients, visitors and volunteers. Everyone has shown great support in this effort.

In the first day follow up, the overall reports were encouraging. In our first sample of adult patients 40% were non-smokers/tobacco users and 60% were smokers/tobacco users. Of the 60% of tobacco users, 12% wanted to quit, 24% were open to quitting and 24% did not have the desire to stop smoking/using tobacco products. This is a great start to the beginning a tobacco-free Fairbanks. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

Nicotine replacement therapy will be provided to detox and rehab patients according to their tobacco use assessment results. Patients who are admitted to outpatient treatment will also be provided with education and treatment support groups. If you would like more information about the tobacco cessation program at Fairbanks, please call 317-579-7090
 

The Mindfulness as a Path to Sustained Recovery workshop continues tomorrow, Saturday January 15. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new techniques to enhance a recovery-based lifestyle! This workshop will focus on stress and difficult emotions. To learn more visit the events page or contact kgill@fairbankscd.org.

Fairbanks had a lot to celebrate in 2010. Here are just a few of the many milestones for the organization. Have a safe and Happy New Year!

• Fairbanks launched a year long 65th anniversary celebration, as the oldest independent treatment center in America.

• Hope Academy held its fourth commencement ceremony, graduating five seniors.

• Judy Collins returned to be a guest speaker at the ninth annual Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner and Indiana Wesleyan was presented with the Richard M. Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award.

• The new Fairbanks cafeteria opened with the ability to seat 130 people, extended hours and a new staff lounge.

• The Serenity Garden was completed and dedicated to former Board Chairman, Rusty McKay.

• Hope Academy's Valedictorian traveled to Washington DC to speak at the National Press Club.

• HOWSE implemented an animal assisted therapy program with dog, Buckley.

• Fairbanks and Hope Academy were presented with three proclamations.

• Two new websites launched: www.fairbankscd.org & www.fairbankshistoryofhope.org

• Phyllis Land Usher became the new Fairbanks Board Chairman.

• Alumni Services created new events and completed another successful Golf Tournament.

The holidays can be a stressful time, but for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, the holidays can present obstacles in maintaining sobriety. No matter what stage of recovery you or loved on is in, it is always important to have a plan to deal with any potential triggers. Guidance and support may be exactly what you and your family need this holiday season. Below are a few suggestions from the experts at Fairbanks on how to have a safe and sober holiday season.

• Create new family holiday traditions that do not include alcohol. This will allow you and your family to make new, sober memories.

• Spend time with those who support you and your recovery.

• What is in your glass, only matters to you. Others won’t notice if you are not drinking alcohol.

• Give freely of your time. The holidays are a great time of the year to do volunteer work and be of service to someone else.

• Support meetings are offered around the clock. Don’t hesitate to go to one.

• Have an exit plan when attending holiday parties. Make sure you and your family know how to get out of a risky situation.

• Go to parties a little early before most of the drinking starts and make your exit when you feel the time is appropriate.

• Feel free to bring your favorite nonalcoholic beverage to parties with you, so you will be assured of having a nonalcoholic choice.

• Be honest. Tell the truth to those you love so they can better support you.

If you feel that you might need additional support for your recovery during the holidays, or know someone who might need support, call an addiction professional at Fairbanks. You can talk to a counselor confidentially to determine how alcohol or drugs may be affecting your life or the life of a loved one. Call Fairbanks at 317.849.8222 or visit www.fairbankscd.org.

Fairbanks' 65th Anniversary is coming to an end. At the beginning of the year, we created a 65th Anniversary Website to share our rich history with you! We also asked you to share what Fairbanks means to you through this site.  If you have not had an opportunity to view the website and submit a note, please check it out today!

www.fairbankshistoryofhope.org

The Fairbanks 2010 Winter Newsletter is now available online. This newsletter includes the following highlights:

• Letter from Helene Cross, President and CEO

• Feature on Medical Director, Dr. Tim Kelly

• Hope Academy Update

• Treatment Gap Data

• Tips from our Recovery Coaches

If you would like to receive the Fairbanks Newsletter, please email tlynch@fairbankscd.org.

Access to Treatment services: health care integration needed
An estimated 23.5 million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol and/or drugs and need treatment and other supportive services. Unfortunately, only one in 10 of them (2.6 million) receives the treatment they need. The result: a treatment gap of more than 20 million Americans. Like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, addiction is a chronic illness that can be managed successfully over time- as long as there is access to quality treatment services, integrated medical care and continuing support. Slightly more than two-thirds of those receiving treatment were referred through self referral or the criminal justice system while fewer than 7 percent were referred by a health care provider. This provides compelling evidence that addiction screening and treatment need to be integrated into the nation’s health care delivery system.

*Information and chart from Defining the Addiction Treatment Gap *

The Halloween Costume Party, Chili Dinner and Karaoke is this Saturday, October 30th! There will be some tasty chili, fun costumes and entertaining karaoke. You don't want to miss this! We'll see you there.

TIME: Chili Dinner: 6-7:45 p.m.
12-Step Meeting: 8-9 p.m.
Costume Party and Karaoke Contest: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

COST: $5 per person

For more information and to register, contact Kathleen Gill at 317.572.9469 or kgill@fairbankscd.org or Judi Kramer at 317.572.9305 or jkramer@fairbankscd.org.

Visit the events page to learn more!

The Fairbanks Second Annual Craft Fair is taking place at the Recovery Center on Friday, November 19 from 2-8pm and Saturday, November 20 from 8am-2pm. There will be lots of unique hand made gifts like jewelry, blankets, knitted purses and hats, cards, journals and more.  Join us and get a head start on your holiday shopping! If you are interested in having a booth, or have questions, contact Kathleen at kgill@fairbankscd.org or call 572-9468.

More information about the craft fair is available here.

The four part series, Mindfulness as a Path to Sustained Recovery, begins tomorrow, Saturday October 16. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new techniques to enhance a recovery-based lifestyle! To learn more visit the events page or contact kgill@fairbankscd.org.

Halloween Costume Party, Chili Dinner and Karaoke - October 30

Join us for a fun night at the Recovery Center on Saturday, October 30th. Be sure to wear your most impressive Halloween Costume and bring your singing voice for a karaoke content.  The best costume and the best karaoke performance will receive prizes!

TIME: Chili Dinner: 6-7:45 p.m.
12-Step Meeting: 8-9 p.m.
Costume Party and Karaoke Contest: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

COST: $5 per person

For more information and to register, contact Kathleen Gill at 317.572.9469 or kgill@fairbankscd.org or Judi Kramer at 317.572.9305 or jkramer@fairbankscd.org.

Visit http://www.fairbankscd.org/alumni-events to learn more!

This four part series is a sequence of half-day retreats. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new techniques to enhance a recovery-based lifestyle!

The event facilitator is Jo Holt, Ph.D. She is a psychotherapist and a spiritual director. She includes a mindfulness approach in every phase of her work. She has studied Carmelite Mysticism and Tibetan Buddhism with teachers in both traditions and has adapted these practices to a mindfulness-based approach to recovery.

The event dates and topics are as follows:

October 16, 2010: Mindfulness (paying attention to the present moment)
November 20, 2010: Self-Compassion (without judgment)
January 15, 2011: Stress and Diffi cult Emotions (The Dark Night)
February 19, 2011: Wholeness (spiritual well-being)
 

Location: Fairbanks Recovery Center
Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $15 per session OR $50 for all four sessions

Contact Kathleen at kgill@fairbankscd.org or 317-572-9469 for more information.
 

Want to be of service and help the recovery community? Learn how to tell your story of recovery in an effective and impactful way while still staying within the bounds of confidentiality and tradition. You can help family members, friends, employers and government officials understand the disease of addiction. This workshop will take place at the Fairbanks Recovery Center on Saturday, August 28 from 10am-4pm. Cost is $15 per person or $20 for CEU credit. Visit http://recoveryindiana.org/events.php to sign up.

The Fairbanks Annual Summer Picnic is this Saturday, August 14th from 11:30am - 3pm. Please join us as we celebrate recovery and Fairbanks' 65th birthday! Call or email Kathleen if you plan to attend. 317-572-9354 or kgill@fairbankscd.org. Hope to see you there!

Fairbanks Board Member, Dr. Christopher Stack was recently honored with the Caron Treatment Center Dr. Jasper G. Chen See, M.D Volunteerism Award at the NAATP (National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers) Board Reception, which is part of the 2010 NAATP Annual Addiction Treatment Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Stack has been actively involved with the Fairbanks Board of Directors since 2003. He currently serves on the finance and executive committees of the board. After actively participating on a recovery school visionary planning committee with other Fairbanks board members, staff and parents of adolescents in treatment, Dr. Stack was instrumental in assisting in Fairbanks gaining approval from the Office of the Mayor and the Indianapolis City County Council to operate Hope Academy as a charter school.

In 2005, he was elected as the first Chairman of the School Board of Hope Academy. This first appointment has given Dr. Stack the opportunity to lay the groundwork for structured board development, growth and participation. This commitment to structure and development led to Hope Academy being awarded very high scores on the annual survey conducted by the Indianapolis Mayor’s charter school evaluation committee. Dr. Stack and the staff of Hope Academy work diligently to meet and exceed the performance and academic standards set by the state legislature for charter schools.

“We are extremely pleased to recognize individuals who have contributed so much of their volunteer time and energy to the community,” said Cathy Palm , Chairperson of the NAATP Board of Directors. “We want this award to inspire others to emulate the spirit of Dr. Chen See.”

• At your holiday gatherings, offer plenty of nonalcoholic foods, drinks and activities.
• To lower the risk of alcohol poisoning, be sure to throw out partly empty alcoholic drinks. Children love to imitate adults, and if they have access to leftover drinks, they may taste the contents.
• Let your child know what you expect. Tell your child that adults may be drinking during the holidays but under no circumstances is he or she allowed to drink alcohol.
• Have a plan in place about what you and your family will do if you are at a party where there are people who have had too much to drink.
• Model responsible behavior by making sure that guests who have been drinking do not drive. Call a taxi or offer to have them stay overnight.
• For your holiday meal, prepare and serve traditional drinks without alcohol. You can make nonalcoholic cider, eggnog or punch.
• If your older child is going to a holiday event, call ahead to make sure that the event will be alcohol and drug free. Check in with the party planners to see what measures are in place to keep alcohol out.
• If your family has had a stressful year due to job loss, a death or other challenges, consider an alcohol free season. Alcohol is a depressant and may add to the stress.

If you have trouble controlling your alcohol consumption or know someone who does, make an appointment at Fairbanks for an assessment. You can talk to a counselor confidentially to determine how alcohol or drugs may be affecting your life or the life of a loved one. Call Fairbanks at 317.849.8222 or visit www.fairbankscd.org.

Tips provided by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Visit www.samhsa.gov for more holiday tips.