tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64358265383915435772024-03-14T07:50:05.542-07:00Hopeful Way GhanaHopeful Way is a nongovernmental organisation that was registered in September 2008. The organisation established a house which serves as a protective environment for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Hopeful Way also seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. This blog serves as a forum where interested individuals can share information about alcohol and drug addiction. Visit our website at <a href="http://hopefulway.webs.com">http://hopefulway.webs.com</a>.Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-57458587676805325022014-10-25T09:34:00.002-07:002014-10-25T09:34:33.112-07:00Recovery Africa supports Hopeful Way Foundation
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recovery Africa (RA)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary Report to
Board of Directors and Advisory Council</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">October 11, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Dan O’Laughlin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This report provides a brief summary of RA and related
activities during 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In preparation
for activities in 2015, a more detailed correspondence will be sent in the
coming weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RA
planning session and board of directors meeting</b> of March 20, 2014 – Matt’s
report dated April 11 on this meeting was distributed in April and is attached.
The RA board members are as follows:</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daniel O’Laughlin, Chair<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>g.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry Gillen</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Al Mooney, V. Chair<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>h.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adolf Kofi Afful</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kristen Harper, Secretary<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>i.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Matthew Brown</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deborah Dungee, Treasure<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>j.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David Whiters</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chris Budnick<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>k.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark Spence</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry Gaines<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RA advisory council members include the
following personalities and others interested in moving forward recovery in
Africa: Paul Molloy, Thomas Kimball, Emily Eisenhart, Lonnetta Albright, Mark
Webb, Jerry Moe, Gerald Marti and Janis Omide. Others who would be welcome to
serve on the advisory council include Mike Houle, Nancy Alexander, Edward Green
and others.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RA dinner
of March 20</b> – The dinner was a great success in expanding the networking of
RA. The fundraising part covered expenses, plus about $1,000 net.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Willingway
Foundation</b> – Dr. Al Mooney and his Willingway Foundation continue to serve
as the 501(c)(3) “incubator” for RA until we obtain recognition from the IRS.
Tax deductable donations are received by WWF where RA has a separate account. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Financial
situation</b> – The largest financial commitment of RA in 2014/15 is to Oxford
House, Inc. to keep Byron Merriweather in Ghana for one year ending June 15,
2015. Uncommitted funds in the WWF/RA account as of October 1, 2014 were
approximately $10,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A RA checking
account has been opened at SunTrust Bank in Bethesda. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">501(c)(3)
application</b> – In April, receipt of the RA application was acknowledged by
the IRS. Nothing has been received since that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Byron
Merriweather in Ghana</b> – Byron continues to be the main contribution that RA
provides to the budding recovery movement in Ghana. With Byron playing a
reduced role, the House of St. Francis continues to do very well with an
average of 20 residential clients. The “Grand Opening” of the HSF was held on
Oct. 9; it was a great success. A new HSF chairman and board of directors is
full of life. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ghana
programs</b> – Perhaps the largest contribution of RA in Ghana is fostering
cooperation among recovery players. Professionals and people in recovery from
the U.S. and Ghana are used for training purposes. A consortium meeting held on
September 25 holds much potential. Twelve-step groups continue to expand, with
about ten in Accra. Two Oxford Houses for men are doing well. An Oxford House
with program for women is in its formation stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About $12,000 is needed to pay advanced rent
and start up and running expenses. A grant application is being sent to an NGO
in Sweden. Byron and Dan are spending less time at the HSF but we are available
as needed. RA provided no funding to the HSF in 2014 to cover expenses. The HSF
is largely breaking even but staff is still not on full salary. As described
below, recovery experts from the U.S. provide excellent training, motivation
and sharing of expertise. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Website
and Facebook</b> – Thanks to Mike Houle and Shelia Stigall, the RA website and
Facebook sites are up and providing good information on RA and its work. We are
in need of managers for the sites.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dan and
Agnes in Ghana</b> – Dan and Agnes arrived in Ghana on April 22 and plan on
returning to Maryland on October 22, 2014.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ethiopia
women’s facility</b> – In response to a request by David Whiters, in June, 2014
RA provided $1,000 to assist in the establishment of a transitional housing
facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kristen
Harper in DC</b> – As the executive director of the Association of Recovery
Schools, Kristen was in Maryland/Wshington, DC from August 5 to September 6.
She provided information about RA at places such as ONDCP and as a panelist at
the 4th SAMSHA & NAADAC recovery lunch which she attended with Mike Houle
of RA. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Georgia
Southern Univ. to Ghana</b> – A group of over ten students and staff from
Georgia Southern University spent the month of July in Ghana. Six of the
students helped to carry the recovery message with RA in Accra, and others were
with recovery facilities and 12-step groups in Cape Coast. This third visit
from GSU did a lot to create synergy between recovery in Ghana and the U.S. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Texas
Tech University to Ghana</b> – Ladd Hight was in Ghana with RA/HWF from June 4
– July 23. He spent most of his time at the HSF and Oxford Houses but also assisted
at Pantang Rehab and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>other facilities in
Ghana. He did a lot by helping clients work the steps and sharing his
experiences regarding recovery in the U.S. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recovery
personalities visit Ghana</b> – The recovery professionals and others listed
below contributed much to the RA and other prevention, treatment and recovery
programs in Ghana in 2014. As of now no visitors are scheduled for 2015 but we
are in discussions with “The Midnight Mission” in Los Angeles which may send
two 12-step people in long term recovery to assist in Ghana next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David
Whiters to Ghana</b> – David spent two weeks in Ghana in March and moved with
Byron to do a lot to further efforts of RA and others. He facilitated several
workshops and worked with public and private efforts regarding ROSC, 12-step
and related efforts.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gerald
Marti to Ghana</b> – Gerald was in Ghana from June 10 – 23 and provided
excellent training in Back to Basics, 12-step and medical aspects. He was
particularly helpful at the HSF and to the senior staff of the Narcotics
Control Board where drug courts and related matters were discussed. Health care
workers at Pantang Hospital learned a lot from Gerald. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jerry Moe
to Ghana</b> – Jerry was in Ghana from May 30 to June 8 and did outstanding
work to further the RA presence in Ghana as related families and children. His
teaching techniques are being widely used. For a full article on Jerry’s visit,
see RA Facebook page.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">18.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sheila
Stigall to Ghana</b> – Shelia spent two months at the HSF in 2013 and another
two months beginning July 16, 2014. Shelia taught 12-step recovery and added to
the HSF in so many ways. She did much to enhance the RA Facebook page where
details of her visit can be found. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nancy
Alexander to Ghana</b> – Nancy was in Ghana for about a week beginning June 26
attending an international conference. She visited the HSF and Oxford House and
introduced RA to the Accra East Rotary Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On returning to the U.S., she assisted RA prepare several documents
including the RA fact sheet. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consortium
meeting</b> – On September 25, RA/Hopeful Way Foundation sponsored a consortium
meeting with 40 persons present. “Recovery Ghana” may be the name of the
consortium which holds great potential for furthering a recovery movement in
Ghana. A separate report will be sent. Next meeting to be held on October 30. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">National
Commission for Civic Education</b> – GHC1,000 ($350) was provided to the
National Commission for Civic Education to enable their field staff to develop
addiction related programs at schools in Accra. NCCE arranged for Jerry Moe to
visit children from families suffering from addiction in Accra.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prayer
camps</b> – RA is developing a relationship with prayer camps, where many
Ghanaians who suffer from addiction are taken for treatment. A resident of the
Oyarifa Oxford House goes on a weekly basis to such a camp where he carry’s the
12-step message as part of a University of Ghana research team. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">23.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kintampo
request</b> – RA has received a request from a person in recovery at the
Kintampo Rural Health Training School to assist in developing a program to deal
with an apparently growing problem with alcohol and drugs in the town. The
school prepares mid-level health professionals to serve in Ghana’s rural areas.
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Theme for
2015 event in DC</b> – We are looking for ideas to guide the theme “Youth” for
the RA 2015 event and board meeting. Please submit ideas.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RA office</b>
– In the coming months steps will be taken to establish a RA office, probably
in the Bethesda/Washington, DC area. </span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-74439668016072183452014-07-27T06:03:00.000-07:002014-07-27T06:03:58.715-07:00Hopeful Way Board Meeting on 17 July, 2014Below is additional information provided in a summary report to the board of directors of the Hopeful Way Foundation on 17 July, 2014:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Professional Visitors
to Ghana – </b>From 2008 – 2014 the HWF/Recovery Africa has arranged programs
for 12 professionals from North America in Ghana to share their expertise in treatment
and recovery from addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2014
visits were made by Dr. David Whiters, Dr. Gerald Marti and Mr. Jerry Moe of
Hazelden Betty Ford Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additional
visits will likely be arranged in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Marti is doing research on the use of drug courts in the U.S. and
may be in a position to respond to interest from Ghana in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">University Students
Visit Ghana</b> – From 2012 - 2014 over 25 students and staff members from “Recovery
Campus Programs” at Texas Tech and Georgia Southern Universities were hosted in
Ghana by HWF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of the visits
is to help strengthen the recovery in Ghana and to better the personal recovery
of the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The visits assist in
establishing permanent relationships which are intended to help treatment and
recovery in Ghana. From 7 – 11 July, 2014, seven students from Georgia Southern
U. were in Accra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A student from Texas
Tech is also in Ghana from 4 June – 25 July, spending most of his time at the
HSF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shelia StargillA detailed program
of activities is available from Dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Project Development
Policy of HWF</b> – Rather than initiate and take long-term responsibility for
recovery from addiction projects in Ghana, the HWF rather wants to support
initiatives that will become independent or will become self-sufficient or will
be supported by other organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
proposed House of St. Francis is one such project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Collaborators in
Ghana </b>– Numerous organizations and individuals in Ghana are supporting the
work of the HWF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the
Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, the Ministry of Heath, the Narcotics Control Board
(NACOB), the University of Ghana, Chosen Rehab and others, new collaborators
include the National Commission for Civic Education, the Ashaiman Federation of
Youth and Lord Kenya in Kumasi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Collaborators in the
U.S</b>. – </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recovery
Africa (RA)</b> – Dan is leading an effort in the U.S. to establish an NGO
named “Recovery Africa” whose purpose is to support recovery efforts of the HWF
in Ghana and in other countries of Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Al Mooney, Mr. Larry Gaines, Byron Merriweathe, Kristen Harper and
others are also involved with the establishment of RA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information go to the RA website
“recoveryafria.org”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oxford House,
Inc</b> – Mr. Paul Molloy and his staff are making it possible for Byron
Merriweather to volunteer for twelve months in Ghana in 2014/15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Willingway
Foundation</b> – Dr. Al Mooney’s not-for-profit receives tax exempt donations
and hosts visitors from Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until it
is registered in the US, “Recovery Africa” operates under the umbrella of the
Willingway Foundation. Willingway Hospital, in Statesboro, Georgia, provides
excellent training for Ghanaians, including Dr. Dordoye, Edwin Ahadzie and
Sylvester Adu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kelly
Foundation/Serenity Park</b> – Mr. Larry Gaines and his staff train Ghanaians
in Recovery Dynamics in Little Rock, Arkansas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Gaines expects to visit Ghana again to train staff members of NACOB,
the HSF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their copyrighted Recovery
Dynamics will be used at the HSF.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Faces and
Voices of</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recovery</b> – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire staff give guidance to our efforts
in the U.S., and post the HWF newsletters on their Recovery Resources
Guide-Africa. (<span style="color: black;">http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/resources/international/International.php)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They further “networks of support between
recovery communities in the US and internationally”, and support advocacy and
peer recovery efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Healing Place of Wake County</b> – HWF supporters, including Dr. Eugene
Dordoye, Byron Merriweather, the O’Laughlins and Sylvester Adu of NACOB, have
received training at The Healing Place where Recovery Dynamics and Therapeutic
Community approaches are used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DePaul
University Center for Community Development</b> – Dr. Leonard Jason’s Center
did a survey of the Oyarifa Oxford House, and keeps up to date with our efforts
at the HSF.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Council
of Ghanaian Organizations (COGA)</b> – Mr. Kofi Afful, former chairman of COGA,
is a board member of Recovery Africa and helps inform the Ghanaian community in
the Washington, DC area about HWF/HSF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Dordoye spoke on behalf of HWF at the COGA 55<sup>th</sup>
Independence Anniversary Dinner Dance held in Washington, DC on 10 March,
2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-66506448394484696672014-07-25T05:10:00.001-07:002014-07-25T05:10:07.496-07:00Hopeful Way Board Met on July 17, 2014Under the chairmanship of Prof. Joseph Asare, the Hopeful Way Foundation board of directors met at Peace Be Clinic in Accra last week. It was decide that definite steps will be taken to look into the feasibility of establishing a women's house for women who want non-medical recovery. Such a house would be established and run in close collaboration with Pantang Hospital and the Korle Bu Hospital Addictive Diseases Unit. Part of the report to the meeting included the following:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Oyarifa Oxford House (aka “Bill Moore House”)</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– This recovery
house/transitional house was opened in mid-2009 and has had as many as ten
residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a capacity of twelve,
the Oyarifa House presently has three residents and is in need of
revitalization and restructuring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
suggested that recovery programs be introduced along with more structured use
of time by residents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the view of
establishing a closer relationship, we are in discussions with the Medical Director
of Pantang Hospital and the Addictive Diseases Unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Koo Tufo Oxford House</span></b><span style="color: #333333;">
– Located in Kukurantumi, this is an Oxford House that provides treatment and
recovery programs to an average of about five residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The HWF makes regular visits to assist in
strengthening the facility which is being sponsored by the Books for Africa
Library Project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Oxford House Chapter</span></b><span style="color: #333333;">
– We are still in the process of establishing a grouping of recovery houses in
Ghana which is intended to monitor and support the houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopeful Way Foundation would in turn assist
in building the chapter that could remain part of HWF or could possibly be
registered as an NGO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Byron Merriweather</span></b><span style="color: #333333;">
– With the support of Oxford House, Inc. and Recovery Africa, Byron returned to
Ghana on 16 June, 2014 to begin a stay of at least one year. While he will
assist with the development of the HSF, his main focus will be on the
strengthening of Oxford Houses and the establishment of additional houses,
including a house for women and a chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will also assist with the expansion of 12-step meetings and related
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Hopeful Way Web Site and Blog</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> – The HWF website </span>(<a href="http://hopefulway.webs.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://hopefulway.webs.com</span></a>) is updated
from time to time<span style="color: #333333;"> but the blog (<u>hopefulwayghana.blogspot.com</u>)
is posted regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 2008 until
present, 110 articles have been posted on the blog which give a good history of
activities of the HWF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">House of St. Francis
(HSF) – </b>The House has been the focus of our activities for the past three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It began accepting clients on 1 September,
2012, it was registered as an NGO in September, 2013 and by June, 2014 had 22
male residents and a female outpatient. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
HSF will be handed over to the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra in August,
2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to the presence of Byron
Merriweather, numerous professionals and Edwin Ahadzie and his staff, the HSF
is making excellent progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The HWF
discontinued HSF salary support in January, 2014, and treatment fees were
raised to GHC600 per month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facility
brings in enough income to cover core running expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some clients do not pay fees or pay reduced
fees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Major challenges include the
establishment of a HSF fundraising committee, the need to pay salaries rather
than a stipend to HSF staff and a greater involvement of the Archdiocese in the
HSF board of directors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Income and
expenses for the HSF for 2013 were as follows:</div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-39153110661823946392014-07-06T11:47:00.001-07:002014-07-06T11:47:46.978-07:00Georgia Southern University in Ghana 2014
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Georgia Southern University</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> is sending nine
students and a staff person to do recovery work in Accra beginning today, July 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be their third trip to Ghana where
lots has been done to help carry the message of recovery, particularly in Cape
Coast. The Director of the GSU Center for Addiction recovery, Ms. Emily
Eisenhart, says that “I have</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
fallen in love forever with the country, people, and culture and never wants to
stop trying to help people in Ghana and all over Africa to find ways into
recovery”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Led by Christina Beslin, a
group of seven from GSU are currently in Accra where they have a full program at the House of St.
Francis, at the Oyarifa Oxford House, Pantang Hospital, Addictive Diseases Unit
and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-24378492050145734212014-07-06T11:38:00.002-07:002014-07-06T11:38:36.194-07:00Texas Tech University in Ghana Again
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In 2012/13
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Texas Tech Center for the Study of
Addiction and Recovery</b> sent over 15 staff and students to help RA carry the
message of recovery to Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impact
has been huge on everyone concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas
Kimball, Ph.D., the director of the center has decided not to send large groups
to Ghana but to do something more sustainable over the long run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vision “is to have two Texas Tech
graduate students spend a semester in Ghana working with the House of St.
Francis and other RA programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ideally,
there would be TTU students in Ghana for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Kimball adds: “Everyone so far that I
have talked to is excited about this. I think it will be very beneficial for
these students and your work in Ghana.” To begin the new collaboration, Ladd
Hight is currently in Ghana for a two month stay assisting and learning about a
variety of treatment and recovery programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said: “Since arriving in Ghana my life has been changed. It’s unlike
anything I could have imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
staff at the HSF is amazing. They are really invested in their clients’
recovery and well-being. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clients are
passionate about their recovery and the twelve steps.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
They’ve also taught me about the food and the proper Ghanaian way to eat it.
It’s been fun and refreshing learning about another culture firsthand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-67332548208555964702014-07-06T11:34:00.000-07:002014-07-06T11:34:58.348-07:00Jerry Moe Visits Ghana
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jerry Moe</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the Hazelden Betty Ford Center visited Ghana
from May 30 to June 8 to do training at Recovery Africa/Hopeful Way Foundation programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His training methods and materials have
changed the way Ghana’s recovery movement looks at the “disease concept” of
addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his report to RA, Jerry
said: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Thanks for an amazing experience
during my recent visit. Many, many really good things are happening in Ghana
when it comes to treatment and recovery”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his trip report, Jerry suggested that the
House of St. Francis make more systematic use of professionals, provide additional
support for HSF staff and team up with a local university to develop outcome
studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regarding the Oyarifa Oxford
House, he called for a much more structured approach with residents involved
with work/volunteer programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He urged
RA to “make the house shine so prospective residents would want to live there”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on a National Commission on Civic
Education arranged visit to Jamestown in Accra, Jerry suggests that the youth
in the area go to the House of St. Francis to be trained by the residents to “carry
a strong anti-drug message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see this
as a huge WIN/WIN possibility.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jerry also did a group with young
children, coordinated by the National Commission on Civic Education, in
Jamestown. In describing the experience, Jerry said, “Halfway through the
group, you could see the emotions so clearly etched on the children’s beautiful
faces. At the appropriate moment, I asked these courageous youth if they were
growing up in a family like mine. Five immediately raised their hands in the
air while others contemplated what to do. Thirty seconds passed, and now
everyone’s hand was raised. While they looked around the group, I said ‘You are
not alone, and it’s not your fault.’ A few of the children started to cry while
others nodded affirmatively.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-86841436559006843102014-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:002014-06-14T08:47:37.460-07:00We Lost Delali<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, June 14, 2014, the 39 year old Delali S. was laid to
rest at a service held at City God Church in Accra, Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hundreds of mourners included seven from
the House of St. Francis (HSF) family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Delali had been a much loved resident and alumni of the HSF for over a
year; he passed away on May 3 after an illness which got the best of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A generous and gifted person “with a high IQ,
exceptional talents and excellent human relation skills”, Delali will be
greatly missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastor at today’s
service said: “This is the most honest funeral that I have ever attended. The family
asked for forgiveness for the shortcomings of Delali; The Lord says ‘I like
that’”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The program for the funeral paid tribute to Delali’s many
achievements and went on to say: “The last 15 years of his life, Delali battled
with dependence on Pethidine, a painkiller belonging to the Opiate family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This very powerful painkiller was used in treating
the pain of sickle cell borne pain crisis from is teens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He struggled with this dependence for about
five years before it came to the family’s notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past ten years he gave a good fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those of us who cared about him felt he
should have fought harder but alas we don’t understand the hold of addiction
over a person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last two years
of his life, he found a new family in the House of St. Francis, a rehab house
for people with drug dependency problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were a superb family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
accepted him as one of their own and their rehab programme brought Delali a
renewed sense of dignity and self-worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He also drew closer to God while there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For more information see tributes at “rememberingdela.com”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-15846942017217141292014-06-13T02:59:00.000-07:002014-06-13T02:59:12.608-07:00Dr. Gerald Marti Visits Ghana
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dr.
Gerald Marti Visits Ghana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hopeful
Way Foundation/Recovery Africa was privileged to host Dr. Gerald Marti to Ghana
from 10 – 23 May, 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Marti has a
long career of working with various forms of addiction and the organizations in
the U.S. which are involved with prevention, treatment and recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His visit did much to enrich recovery work
and to carry the message of recovery in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As detailed in his report, Dr. Marti participated in over 10 meetings
and training sessions during his visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He often said that “I came to Ghana to learn, to find out how lesions
learned in the U.S. could benefit Ghana; how recovery in North America could
benefit experiences in Ghana”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
believes that lessons learned from the long time use of marijuana in Ghana
could be of use in seeing how the legalization of Marijuana in the U.S. may
have unexpected results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believes
that the recovery movements in Ghana and the U.S. could benefit from closer
collaboration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At
a meeting with the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), officials expressed a
particular interest in obtaining research findings on the effectiveness of drug
courts in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They explained to Dr.
Marti their interest in examining the feasibility of establishing such courts
in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Marti also conducted four
training sessions for the staff of Pantang Psychiatric Hospital and their drug
and alcohol Treatment Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various
aspects of treatment and recovery were discussed, with emphasis on the need for
after care follow-up programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meetings
at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and Valley View Clinic provided opportunities
for explaining about the House of St. Francis and Oxford House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his presentation at the University of
Ghana’s Psychiatric Department, Dr. Marti expressed his wish that Ghana and the
U.S. could learn by exchanging recovery experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">An
important part of Dr. Marti’s visit to Ghana consisted of three Back to Basics
training sessions conduced for the staff and clients of the House of St.
Francis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also shared his experiences
at a HSF family meeting with over 50 clients and family members present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counseling and the hearing of 5<sup>th</sup>
steps was well received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a visit to
the Kuo Tufo Oxford House and treatment center in Kukurantuim, Dr. Gerald provided
valuable information on the medical and twelve-step aspects of treatment and
recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Reflecting
on his visit to Ghana, Dr. Gerald said that he “liked the people, their
culture, their food and the market places”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On a more important note he was impressed by the grasp of the 12<sup>th</sup>
step in their recovery programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ghanaians I recovery seemed to intuitively know that they had to give it
away in order to keep it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To that end,
several individuals are planning on returning to their home areas to start 12
step meetings in order to maintain their sobriety and to carry the massage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-40468873872408397862014-03-17T17:26:00.001-07:002014-03-17T17:26:18.882-07:00Lonnetta Albright Supports Recovery in AfricaGreat Lakes ATTC – Great Lakes ATTC – Lonnetta Albright is Executive Director of the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center at the University of Illinois /Jane Addams College of Social Work. Her regional ATTC leads the ATTC Network in Recovery-Oriented System Transformation efforts. She led the 2008 NIATx-ATTC pilot with the Detroit ROSC provider network as well as other county, state, regional and national ROSC transformation efforts. Under a PEPFAR sub-grant she led her ATTC’s ROSC efforts in Tanzania, Africa to train and build capacity within the substance use disorders systems and recovery community. During her 15 year tenure with the ATTC she chaired the National ATTC Criminal Justice committee; NIDA/SAMHSA-ATTC Blending Team to disseminate research results from the Motivational Incentives for Enhanced Drug Abuse Recovery, and is past co-chair of the ATTC Recovery Committee. “What I believe really helps people, families and communities achieve recovery-health-wellness is essentially what they tell us works. Recovery is personal, transformative and it depends on the entire community (formal and informal networks). I personally witnessed this as the daughter of a recovering alcoholic father who in partnership with his family, friends, employer and community enjoyed over 30 years in recovery prior to his passing at 92 years of age. Rather than focusing solely on evidence based clinical practices that revolve exclusively around treatment, government, health care and research entities our ATTC broadens its mission to include dissemination of emerging models and promising practices for designing and delivering recovery support services; leadership development and capacity building within the recovery community; and developing recovery community organizations.”Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-53163942539362164992014-02-28T11:28:00.001-08:002014-02-28T11:28:57.387-08:00Janis is part of the Recovery Africa Family
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janis
Omide</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> says that </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
am a person who was “called” to help people recover from the disease of
addiction. I was introduced to the alcohol/drug treatment “field” in the
90’s and witnessed it grow into a profession. I have a master’s degree in
rehabilitation counseling for addiction, and I am a certified substance abuse
counselor. However, my most valued accomplishment has been learning and
living the 12-steps of recovery. My greatest reward comes from witnessing
the transformation of others in body, mind and spirit. I am interested in
Recovery Africa because I witnessed Byron Merriweather struggle in his
addiction and grow in his recovery—and he invited me to the team. I
support the late Father Martin’s goal: <i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393530713636_48210"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393530713636_48209">to ease the suffering of individuals
and families, around the world, affected by addiction.</span> </i>I see
Recovery Africa (RA) as the pioneer for providing leadership and resources for
addiction treatment, prevention and recovery for African stakeholders wanting
to address problems faced by people in need of treatment for addiction. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Using a
network of professionals and evidence-based resources from The United States,
RA will be able to share proven programs, policies, information, data and funding
to help implement effective programs in Africa—while acting on the
disease-model and knowledge that treatment is effective, prevention works, and
people recover.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-65734807080332653972014-02-28T11:12:00.000-08:002014-02-28T11:12:20.806-08:00Dr. Gerald Marti Going to Ghana in May
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dr. Marti is a MD, PhD; a
physician scientist (hematologist) who spent the last 30 years in the US PHS at
the NIH and FDA studying hematological malignancy. As part of his recovery
program, as a physician he was directed to become a member of the American
Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). As a member of the Maryland ASAM chapter,
he has primarily focused his efforts in the area of continuing medical
education. Currently as president of the Maryland ASAM chapter he has become
involved in the issues surrounding medical marijuana and medical health parity.
His interests include smoking cessation, screening, brief intervention and
referral treatment (SBIRT), the use of naltrexone for extended-release
injectable suspension for the treatment of alcoholism, the scientific basis for
12-step programs and medical student education in the field of alcoholism and
addiction. Dr. Marti plans to go to Ghana for ten days in May and will meet with
Ghanaian professionals regarding the addiction and treatment of health care
workers in the U.S. Dr. While in Ghana, Marti is prepared to share his experiences in <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">treating addiction to heroine and cocaine in the U.S.
which involves stabilization, withdrawal, treatment and relapse prevention. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-44946517181996994642014-02-16T14:25:00.002-08:002014-02-16T14:25:31.673-08:00Oxford House in Kukurantumi
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Report from Koo Tufoo Oxford House, Kukurantumi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are currently three men in the Oxford House
here. The house opened officially January 17<sup>th</sup> and the residents are
doing well. One of the men arrived in poor health, but due to improved
nutrition and medical care is currently doing quite well. In fact, he is the
first one up now in the morning to do daily chores.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The men have two meetings daily, morning and
evening, and a two hour session using Larry Gaines’ Recovery Dynamics text. The
evening meeting is an open meeting and one man from the town comes regularly.
Kwabena D. teaches the Recovery Dynamics text, and chairs the evening meeting.
Moses chairs the morning meeting. We have had several inquiries from nearby New
Tafo and Koforidua. Actually, people have told us they are coming, but then
didn’t show up. We expect one individual to follow through. There are rooms
available for women in the compound, but to date, none have come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The translation of the “Big Book” Alcoholics
Anonymous into Twi is almost complete. It is being reviewed by a translator at
the University of Ghana. She should finish soon, and then the text will be sent
to the WSO in New York City for final approval, and then they will provide
funds to print 2,000 copies. There is some interest in holding an AA meeting in
Koforidua, but again we need to identify individuals there who will be
interested and committed to attending. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-80237751638705170572014-02-14T17:35:00.000-08:002014-02-14T17:35:21.497-08:00Association of Recovery Schools & Recovery Africa<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Association of Recovery Schools</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> – </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kristen Harper M.Ed., LCDC is the Executive Director of the Association
of Recovery Schools (ARS) and a person living in long-term recovery (Est.
2001). ARS supports existing as well as emerging recovery high school
programs by providing schools with an optional accreditation process and best
practices trainings. Kristen is pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education
Administration at Texas Tech University, where she was the Collegiate Recovery
Communities (CRC) Replication Coordinator for the Center for the Study of
Addiction and Recovery over the past three years. Prior to joining Tech, she
founded a CRC at Georgia Southern University in 2008. One of the most rewarding
project Kristen has been working on in addition to school and career is the
Recovery Africa effort that the Hopeful Way Foundation is leading in West
Africa. She has been to Ghana three times over the past three years to spread
the message of recovery and hope to Ghanaian addicts and their families.
"Every time I go to Ghana, I am reminded of how it must have been in the
early days of Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930's. I am so grateful for the
unique opportunity to serve in such an amazing country!”</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-35656532352037809562014-02-14T16:13:00.002-08:002014-02-14T16:15:43.624-08:00Research on Oxford House Ghana
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Center for
Community Research</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> – Leonard A. Jason, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Director,
Center for Community Research, DePaul University. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My group at the Center for Community Research
continues to be very interested the development of Oxford Houses in Africa. In
the qualitative article that we recently published on the Oyarifa Oxford House
in Ghana, our results suggested that the house was functioning fairly well at
the time of the interviews. Most residents expressed satisfaction with their
experience in the house and their progress on their efforts to recover from
substance abuse. You folks are now building a sturdy foundation for the spread
of these homes into other areas, and the needs are great as we know. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Our group does
basic research, and we continue to be available to help out in studies and to
support the development of possible grants in the future. Some of our
prior work is summarized in the book that we published a few years ago, <i>Rescued
Lives: The Oxford House Approach to Substance Abuse</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">We believe that the
work you are now doing in Ghana will become a model for all of Africa, and
clearly dealing with the economic issues of jobs to pay for rent is a challenge
that is unique and will have to be dealt with.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-58158417879817535022014-02-11T11:43:00.001-08:002014-02-11T11:43:54.817-08:00Jerry Moe to Help with Children in Ghana
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Alcoholism and other drug addiction are a family
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone gets hurt by it,
including children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All too often this
insidious chronic illness gets passed from generation to generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does it stop?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we interrupt this multi-generational cycle
which robs so many people of their health, wellness, spiritual purpose, and culture?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have much interest and passion for
Recovery Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to explore
family recovery while I’m there with the specific goal of increasing attendance
at Al-Anon in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Betty Ford once
told me that if you really want to make a difference in a child’s life then
help who’s ever raising that child to become healthier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to plant many seeds about
prevention, with a clear focus and emphasis on assisting children living in
families hurt by addiction. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been a children’s/family
counselor for 36 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am presently
the National Director of Children’s Programs at the Betty Ford Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve written numerous books and done trainings
around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In speaking with Dan
and Agnes, as well as reading all the available materials, I have a good sense
of the progress made in Recovery Africa to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note that I’ve worked on other
projects at a similar stage of development in China, Brazil, Russia, Sweden,
Singapore, and New Zealand, with a similar focus on children and families with
some amazing results. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-43752967476279515652014-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:002014-02-10T11:50:15.042-08:00Emily going to Ghana with students in July
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Emily
Eisenhart (MA, Social Sciences) is the Director of the Center for Addiction
Recovery in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern
University in Statesboro, Georgia. Eisenhart is the assistant director of the
Study Abroad Ghana trip organized within the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public
Health and has brought Georgia Southern students in long-term recovery to Ghana
in the summer of 2012 and 2013. The aim of the GSU study abroad students in
long-term recovery is to exchange experience, strength, and hope with Ghanaians
and gain insight and experience working within the international public health
sector. The students who have returned from Ghana have been forever changed
because of their experiences, and they often have the resources to increase
awareness of the lack of resources of those attempting recovery from alcoholism
and addiction in Africa. Mrs. Eisenhart is interested in building connections
with treatment and halfway facilities in Ghana to track recovery outcomes and
learn how to increase sustainable resources that have a measure of demonstrated
success. After her first trip to Ghana, Emily fell in love forever with the
country, people, and culture and never wants to stop trying to help people in
Ghana and all over Africa to find ways into recovery."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Emily
Eisenhart, M.A.<br />
Director, Center for Addiction Recovery<br />
Dept. of Community Health Behavior and Education<br />
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Georgia
Southern University</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-62884504547563852522014-02-03T16:26:00.001-08:002014-02-03T16:26:06.409-08:00David Whiters to Ghana
<br />
<div class="yiv8392309389msonormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David Whiters, PhD</b>
is a person in long-term recovery (29 years), will be visiting Ghana for ten days in March, 2014. Dr. Whiters attributes his recovery to being involved in
the 12-step recovery programs, involvement in his church, and his faith in
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David is certified as an addiction
professional and is the founder and former Executive Director of Recovery
Consultants of Atlanta, Inc., a faith-based, peer-led Recovery Community
Organization. He has vast experiences with the recovery advocacy movement
and transitional housing programs in the U.S. He is also an expert
trainer in Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in Ghana he is available to do ROSC
training as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will also visit the
House of St. Francis and the Hopeful Way Oxford House . Please contact
Byron Merriweather for more information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-71325960955580228632014-01-20T06:20:00.002-08:002014-01-20T06:20:37.817-08:00"...and we will go to Wa."<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those six words appeared in an email from
Dr Eugene Dordoye. My first thought was "where?" and thanks to Google
Earth I soon discovered where it was located. In my previous three trips I had
never made it out of the Accra region so experiencing a new part of Ghana was
something that I was excited to see on my agenda.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trip was to be an overnight adventure.
The bus station was busy and crowded with several buses waiting to load
passengers for the 10 hour or so journey. Loud music was coming over the
speakers of the bus as we began the journey and I had two questions going
through my mind. (1) I wonder what Wa will be like? (It was great!) (2) I
wonder when they will turn down the music? (NEVER!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-) </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived in Wa and after a quick check in
at our motel we started our busy day. Our first start was at a special clinic
that my new friend Randy who lives in Wa had arranged. A special clinic had
been set up to take advantage of the wisdom and expertise of Dr. Dordoye. While
I mainly observed these visits many who attended displayed the typical signs of
addiction and to each of them we would say "come back here tomorrow. We
are going to have a meeting that can help you".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The meeting of course was a 12 step meeting
and I was excited and surprised to discover that many of the people we invited
returned for the meeting. Father Damien (a Catholic priest from France who is
currently ministering in Wa), Dr. Dordoye and I met with this group and gave an
introduction to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AA meetings to them. We
shared with them that this program has been around for a long time and that
many<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people have stopped drinking as a
result of the program. A mini meeting was held and some sharing occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very positive time and as we closed
the meeting they were reminded to come back again and that these meetings and
this help was being offered to them FREE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a good work that is happening there. Father Damien has a lot of
work ahead of him as he tries to introduce and grow recovery in Ghana but he is
eager and willing to share what he has and I am sure he would welcome your
prayers and support.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another highlight for me was a panel
interview that we took part in at the campus radio station. As we shared with
the listeners that addiction is a disease and that recovery was possible the
host asked one of us "what should be done with these people?" I
smiled as Randy looked back at her and politely asked "what do you mean
these people?". As she explained she was talking about those who drink too
much or use drugs Randy calmly and kindly explained that "there are no
"these people" and that alcoholics and drug addicts are just like you
and me. He gently challenged the notion that they were crazy or demon possessed
and repeated our message that while addiction is a disease recovery is possible
and that all of our communities can be part of the solution.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also had the opportunity to have
educational sessions with nurses and medical students. Dr. Dordoye spoke on the
biological nature of addiction and Father Damien and I shared about some basic
12 step principles.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f you are ever fortunate enough to hear
the words "we're going to Wa", rest assured that you are going to a great
place<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b> It is a place that has some
incredible people who are working hard to bring experience, strength and hope
to their community. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark</span></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-30755970794399963912014-01-12T17:24:00.002-08:002014-01-12T17:26:38.357-08:00Recovery in Cape Coast<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two and a half
hours West of Accra you will find Cape Coast Ghana. Well known for its famous
slave castle, for me it will also be remembered as home to a growing recovery
community.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first stops
with Dr. Eugene Dordoye was Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital where an AA meeting
was held. The twelve steps is still a new concept in Ghana and for many
gathered in the circle this was the first they had heard of it. Some spoke with
surprising openness and other with great hesitation and reluctance but the
seeds are being planted and I am confident that as this group grows we will see
lives changed.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While in Cape
Coast we also had the pleasure of spending time with Sister Rosette and a
recovery community she has developed. This was a real treat! We met with this
group of six or so for two days. It was obvious that they had done a lot of
work on recovery. People shared their stories and each reported several months
of sobriety. "Me" had turned to "we" and they genuinely
seemed to care for and support each other. One day was spent together in a
conference and this is where the work they had done as a community became
apparent. Instead of the reluctance that is often experienced in the company of
strangers the men and women in the circle shared openly with each other. They
were able to speak about where they were and where they are now and to offer
encouragement to each other. While still early in their recovery it was obvious
that a foundation had been laid and that those in attendance had genuine hope
for their future. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While Sister
Rosette's group was one that provided a lot of encouragement it was also one
that provided the greatest concern. Sister Rosette was a visitor to the country
and had received word that very soon the church was sending her home.
"What will happen to this group when the sister leaves?" is a
question that bothered me then and "what has happened?" is a question
I continue to ask. While I have specific concern for this group I think the
question "what will happen?" is a general one for recovery in Ghana
and that the question emphasis the importance of our support to this growing
but fragile work. </span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe the better
question is What will I do? What will you do? What can WE do to continue to support
and grow recovery in Ghana?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Submitted by </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Webb</span></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-29180884409300008592014-01-09T12:46:00.001-08:002014-01-09T12:50:42.838-08:00Recovery Africa Planning Session & Dinner March 20, 2014See below the invitation to our fundraising dinner. If possible, please join us. A planning meeting will take place on the same day form 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. to continue the process of registering Recovery Africa as a 501(c)(3). We will keep you up to date on developments. The draft vision and mission statements are as follows (comments please):<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Draft Mission Statement<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To assist Ghana and other African
countries develop </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">organizations that effectively
address addiction to alcohol and drugs by developing prevention, treatment and
recovery programs which lead to meaningful and productive lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Draft Vision Statement <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recovery Africa will become an
innovative developer of evidence based services which assist Africans to
prevent and overcome substance abuse and to live productive lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People in recovery in Africa and North
America will mutually enhance their recoveries by exchanging experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 256.5pt;" valign="top" width="342">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 22pt;">SAVE THE DATE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">March 20, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Recovery Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Fundraising
Dinner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6:00 – 8:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Venue:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rock Creek Mansion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5417 Cedar Lane, Bethesda,
MD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Price:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$100.00 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">More
Information: Dan O’Laughlin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tel:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>301-986-4983<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>202-255-5886 (Cell)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:danagnes1@yahoo.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">danagnes1@yahoo.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Website:http://hopefulwayghanablogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-89098498109652316762013-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:002013-12-10T06:50:12.716-08:00Mark Webb at the House of St. Francis<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was
recently blessed with the opportunity to spend a day with the men and the staff
of the House of St. Francis.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you
walk down the road you see the sign "House of St. Francis" but for
most that go past it looks just like any other building. However, as you enter
the building you soon discover that it is a place where lives are changed.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first
meeting was with a couple of the staff of the house. As they discussed a couple
of the men they were dealing with and some specific situations of concern I was
struck by the fact that the issues here are so similar to ones faced by the men
I work with 5,000 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also
struck by the enthusiasm of the staff as they discussed possible next steps and
ways to help these men on their journey to recovery. </span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
the meeting I was told that we would soon be having a class and I was given the
opportunity to speak about the 12 steps. While this was an unexpected surprise
I was excited and grateful for the opportunity to share with these men. They
quickly warmed up to this "white man that talks too fast" and started
to share with me in a very open and honest way. I was again reminded that the
similarities of addicts in Ghana and Canada are greater than the differences.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
enjoying some delicious fish for lunch<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got to spend some time with Byron Merriweather. To describe Byron as dedicated,
enthusiastic and committed only begins to describe the passion he brings to his
role at HSF. Byron sincerely wants every person that comes in the doors to gain
what they need to get well and stay well.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our day
together ended with a trip to the Black Star AA meeting in Adabraka, Accra. As
the tro tro bounced along enroute to the meeting I enjoyed the laughter and
banter of this group of men who seemed to genuinely enjoy being a part of this
community. It was fun to listen and join in and I was glad <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that I had become part of this fellowship. </span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
House of St. Francis is doing an important and valuable work with a group who
have great needs and few options to deal with those needs. They are blessed
with a staff that genuinely cares and great things are possible for the House
of St. Francis and I am grateful for the day I spent with them.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Mark
Webb is the Program Director of Glencairn Hope Acres Rehabilitation Center in
Ontario, Canada)</span></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-68182730473903582972013-11-08T16:47:00.000-08:002013-11-08T16:47:00.648-08:00Thinking about a Recovery Center
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Training Center
– </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Hopeful Way Foundation will be examining the feasibility of establishing a “Recovery Center” on
the almost half acre plot where the Bill Moore Oxford House is located near Accra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The exact nature of such a center is yet to
be determined but it would assist in strengthening the recovery movement that
is gaining momentum in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> During the coming months, we will be examining various possibilities. Initial thoughts are to construct additional buildings which would accommodate 30 or so residents, a hall which could hold about 75 participants, break out rooms for smaller meetings and a kitchen. The current building being used as an Oxford House holds up to 14 residents. The Recovery Center, if that is to be its name, would be flexible and able to meet the training needs of the recovery in Ghana. The trainers would come from professionals in Ghana, the U.S. and other countries, recovery experts and others who have solid recovery experiences in 12-step recovery, Therapeutic Community, etc. It is likely that the Hopeful Way Foundation would move forward with this Center only if other organizations came on board with their formal collaboration. </span></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-48550484838125200452013-10-30T14:20:00.001-07:002013-10-30T14:20:18.223-07:00Jerry Moe may come to Ghana
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jerry Moe, </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">the National
Director of Children’s Programs for the Betty Ford Center, was introduced to Recovery Africa/Hopeful Way by Dr. Al Mooney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry is a
noted and respected professional in the field of addiction, and has been
running the Children’s Program for The Betty Ford Center for over 14 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry is internationally known as an author,
lecturer, and trainer on issues for young children from addicted families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Moe is interested in coming to Africa; we
would like him to come to Ghana in 2014 to study how we might get children of
alcoholics and their families involved in recovery from addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-85842260652753933832013-10-30T14:17:00.000-07:002013-10-30T14:17:26.226-07:00Dr. Whiters & Darcia Johnson going to Ghana
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David Whiters, PhD and
Ms. Darcia Johnson, MS</b>, both of whom are people in long-term recovery (29
and 9 years respectively), have expressed an interest in coming to Ghana for a
few months. Due to their very tight schedule, they are hoping that their
work in Ghana could begin before the end of the year, 2013. They attribute
their recovery to being involved in their 12-step recovery programs,
involvement in their church, and their faith in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David is certified as an addiction
professional and is the founder and former Executive Director of Recovery
Consultants of Atlanta, Inc., a faith-based, peer-led Recovery Community
Organization. He has vast experiences with the recovery advocacy movement
and transitional housing programs. Both Dr. Whiters and Ms. Johnson have
met with Edwin Ahadzie in Atlanta to discuss how they might assist with the
House of St. Francis, at the Oxford House, including the proposed recovery
house for women, and with Ghana’s recovery advocacy efforts. They could
also assist us with organizing a faith-based recovery conference in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435826538391543577.post-29626925743381025252013-10-30T14:13:00.002-07:002013-10-30T14:13:45.939-07:00Hopeful Way Foundation in 2013 (Report to Recoery Africa; Oct. 23, 2013)
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
general</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
2013 has been a good year for Hopeful Way Foundation and its assistance towards
recovery efforts in Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
illustrates that “addiction is not contagious but recovery is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A growing number of Ghanaians are living good
lives in recovery and are carrying the message to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our objective is not to take on long-term
responsibility for running recovery programs but rather to assist, for example,
by managing the House of St. Francis for three years and establishing an Oxford
House Chapter to take responsibility for overseeing Oxford Houses in
Ghana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue to experience excellent
collaboration with addiction professionals in Ghana, the U.S. and
elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Government of Ghana
continues to acknowledge and support our recovery work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work closely with the Catholic Archdiocese
of Accra, NGOs and other treatment and rehab facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The HWF conducted over ten training sessions
during the year which were often facilitated by Ghanaian and visiting
professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over ten 12-step meetings
in the greater Accra area are supported by people in recovery in HWF backed
facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hopeful Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566309082840648038noreply@blogger.com0