The Official Opening
of the House of St. Francis is expected to take place in late November,
2012 but the House is ready to receive people who want to recover from
addiction to drugs and alcohol. Byron
Merriweather and his team of volunteers from the Oyarifa Oxford House are
working closely with the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra to get the House ready
to do its work. When he met the visiting university students at the House on
May 31, Fr. Francis Adoboli said
that “it looks like God had another plan for the House of St. Francis; to use
it release suffering alcoholics and drug addicts from the bondage of
addiction”. Mr. Sylvester Adu of the
Narcotics Control Board said that “we are moving away from the DEA style. We
don’t want to arrest people only to see them back on the streets. We need to
treat those who are addicted”.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Friday, August 5, 2011
Update From Accra
It's been five months since our last posting. Lots of things have been happening with Hopeful Way Foundation this year. Byron Merriweather has been with us in Ghana and living in the Oxford House for five months and returns to Richmond on 8 August, Dr. Al Mooney was in Ghana for a three week period in June, Mike Conway came for two weeks from South Africa and led two Big Book Study sessions and Larry Gaines will be coming for two weeks in August. The Hopeful Way Oxford House had an open house on 18 June and is now also known as the "Bill Moore House". Three volunteer Hopeful Way Extension Workers were appointed in May, two for a period of six months and one for three months. They are charged with making an extra effort to make the Oyarifa House a success, to move towards the starting of additional houses and to go to extra lengths to carry the AA message. A Steering Committee has been put in place to help strengthen the Oyarifa House and to help start new houses. Dr. Eugene Dordoye will be travelling on 7 August to begin a ten month Humphry Fellowship to study addiction and recovery at John Hopkins University in the U.S. This committee will be inaugurated on 6 August where Byron and Dr. Eugene will be given a send off party. Seminars have been held for healthcare workers at hospitals in Accra, Koforidua and Akosombo. People are again talking about starting Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Mary Bapuuroh and her supporters are doing good work in Way where Byron went for four days in May. Damien will be coming from Wa to spend a week at the Bill Moore House. He will learn the Oxford House approaches and perhaps set up a house in Wa. Visits are being made to Nsuta in the Volta Region where AA meetings are being started. More will be written about the above in the coming days.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Hopeful Way House Highlighted on Voice of America News
An article published by Voice of America News discusses the Hopeful Way House and the growing problem of addiction facing Ghana. Click on the link to read the story. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Drug-Addiction-Strains-Beleaguered-Medical-System-in-Ghana-111800169.html.
Monday, January 17, 2011
2010 Developments and 2011 Plans
I see that it has been over six months since my last blog entry. Sorry for not being very good at keeping the blog up to date. I will try to do better. Agnes and I are still living in the Washington, DC area but have moved down the street from our apartment in Bethesda, Maryland to 4242 East West Highway #1019, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815. My cell phone is still 202-255-5886 and my e-mail is danagnes1@yahoo.com. The items mentioned below will be covered in more detail in this blog in the coming weeks.
The year 2010 has been a good one for Hopeful Way Foundation and Oxford House in Oyarifa-Accra. Dan and Agnes O'Laughlin spent the entire year in the Washington, DC area dealing with Dan's medical issues. They plan to return to Accra in early April, 2011 for a stay of about five months.
Oxford House - The house was opened in mid-2009 with one resident, and by December, 2010 had seven persons living in a house that provides a safe living environment for recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. Under the day to day guidance of Dr. Eugene Dordoye, Hopeful Way Foundation provided the guidance to the house that is normally given by the Oxford House structures for its 1,300 houses in the U.S. The house has experienced some growing pains with regard to democratic control and the lack of a fuller program of activities to foster recovery of the residents. It has been proposed that the house be converted into one with more structure and activities, and that a more traditional Oxford House be rented for use by those who are further along in recovery.
Dr. Joseph Asare – As chairman of Hopeful Way Foundation, Dr. Asare has continued to make himself available to provide guidance and encouragement for our efforts in furthering recovery in Ghana. When needed, Dr. Asare steps in to put us back on the right track.
Dr. Eugene Dordoye - Eugene has taken up the main responsibility for furthering sobriety and the objectives of the house. He has made himself available to assist with the resolution of many issues in the house and has participated in many of the Skype sessions led by Dr. Al Mooney. We all thank Dr. Dordoye for his tireless efforts.
Logosu Amegashie - Each Friday Mr. Amegashie has been going to the house to lead the residents in a study of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The sessions have been very much appreciated by the residents and others who participate in the sessions. Emphasis is placed on the need to obtain sponsors to work the steps.
The Professionals – In addition to the three professionals mentioned above, thanks goes to the many other professionals who have supported the activities of HWF, particularly the Oxford House. Other persons have made regular visits to the house to support the recovery of the residents.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Keeping in mind that AA, Oxford House and HWF are separate and independent organizations, thanks go to the many personalities in AA who have given of their time and experiences to help carry the message that the many promises listed in the Big Book can be achieved one day at a time.
Back to Basics – Kirt, Byron and Dan have been attending meetings and studying the "Back to Basics" approach to working the twelve steps of AA (see http://www.barefootsworld.net/aabacktobasics.html). It is a guide to working the steps in four one-hour sessions, as outlined in the Big Book" of AA. The Back to Basics meetings were used with much success in the 1940s and 1950s. An effort will be made to utilize the Twi translation of the Big Book to work the steps.
Byron Merriweather - Byron plans on returning to Accra for a three month stay beginning in mid-February, 2011. He will stay at the Oxford House in Oyarifa and share his experiences as an extension worker for Oxford House, Inc. in the U.S. Byron will share the Oxford House materials and methods used in conflict resolution.
Skype Sessions - Dr. Al Mooney of Willingway Foundation has graciously conducted about six Skype sessions with members of the house and others. The sessions have dealt with medical aspects of addiction and recovery based on the principles used in his Recovery Handbook and by the Willingway Hospital in Statesboro, Georgia (see http://www.willingway.com/). He has also shared his more than 30 years of experience with helping to carry the message of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dr. Al Mooney Visit to Ghana - Dr. Al has agreed to come to Ghana for 2-3 weeks in June, 2011 to share his experiences and expertise with the medical and other aspects of recovery as experienced in various rehabilitation facilities in the U.S., including The Healing Place located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hopeful Way Foundation will be arranging a program for Dr. Al with the Ministry of Health, the Narcotics Control Board and others.
Willingway Hospital & The Healing Place - Dan and Agnes spent three months at these two recovery facilities in 2010. We were wonderfully received and learned a lot that may be adapted for use in Ghana. Our experiences at Willingway Hospital were described in a blog entry of 6 June.
National Institute of Health - Dan met with the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAAA) of the NIH to inform them about the activities of Hopeful Way Foundation and to look into areas of possible collaboration. NIAAA expressed an interest in our efforts in Ghana, particularly with respect to training and research.
Dr. Shawn Reynolds - Shawn was ever ready to assist HWF in the areas of research which could lead up to the holding of a seminar on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). He also published an editorial in the Daily Graphic on local preparations for enacting the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Alcohol Control. Shawn was also the designer of the web site for HWF (http://hopefulway.webs.com/) and helped with the development of this blog. He is working on a proposal for possible submission to NIAAA or others on the establishment of EAPs in Ghana.
Faces and Voices of Recovery - With the view of establishing collaboration, Dan and Agnes met with the executive director of Faces and Voices of Recovery in Washington, DC. The purpose of the organization is to further recovery advocacy and awareness campaigns (see http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/) and is "committed to organizing the millions of Americans in long term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction". They are particularly concerned with fostering more positive public perceptions of recovery. They too are interested in the recovery activities in Ghana.
Kirt and Hilda Bromley - Kirt and Hilda will be traveling to Ghana for about five months in January and would like to establish a recovery house in Kukurantumi based on the Oxford House principles. For a more detailed description of their upcoming visit, see Kirt's posting to the blog dated December 24, 2010. Kirt has been of tremendous benefit to recovery in Ghana and has taken the lead in translating the Big Book into Twi.
DePaul University Evaluation – HWF is fortunate to have DePaul University preparing to conduct an evaluation of OH/Oyarifa. Over the past ten years, DePaul has been studying Oxford Houses in order to better understand the role they play in recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs.
Recovery Africa – With the assistance of Dr. Al, Kirt and others, Dan is looking into the possibility of establishing an NGO in the U.S. to support the efforts of HWF and others in Ghana and Africa. A possible name for the NGO is “Recovery Africa”.
The year 2010 has been a good one for Hopeful Way Foundation and Oxford House in Oyarifa-Accra. Dan and Agnes O'Laughlin spent the entire year in the Washington, DC area dealing with Dan's medical issues. They plan to return to Accra in early April, 2011 for a stay of about five months.
Oxford House - The house was opened in mid-2009 with one resident, and by December, 2010 had seven persons living in a house that provides a safe living environment for recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. Under the day to day guidance of Dr. Eugene Dordoye, Hopeful Way Foundation provided the guidance to the house that is normally given by the Oxford House structures for its 1,300 houses in the U.S. The house has experienced some growing pains with regard to democratic control and the lack of a fuller program of activities to foster recovery of the residents. It has been proposed that the house be converted into one with more structure and activities, and that a more traditional Oxford House be rented for use by those who are further along in recovery.
Dr. Joseph Asare – As chairman of Hopeful Way Foundation, Dr. Asare has continued to make himself available to provide guidance and encouragement for our efforts in furthering recovery in Ghana. When needed, Dr. Asare steps in to put us back on the right track.
Dr. Eugene Dordoye - Eugene has taken up the main responsibility for furthering sobriety and the objectives of the house. He has made himself available to assist with the resolution of many issues in the house and has participated in many of the Skype sessions led by Dr. Al Mooney. We all thank Dr. Dordoye for his tireless efforts.
Logosu Amegashie - Each Friday Mr. Amegashie has been going to the house to lead the residents in a study of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The sessions have been very much appreciated by the residents and others who participate in the sessions. Emphasis is placed on the need to obtain sponsors to work the steps.
The Professionals – In addition to the three professionals mentioned above, thanks goes to the many other professionals who have supported the activities of HWF, particularly the Oxford House. Other persons have made regular visits to the house to support the recovery of the residents.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Keeping in mind that AA, Oxford House and HWF are separate and independent organizations, thanks go to the many personalities in AA who have given of their time and experiences to help carry the message that the many promises listed in the Big Book can be achieved one day at a time.
Back to Basics – Kirt, Byron and Dan have been attending meetings and studying the "Back to Basics" approach to working the twelve steps of AA (see http://www.barefootsworld.net/aabacktobasics.html). It is a guide to working the steps in four one-hour sessions, as outlined in the Big Book" of AA. The Back to Basics meetings were used with much success in the 1940s and 1950s. An effort will be made to utilize the Twi translation of the Big Book to work the steps.
Byron Merriweather - Byron plans on returning to Accra for a three month stay beginning in mid-February, 2011. He will stay at the Oxford House in Oyarifa and share his experiences as an extension worker for Oxford House, Inc. in the U.S. Byron will share the Oxford House materials and methods used in conflict resolution.
Skype Sessions - Dr. Al Mooney of Willingway Foundation has graciously conducted about six Skype sessions with members of the house and others. The sessions have dealt with medical aspects of addiction and recovery based on the principles used in his Recovery Handbook and by the Willingway Hospital in Statesboro, Georgia (see http://www.willingway.com/). He has also shared his more than 30 years of experience with helping to carry the message of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dr. Al Mooney Visit to Ghana - Dr. Al has agreed to come to Ghana for 2-3 weeks in June, 2011 to share his experiences and expertise with the medical and other aspects of recovery as experienced in various rehabilitation facilities in the U.S., including The Healing Place located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hopeful Way Foundation will be arranging a program for Dr. Al with the Ministry of Health, the Narcotics Control Board and others.
Willingway Hospital & The Healing Place - Dan and Agnes spent three months at these two recovery facilities in 2010. We were wonderfully received and learned a lot that may be adapted for use in Ghana. Our experiences at Willingway Hospital were described in a blog entry of 6 June.
National Institute of Health - Dan met with the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAAA) of the NIH to inform them about the activities of Hopeful Way Foundation and to look into areas of possible collaboration. NIAAA expressed an interest in our efforts in Ghana, particularly with respect to training and research.
Dr. Shawn Reynolds - Shawn was ever ready to assist HWF in the areas of research which could lead up to the holding of a seminar on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). He also published an editorial in the Daily Graphic on local preparations for enacting the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Alcohol Control. Shawn was also the designer of the web site for HWF (http://hopefulway.webs.com/) and helped with the development of this blog. He is working on a proposal for possible submission to NIAAA or others on the establishment of EAPs in Ghana.
Faces and Voices of Recovery - With the view of establishing collaboration, Dan and Agnes met with the executive director of Faces and Voices of Recovery in Washington, DC. The purpose of the organization is to further recovery advocacy and awareness campaigns (see http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/) and is "committed to organizing the millions of Americans in long term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction". They are particularly concerned with fostering more positive public perceptions of recovery. They too are interested in the recovery activities in Ghana.
Kirt and Hilda Bromley - Kirt and Hilda will be traveling to Ghana for about five months in January and would like to establish a recovery house in Kukurantumi based on the Oxford House principles. For a more detailed description of their upcoming visit, see Kirt's posting to the blog dated December 24, 2010. Kirt has been of tremendous benefit to recovery in Ghana and has taken the lead in translating the Big Book into Twi.
DePaul University Evaluation – HWF is fortunate to have DePaul University preparing to conduct an evaluation of OH/Oyarifa. Over the past ten years, DePaul has been studying Oxford Houses in order to better understand the role they play in recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs.
Recovery Africa – With the assistance of Dr. Al, Kirt and others, Dan is looking into the possibility of establishing an NGO in the U.S. to support the efforts of HWF and others in Ghana and Africa. A possible name for the NGO is “Recovery Africa”.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Dan & Agnes Visit to Willingway Hospital and The Healing Place
From 3 March, 2010 to the present, June 6, we have been on the road studying a variety of approaches to help deal with recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. We expect to arrive back in Bethesda/Washington, DC on June 15.
On March 3 we drove from Bethesda to Richmond, Virginia where we met Byron Merriweather the Oxford House representative who spent six weeks in 2009 with Hopeful Way Foundation in Ghana. Byron brought us up to date on his work in Virginia and gave us a tour of an Oxford House in Richmond. We were impressed by the emphasis that residents placed on attending AA meetings, working the 12 steps and participating in activites of the Fellowships of AA and NA.
From Richmond we drove to Raleigh, North Carolina and spent a week in the area with Dr. Al Mooney of the Willingway Foundation. Through mutual contacts in Egypt, Dr. Al made our three month study visit possible. We first had a brief look at The Healing Place in Raleigh, a halfway house in the area and a continuing care group for former patients of Willingway Hospital. We then drove to Willingway Hospital, located 370 miles to the south in Statesboro, Georgia (http://www.willingway.com/) where we spent two months. The hospital was established in 1971, has 40 hospital beds and has treated over 20,000 patients and family members. A highly dedicated staff provides excellent care including detoxification, inpatient, outpatient and extended care for both men and women. The treatment and group sessions at Willingway are based on the approaches of AA, NA and Al-Anon. Former patients of Willingway Hospital attend weekly "continuing care" meetings in about fifteen cities, mainly in the southern part of the U.S. The entire staff of the hospital treated us like royalty. We were most fortunate to attend the homecoming celebration of Willingway Hospital where over 400 former patients and friends came to Statesboro on the weekend of April 23. In my next blog entry I will describe some of the activities of Willingway Foundation and how they could benefit our efforts in Ghana.
Dan
On March 3 we drove from Bethesda to Richmond, Virginia where we met Byron Merriweather the Oxford House representative who spent six weeks in 2009 with Hopeful Way Foundation in Ghana. Byron brought us up to date on his work in Virginia and gave us a tour of an Oxford House in Richmond. We were impressed by the emphasis that residents placed on attending AA meetings, working the 12 steps and participating in activites of the Fellowships of AA and NA.
From Richmond we drove to Raleigh, North Carolina and spent a week in the area with Dr. Al Mooney of the Willingway Foundation. Through mutual contacts in Egypt, Dr. Al made our three month study visit possible. We first had a brief look at The Healing Place in Raleigh, a halfway house in the area and a continuing care group for former patients of Willingway Hospital. We then drove to Willingway Hospital, located 370 miles to the south in Statesboro, Georgia (http://www.willingway.com/) where we spent two months. The hospital was established in 1971, has 40 hospital beds and has treated over 20,000 patients and family members. A highly dedicated staff provides excellent care including detoxification, inpatient, outpatient and extended care for both men and women. The treatment and group sessions at Willingway are based on the approaches of AA, NA and Al-Anon. Former patients of Willingway Hospital attend weekly "continuing care" meetings in about fifteen cities, mainly in the southern part of the U.S. The entire staff of the hospital treated us like royalty. We were most fortunate to attend the homecoming celebration of Willingway Hospital where over 400 former patients and friends came to Statesboro on the weekend of April 23. In my next blog entry I will describe some of the activities of Willingway Foundation and how they could benefit our efforts in Ghana.
Dan
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Six Month Report
Hopeful Way Foundation
c/o Social Advance Institute
P.O. Box AN 5547
Adabraka-Accra
Tel: 024-355-8412
Fourth Report to Oversight Committee
20 March, 2010
This document is the fourth written report to the members of the informal “Oversight Committee” of the Hopeful Way Foundation (H.W.F.) and other interested persons. The purpose of the Committee is to give guidance to H.W.F. and its Hopeful Way/Oxford House. The report covers the period 1st September, 2009 to 28 February, 2010. Persons who have agreed to serve on the Oversight Committee (others may be added) of the H.W.F. are as follows:
1) Archbishop Dominic Andoh
2) Dr. J.J. Lamptey
4) Dr. Akwasi Osei
5) Dr. Anna Puklo-Dzadey
6) Rev. David Obli
7) Mr. Logosu Amegashie
Copies to:
1. Dr. Joseph Asare (Chairman of the Board)
2. Dr. Eugene Dordoye (Board Member)
3. Dan O’Laughlin (Board Member)
4. Mrs. Agnes O’Laughlin (Board Member)
5. Ms. Theresa O’Laughlin (Board Member)
6. Dr. Araba Sefa-Dedeh
7. Dr. Sammy Ohene
8. Dr. Eric Nsiah Boakye
9. Dr. Shawn Reynolds
10. Pastor Henry Augustt
11. Mr. Nortey Dua
12. Rev. Ray Lartey
13. Mr. Sampson Yenu
14. Mr. Kirt Bromley & Mrs. Hilda Bromley
15. Dr. Helga Kleinkowski
16. Dr. Howard K. Gershenfeld
17. Nurse Mary Bapuuroh
Members of the informal Oversight Committee are personalities who have agreed to provide guidance to Hopeful Way and its efforts to overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. Members of the Committee will continue to be provided with periodic information and reports, and will be approached for guidance on an individual basis by members of the Hopeful Way board. Subject to the availability of the members of the Committee, meetings will be held from time to time. As reported previously to the Oversight Committee, the Hopeful Way Foundation was set up as follows:
Registration
Objectives
Board Members
The H. W. F. was registered on 17 September, 2008 under the Companies Code of Ghana 1963
1) To assist in providing housing and a protective environment for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts;
2) To provide information, awareness and training on the dangers of alcohol and drug use;
3) To promote positive approaches to living, particularly among the youth and families of alcoholics and drug addicts;
4) To make use of creative approaches for personal development.
Board members are Dr. Joseph Asare, Dr. Eugene Dordoye, Agnes O’Laughlin and Daniel O’Laughlin, Theresa O’Laughlin.
Dr. Shawn Reynolds, Ph.D. is a consultant to H.W.F.
1) Hopeful Way/ Oxford House – Focus in 2009 was on the opening up and development of H.W.H. located in Oyarifa/Pantang, Accra . Residents began to move into the house on 20 June, and a staff member of Oxford House International began a six week stay in the house in July. Initially there were five residents in the house, and by March, 2010 there were six residents, each paying monthly rent of GHC75.00. The house gained temporary registration with O.H. International in September, 2009. Beginning in January, 2010 the landlords agreed to pay on a temporary basis the electricity and gas expenses. A key principle in the operation of the house is financial self-sufficiency. The Hopeful Way board believes that this principle is important if additional Oxford Houses are to be opened in Ghana .
2) Oxford House International – A representative of Oxford House International, Byron Merriweather, was in Ghana from 21 July, to 31 August, 2009. He is a staff member of OH and has extensive experience in starting and operating recovery houses in the U.S. Byron stayed in Oxford House in Accra and helped set up operating procedures. Residents were trained in methods used by OH International. He may be able to return to Accra for a couple of months later in 2010. As a contribution to this report, Byron emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe, stable and sober environment in Oxford Houses by having: 1) Zero tolerance for use of alcohol or drugs; 2) No disruptive behavior; and 3) Non-payment of shared expenses (rent and fines) unacceptable. The Oxford House web site is www.oxfordhouse.org.
3) Hopeful Way Website - With the assistance of Dr. Shawn Reynolds, the Hopeful Way Foundation website has been relocated to a new address. Visit the website at http://hopefulway.webs.com/ to download papers and materials presented at the last training for counselors and organizations. You will also find access to assessment tools, educational papers, handouts and posters. A notice of the new website address was placed on the Blog, which is accessible from the website or directly at http://hopefulwayghana.blogspot.com/ .
4) Paper on Ghana 's National Alcohol Policy - Dr. Shawn Reynolds, adviser to H.W.F., wrote a paper on Ghana 's efforts to draft a policy to reduce the harm caused by alcohol use in the country. Ghana ’s Ministry of Health has begun drafting a policy that is in line with the World Health Organization’s Global Policy to reduce harmful alcohol use. The article encourages citizens to support and promote the development of WHO policies, such as licensing and taxing the current informal aktepeshie and palm wine sales. The article also suggests limiting alcohol advertising to only print media and only displays of the product and labeling – no smiling faces enjoying themselves.
5) Twelve Step Training – In conjunction with the Addictive Diseases Unit, H.W.F. conducted a residential training program from 23-28 August for six members of the house and others. Mr. Amegashie and Byron Merriweagther took the lead in conducting the sessions which took place at the house and at the ADU. As part of the training, the participants attended several regularly scheduled AA and NA meetings at hospitals and other venues in Accra .
6) Scholarship/Financial Assistance Fund – For persons who are fully qualified to enter into the HWH but do not have the finances to pay all of the rent, a fund has been created under the care of Dr. Helga. The fund was started with a donation of GHC1,000 (One Thousand) and is to be used only in exceptional cases. The modalities for using the fund have not yet been finalized but use of the fund will be for short term residents.
7) Activities for Residents – A major challenge for the house and H.W.F. is to assist the residents to keep busy with useful activities, including income generating efforts. Oxford Houses themselves do not traditionally take on this responsibility but H.W.F. would like to help in this area. Dr. Eugene, Dr. Helga and the Bromleys have assisted the residents make plans to develop a vegetable garden, rabbit raising and other activities in the compound of the house. Kirt and Hilda have also agreed to assist in starting a library in the house. (See the attachment to this report for details)
8) Addictive Diseases Unit – H.W.F. supported some activities of the Addictive Diseases Unit during the past six months, including an end of year gathering in December, 2009. Some AA literature was provided to the A.D.U. and Mr. Amegashie provided his technical support, experience and guidance in return.
9) Funding for H.W.F. – Currently, funding for the Foundation comes from the O’Laughlin family. While limited funding is available, it is enabling the H.W.F to pursue some of its basic objectives. Consideration is being given to raising additional funds from organisations and the general public. The O’Laughlins own the house currently being rented by the residents. Rent paid by the residents go into the general fund of H.W.F. It is expected that the house will be used for a limited period of time until another house is rented. It has been proposed that a fundraising effort be made in order to secure a vehicle to deliver better services,
10) Other Activities Related to HWF – In addition to overseeing H.W.H., during the past six months, Hopeful Way Foundation (H.W.F.), developed relationships with organizations, participated in several meetings and conducted a variety of sessions on addiction and recovery, including following:
a) De Paul University - In January, 2010 Dr. Jason Leonard, head of the Center for Community Research at DePaul University in Chicago contacted HWF to see if they could collect information from residents of the Oxford House in Accra. The survey would be used to help strengthen the Accra house and to describe the development of Oxford Houses outside of the U.S. DePaul has been evaluating Oxford House for the past 20 years. The HWH board agreed that a questionnaire could be developed with the involvement of Dr. Reynolds but it should be kept in mind that the house in Ghana has been established only recently.
b) Willingway Foundation – In March, 2010 Dan and Agnes O’Laughlin began participating in a three month “fellowship” with Willingway Foundation located in North Carolina and Georgia . The Foundation was established in 1977 as a non-profit charitable extension of Willingway Hospital in Statesboro , Georgia . The hospital and foundation specialize in the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction. The Hospital opened in 1971 and has provided inpatient treatment for over fifteen thousand patients. Dr. Al Mooney is a key personality at Willingway. He has 35 years experience in addiction and family medicine, and co-authored the Recovery Book which is widely read in the United States . Their web site is www.willingway.com.
c) Activities in Wa - A relationship has been maintained during the past six months with Mrs. Mary Bapuuroh who is actively involved with recovery efforts in Wa, Upper West. H.W. F. sponsored two visits to Wa to support Mary’s efforts. Some chairs were also purchased for use by Mary in her counseling sessions. Mary is a retired nurse who is seeking resources to further her work in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
d) Oxford House Convention – Oxford House U.S.A. holds its annual meeting this year in Chicago from 2-4 September. Dan will make an effort to attend the meeting to learn more about the workings of Oxford Houses in the U.S and in other countries.
e) Proposed Recovery House in Kukurantumi – Kirt and Hilda Bromley constructed a house near Kukurantumi which they intend to use as a recovery house. To assist in making the house operational, they have been in contact with H.W.F. and Oxford House International. They have also been instrumental in assisting the house in Oyarifa in various ways.
11) Travel of the O’Laughlin – Dan and Agnes traveled to the U.S. on 1st September and, due to medical and personal reasons, and are not expected return to Ghana until early 2011.
Prepared by
Dan O’Laughlin
Co-ordinator
Hopeful Way Foundation
(Temporary Address)
4400 East West Highway Apt. No. 425
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
U.S. A.
Tel: 1-202-255-5886
c/o Social Advance Institute
P.O. Box AN 5547
Adabraka-Accra
Tel: 024-355-8412
Fourth Report to Oversight Committee
20 March, 2010
This document is the fourth written report to the members of the informal “Oversight Committee” of the Hopeful Way Foundation (H.W.F.) and other interested persons. The purpose of the Committee is to give guidance to H.W.F. and its Hopeful Way/Oxford House. The report covers the period 1st September, 2009 to 28 February, 2010. Persons who have agreed to serve on the Oversight Committee (others may be added) of the H.W.F. are as follows:
1) Archbishop Dominic Andoh
2) Dr. J.J. Lamptey
4) Dr. Akwasi Osei
5) Dr. Anna Puklo-Dzadey
6) Rev. David Obli
7) Mr. Logosu Amegashie
Copies to:
1. Dr. Joseph Asare (Chairman of the Board)
2. Dr. Eugene Dordoye (Board Member)
3. Dan O’Laughlin (Board Member)
4. Mrs. Agnes O’Laughlin (Board Member)
5. Ms. Theresa O’Laughlin (Board Member)
6. Dr. Araba Sefa-Dedeh
7. Dr. Sammy Ohene
8. Dr. Eric Nsiah Boakye
9. Dr. Shawn Reynolds
10. Pastor Henry Augustt
11. Mr. Nortey Dua
12. Rev. Ray Lartey
13. Mr. Sampson Yenu
14. Mr. Kirt Bromley & Mrs. Hilda Bromley
15. Dr. Helga Kleinkowski
16. Dr. Howard K. Gershenfeld
17. Nurse Mary Bapuuroh
Members of the informal Oversight Committee are personalities who have agreed to provide guidance to Hopeful Way and its efforts to overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. Members of the Committee will continue to be provided with periodic information and reports, and will be approached for guidance on an individual basis by members of the Hopeful Way board. Subject to the availability of the members of the Committee, meetings will be held from time to time. As reported previously to the Oversight Committee, the Hopeful Way Foundation was set up as follows:
Registration
Objectives
Board Members
The H. W. F. was registered on 17 September, 2008 under the Companies Code of Ghana 1963
1) To assist in providing housing and a protective environment for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts;
2) To provide information, awareness and training on the dangers of alcohol and drug use;
3) To promote positive approaches to living, particularly among the youth and families of alcoholics and drug addicts;
4) To make use of creative approaches for personal development.
Board members are Dr. Joseph Asare, Dr. Eugene Dordoye, Agnes O’Laughlin and Daniel O’Laughlin, Theresa O’Laughlin.
Dr. Shawn Reynolds, Ph.D. is a consultant to H.W.F.
1) Hopeful Way/ Oxford House – Focus in 2009 was on the opening up and development of H.W.H. located in Oyarifa/Pantang, Accra . Residents began to move into the house on 20 June, and a staff member of Oxford House International began a six week stay in the house in July. Initially there were five residents in the house, and by March, 2010 there were six residents, each paying monthly rent of GHC75.00. The house gained temporary registration with O.H. International in September, 2009. Beginning in January, 2010 the landlords agreed to pay on a temporary basis the electricity and gas expenses. A key principle in the operation of the house is financial self-sufficiency. The Hopeful Way board believes that this principle is important if additional Oxford Houses are to be opened in Ghana .
2) Oxford House International – A representative of Oxford House International, Byron Merriweather, was in Ghana from 21 July, to 31 August, 2009. He is a staff member of OH and has extensive experience in starting and operating recovery houses in the U.S. Byron stayed in Oxford House in Accra and helped set up operating procedures. Residents were trained in methods used by OH International. He may be able to return to Accra for a couple of months later in 2010. As a contribution to this report, Byron emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe, stable and sober environment in Oxford Houses by having: 1) Zero tolerance for use of alcohol or drugs; 2) No disruptive behavior; and 3) Non-payment of shared expenses (rent and fines) unacceptable. The Oxford House web site is www.oxfordhouse.org.
3) Hopeful Way Website - With the assistance of Dr. Shawn Reynolds, the Hopeful Way Foundation website has been relocated to a new address. Visit the website at http://hopefulway.webs.com/ to download papers and materials presented at the last training for counselors and organizations. You will also find access to assessment tools, educational papers, handouts and posters. A notice of the new website address was placed on the Blog, which is accessible from the website or directly at http://hopefulwayghana.blogspot.com/ .
4) Paper on Ghana 's National Alcohol Policy - Dr. Shawn Reynolds, adviser to H.W.F., wrote a paper on Ghana 's efforts to draft a policy to reduce the harm caused by alcohol use in the country. Ghana ’s Ministry of Health has begun drafting a policy that is in line with the World Health Organization’s Global Policy to reduce harmful alcohol use. The article encourages citizens to support and promote the development of WHO policies, such as licensing and taxing the current informal aktepeshie and palm wine sales. The article also suggests limiting alcohol advertising to only print media and only displays of the product and labeling – no smiling faces enjoying themselves.
5) Twelve Step Training – In conjunction with the Addictive Diseases Unit, H.W.F. conducted a residential training program from 23-28 August for six members of the house and others. Mr. Amegashie and Byron Merriweagther took the lead in conducting the sessions which took place at the house and at the ADU. As part of the training, the participants attended several regularly scheduled AA and NA meetings at hospitals and other venues in Accra .
6) Scholarship/Financial Assistance Fund – For persons who are fully qualified to enter into the HWH but do not have the finances to pay all of the rent, a fund has been created under the care of Dr. Helga. The fund was started with a donation of GHC1,000 (One Thousand) and is to be used only in exceptional cases. The modalities for using the fund have not yet been finalized but use of the fund will be for short term residents.
7) Activities for Residents – A major challenge for the house and H.W.F. is to assist the residents to keep busy with useful activities, including income generating efforts. Oxford Houses themselves do not traditionally take on this responsibility but H.W.F. would like to help in this area. Dr. Eugene, Dr. Helga and the Bromleys have assisted the residents make plans to develop a vegetable garden, rabbit raising and other activities in the compound of the house. Kirt and Hilda have also agreed to assist in starting a library in the house. (See the attachment to this report for details)
8) Addictive Diseases Unit – H.W.F. supported some activities of the Addictive Diseases Unit during the past six months, including an end of year gathering in December, 2009. Some AA literature was provided to the A.D.U. and Mr. Amegashie provided his technical support, experience and guidance in return.
9) Funding for H.W.F. – Currently, funding for the Foundation comes from the O’Laughlin family. While limited funding is available, it is enabling the H.W.F to pursue some of its basic objectives. Consideration is being given to raising additional funds from organisations and the general public. The O’Laughlins own the house currently being rented by the residents. Rent paid by the residents go into the general fund of H.W.F. It is expected that the house will be used for a limited period of time until another house is rented. It has been proposed that a fundraising effort be made in order to secure a vehicle to deliver better services,
10) Other Activities Related to HWF – In addition to overseeing H.W.H., during the past six months, Hopeful Way Foundation (H.W.F.), developed relationships with organizations, participated in several meetings and conducted a variety of sessions on addiction and recovery, including following:
a) De Paul University - In January, 2010 Dr. Jason Leonard, head of the Center for Community Research at DePaul University in Chicago contacted HWF to see if they could collect information from residents of the Oxford House in Accra. The survey would be used to help strengthen the Accra house and to describe the development of Oxford Houses outside of the U.S. DePaul has been evaluating Oxford House for the past 20 years. The HWH board agreed that a questionnaire could be developed with the involvement of Dr. Reynolds but it should be kept in mind that the house in Ghana has been established only recently.
b) Willingway Foundation – In March, 2010 Dan and Agnes O’Laughlin began participating in a three month “fellowship” with Willingway Foundation located in North Carolina and Georgia . The Foundation was established in 1977 as a non-profit charitable extension of Willingway Hospital in Statesboro , Georgia . The hospital and foundation specialize in the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction. The Hospital opened in 1971 and has provided inpatient treatment for over fifteen thousand patients. Dr. Al Mooney is a key personality at Willingway. He has 35 years experience in addiction and family medicine, and co-authored the Recovery Book which is widely read in the United States . Their web site is www.willingway.com.
c) Activities in Wa - A relationship has been maintained during the past six months with Mrs. Mary Bapuuroh who is actively involved with recovery efforts in Wa, Upper West. H.W. F. sponsored two visits to Wa to support Mary’s efforts. Some chairs were also purchased for use by Mary in her counseling sessions. Mary is a retired nurse who is seeking resources to further her work in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
d) Oxford House Convention – Oxford House U.S.A. holds its annual meeting this year in Chicago from 2-4 September. Dan will make an effort to attend the meeting to learn more about the workings of Oxford Houses in the U.S and in other countries.
e) Proposed Recovery House in Kukurantumi – Kirt and Hilda Bromley constructed a house near Kukurantumi which they intend to use as a recovery house. To assist in making the house operational, they have been in contact with H.W.F. and Oxford House International. They have also been instrumental in assisting the house in Oyarifa in various ways.
11) Travel of the O’Laughlin – Dan and Agnes traveled to the U.S. on 1st September and, due to medical and personal reasons, and are not expected return to Ghana until early 2011.
Prepared by
Dan O’Laughlin
Co-ordinator
Hopeful Way Foundation
(Temporary Address)
4400 East West Highway Apt. No. 425
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
U.S. A.
Tel: 1-202-255-5886
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hopeful Way Website
The Hopeful Way Foundation website has been relocated to a new address. Visit the website at http://hopefulway.webs.com/ to download papers and materials presented at the last training for counselors and organizations. You will also find access to assessment tools, educational papers, handouts and posters.
Please also return to this blog and post your comments about the website using the forms below. Tell us what you do not like about the website, and suggest changes or additions that will make the website better.
Please also return to this blog and post your comments about the website using the forms below. Tell us what you do not like about the website, and suggest changes or additions that will make the website better.
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