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The paper you hold in your hands is about new beginnings, finding purpose, knowing there is hope and a path forward to RISE.

The Recovery Issue ISSUE 1: SEPTEMBER 2017

FINDING HOPE IN RECOVERY Welcome to RISE, a newspaper and resource guide created to help anyone struggling with addiction, criminal charges, or other barriers, plan for reentering the community. We’ve listed agencies that can help with everything from finding a job, place to live, getting drug or mental health treatment, to even just getting an ID. Five years ago, I was downstairs in the holding cell after being arrested for drug possession. I didn’t know what to do, who to call or how to get help. I knew my addiction had taken over my life, and this arrest was just the first of many horrible consequences. I still had prison and homelessness waiting for me.

“I had to work like hell to reclaim my life.” But after years of struggling, I finally realized that if I ever wanted a better life, I’d have to get treatment for a very real and powerful disease. I knew I didn’t want to die, or be another statistic or sad story on the news. But I didn’t know how.

So I asked myself: “How can I change my life? How can I rise up from this overwhelming and hopeless feeling?” Truth is, it was not easy. I had to work like hell to reclaim my life. But the first thing I had to do was ask for help. Seems like an easy thing to do, but for me (and many others) it // ISSUE 1: RECOVERY

was actually the hardest part of getting sober. I was embarrassed, ashamed, feeling hopeless and alone. So instead of reaching out to my family or friends (I didn’t have many left in my life), I reached out to agencies like Salvation Army, the Center for Addiction Treatment, and the Health Resource Center. I also knew I would need support from the recovery community, which meant talking to others, telling my story, going to 12-step meetings (and sharing, not sitting in the back with my arms crossed) and not being alone — I could easily talk myself into

“But the first thing I had to do was ask for help.” using if nobody was there to call me out. I spoke up when I was having a craving, and I listened to the advice of peers with a lot of clean time. It didn’t happen overnight, but slowly I began to believe I actually could have a better life. And then I began to feel hope. I believe the opposite of hope is fear. I knew if I could finally allow myself to feel hopeful again, I could be fearless in my recovery. I was no longer going to be a slave to my addiction, and I wasn’t willing to let it take over my life again. I did all the things I had been too afraid to do before. They say in recovery all you have to change is everything, and for me that was true.

diction?” The answer is — there is no one answer. There are many paths to recovery. One of the most important parts of my recovery was finding a way to help others. By working for a drug treatment center and volunteering in the jail, I found purpose. I founded RISE so I could reach more people and offer hope. I knew if I could do it, others could too. I couldn’t become sober alone, and I couldn’t make this project happen alone; I had to ask for help. I applied for — and won — the People’s Liberty Haile Fellowship. They’ve supported me with resources and funding to help make this project come to life. RISE is about sharing stories and knowledge with each other — it’s not just about my story. So I hope you write in and share your stories and let us know what you’d like to read about. RISE is about hope, strength and taking back your choices — every issue will have useful tips for re-entering into society empowered. I hope this project helps you find your purpose, discover your voice, and live the life you wish for yourself.

TRACY BRUMFIELD Founder of RISE

So you might think, “That’s good for you, but how does that help me? How can I recover from my ad// 1

“A swipe right on the screen begins a chat. It then connects the user to a certified care provider.”

LAZARUS BUILDING A DIGITAL SAFETY NET By: Tiffany Hudson A mobile and desktop app, Lazarus, was recently designed to provide a digital safety net for heroin users in times of need. Cincinnati City Council, Spry Labs, Group 17A and Cintrifuse hosted a two-day event, Hacking Heroin, where teams created products to combat opiate addiction. Lazarus, built during the event, connects those struggling with addiction to a certified peer mentor nearby. Although built for smartphones, it will also be accessible online from a desktop or through texting on a standard cell phone. The app is simple to use. A swipe right on the screen begins a chat. It then connects the user to a certified care provider.

ADDICTION SERVICES COUNCIL OFFERS 24/7 HELP By: TC Thomason Someone is there to pick up the phone. Addiction Services Council (ASC) knows people in recovery might need help at any time. At Addiction Services Council, this means always being available for calls, helping others get an ID, or providing referrals and information regarding local substance abuse treatment services. Its help lines are available 24/7.

“Our approach is proactive” A community-based organization, ASC provides resources about alcohol, tobacco and other drugrelated issues. It aims to serve people with a level of comfort, hope and opportunity to identify and fulfill their needs with confidentiality, respect, dignity, empathy and professionalism. // ISSUE 1: RECOVERY

Users can choose to share their name or remain anonymous. Certified care providers from partner organizations are available at all times. Lazarus provides location-based services from partner organizations, allowing responders to see the user’s current location and act immediately. “We are trying to create a support network for users who need help,” the Lazarus team said. “Lazarus will create on-demand solutions that will educate and spread awareness, while also providing high quality care.” Current partners of Lazarus include the Addiction Services Council, Talbert House and Group 17A. The Lazarus team understands most people suffering from addiction want help, and that often the window of opportunity to get help is limited. Lazarus aims to address requests within 20 minutes, offering quicker and easier access. The app is scheduled for release in September and will be available on iOS and Android. Visit lazarusapp.com for more info.

A HELPING HAND

A ROAD TO RECOVERY

By: Emma Jenkins

By: Tracy Brumfield

Recovery from addiction can be a scary path to walk alone. That’s why The HOPE Community Center for Mental Wellness created its peer mentoring program.

The Center for Addiction Treatment (CAT) is the oldest drug and alcohol treatment facility in Cincinnati. Located near Union Terminal, CAT has been helping people recover from addiction since 1970.

The program provides free mentoring for Clermont County residents suffering from alcohol and drug addiction.

The organization works to make detox as comfortable as possible to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Mentors assist with basic needs: housing, clothing, food and insurance. Mentors are also willing to attend 12-step and support meetings, as well as assist individuals with treatment and connect them to long-term sponsors. Rhonda Birkhimer, a recovery coach at HOPE, says the personal connection with mentors and sponsors can help an individual’s fear and anxiety when seeking treatment. Each mentor has been in similar circumstances and understands recovery is possible with regular support.

“We understand there are many different paths to recovery and each individual is different and will want or need different things,” HOPE’s peer support specialists are trained and certified by Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services (OHMHAS). Each specialist leads classes and helps build a community where everyone is encouraged to share personal experiences. In this community, mentors and mentees support each other. “We understand there are many different paths to recovery and each individual is different and will want or need different things,” said Jessica Johnson, a recovery coach at HOPE. While HOPE services Clermont County, those seeking treatment in Hamilton County should contact the Center for Addiction Treatment (CAT).

“We never want someone to go to voicemail,” said Jaime Richardson, Director of Customer Care Services at ASC.

CAT assigns mentors to individuals in the women’s recovery pod at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Mentors share personal stories, answer questions and guide individuals on their paths to recovery.

Richardson leads the customer care team, a group of clinically trained professionals that provide service by phone, and has worked at ASC for six years.

Although CAT’s mentor program currently works with the women’s recovery pod, they hope to extend their services to include men’s recovery, detox and veterans’ pods.

“Our approach is proactive,” Richardson said. “We work to remove barriers.” ASC receives about 22,000 calls each year, and striving to answer every call is part of its approach to best serve the community. ASC also helps those who don’t have insurance to cover treatment sign up for Medicaid.

24/7 CINCY: 513-281-7880 24/7 KENTUCKY: 859-415-9280

CAT added 25 new mentors in July.

The organization works to make detox as comfortable as possible to ease withdrawal symptoms. After detox (usually 5-7 days), patients may stay for a 28-day inpatient program. A counselor then helps patients decide whether to transition to a sober, transitional living house or go home. Patients are able to leave upon choice; CAT is not a lockdown facility. Patients can also work with staff to create a treatment plan for time there and transition out.

After finishing the 28-day program, CAT offers 12 weeks of aftercare. If a patient completes the

RESOURCE GUIDE First Things First: Contact the Hamilton County Office of Reentry 138 East Court Street #101 513-946-4304 Open M-F 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. The office can connect you to all of the following resources listed in this guide.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment The Center for Addiction Treatment M W 513-381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Addiction Services Council M W 513-281-7880 2828 Vernon Pl. Crossroads M W 513-475-5300 311 Martin Luther King Brightview Health M W 513-834-7063 Multiple Locations Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women W 513-562-1980 2499 Reading Rd. Grace Place Catholic Worker House W 513-681-2365 6037 Cary Ave. Bethany House W 513-557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave. YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter W 513-872-9259 898 Walnut St.

HOPE #: 513-752-6170 CAT #: 513-381-6672

12 weeks, CAT holds a graduation ceremony that friends and family may attend. If one decides medication-assisted treatment is best, CAT has a newly expanded clinic with different treatment options. CAT is also a non-profit organization, so Hamilton County residents — or anyone currently homeless — may seek treatment. CAT will work with anyone, regardless of their insurance situation.

Requirements include a piece of mail with a current address, an ID and any fees that apply when admitted. Those missing any requirements should contact CAT’s admissions department and ask for help. Everyone at CAT is friendly, understanding and caring to those dealing with addiction.

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Shelter House M 513-721-0643 411 Guest St. City Gospel Mission M 513-241-5525 1805 Dalton Ave. Catholic Worker House M 513-381-4941 1437 Walnut St.

Housing Central Access Point M W

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Sober/Transitional Living First Step Home W K ( 513-961-4663 2203 Fulton Ave.

Cornerstone W 513-834-3086 Multiple Locations

513-381-SAFE Cinti Coalition for the Homeless M W 513-421-2701 117 E. 12th St.

Charlie’s 3/4 house M 513-784-1853 2121 Vine St.

Talbert House M W 513-221-HELP

Gateway House M 513-421-9333 2232 Vine St.

Recovery Support AA Hotline M W 513-351-0422 Narcotics Anonymous M W 513-820-2947

Food/Clothing Our Daily Bread (soup kitchen) M W 513-621-6364 1730 Race St. Free Store Food Bank M W 513-241-1064 112 E. Liberty St. St. Vincent De Paul M W 513-562-8841 1125 Bank St. Mary Magdelain house M W (shower and laundry facility)

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New Foundations M W 513-813-2787 Multiple Locations

Cornerstone M 513-828-7594 Multiple Locations

(helps find available shelters)

513-721-4811 1223 Main St. // 2

CAT HOUSE

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Shelters

“We know what hope feels like because everyone involved with our program has been where an active addict has been,” CAT recovery coach Barb Walkenhorst said. “We know that there is a way out, and we know that treatment works and 12-step meetings work. Abstinence is possible.”

830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 513-381-6672

CAT is the closest medically monitored detox facility to downtown Cincinnati. Patients see a nurse every four to six hours.

Healthcare Crossroad Health Center M W 513-381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Health Resource Center M W 513-357-4602 2347 Vine St.

CityLink/CEO M W 513-357-7000 800 Bank St.

Advocacy Community Action Agency 513-569-1840 Catholic Social Action 513-421-3131 Legal Aid Society 513-241-9400 Ohio Justice and Policy Center 513-421-1108

Northern Kentucky Women’s Crisis Center M W K 859-491-3335 835 Madison Ave. Fairhaven Rescue Mission M 859-491-1027 260 Pike St. Transitions, Inc. M W 859-491-4435 700 Fairfield Ave. Northern Kentucky Heroin Helpline 859-415-9280

Cincinnati Health Department M W 5130-357-7320 Multiple Locations

Family Support

Employment

Al-anon 513-947-3700

Beacon of Hope M W 513-813-2730 1130 Findlay St. Ikron M W 513-621-1117 2347 Vine St. Cincinnati Works M W 513-744-5625 708 Walnut St.

Nar-anon 800-477-6291

Prevention First 513-751-8000

Key M = Men

W = Women

K = Kids

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ART FOR ALL PEOPLE OFFERS CREATIVE OUTLET By: Kyle Stone For people struggling with addiction, pain and loss, finding a creative outlet can prove difficult — often due to lack of access or resources.

Hellmann also brings music to sessions. “We listen to a variety of music,” Hellmann said. “I’ll play anything from Kanye West to the Dixie Chicks to Tracy Chapman.” Hellmann believes all people are creative and deserve the chance to communicate.

“Art is not about control, it is about surrender.”

Art For All People addresses this issue. Founded in 2011 by Sarah Hellmann, the organization offers access to the arts to those in need.

“You’re all born with the strength to overcome the struggle you’re in today,” “Our goal is to promote healing and reassert a sense of hope through the art-making process and trusting relationships,” Hellman said. “Art for All People brings the arts to people who are marginalized in the community.” Hellmann brings art supplies and encourages everyone to choose their preferred creative outlet, including drawing and coloring. For those who prefer to draw or start at the beginning of a piece, Hellman begins with a blank canvas and walks through the process step by step. Many also choose to begin with premade drawings and stencils to focus on coloring.

“Many people stay away from creative activities because they are afraid to fail,” Hellmann says. “I encourage people to silence their inner critic. Art is not about control — it is about surrender.” Art for All People serves all of the following: • • • • • • •

female inmates and male veterans at the Justice Center Warrior Heart psychiatric patients at UC Health Painted by an inmate during an Art for All People session. adults living with mental illness in the Tender Mercies community individuals recovering from “You’re all born with the strength to overcome the substance abuse at the Center for Addiction struggle you’re in today,” Hellmann said. Treatment veterans experiencing homelessness Anyone interested in Art for All People’s active addicts at St. Joseph House services can email Sarah Hellmann at men and women experiencing homelessness [email protected]. at Shelterhouse

WRITE IN

NOTE TO SELF Most people who’ve spent time in jail have found ways to cope with the stress. But how do we go further than coping, and use this time to be productive? This section will act as a step-by-step interactive corner for you to draw, write and piece together a plan for yourself throughout the next six issues of RISE. Use it any way you want: rip it out, hang it up, share it with others or keep it with you.

1.

Write 5 things you wish you could go back and change about the last year. Then write 5 goals you would like to accomplish in the next year.

2.

Take two pieces of paper. Date the first one year in the future, and the other one year in the past.

4.

Take the note dated one year in the future. Write as if you have accomplished every one of those goals and congratulate yourself on the amazing things you have accomplished this year. Write about how proud you are, how proud your family is and how far you’ve come — whether it’s finishing school, getting a job you love, taking care of your family, your debts, getting a new car or great place to live. Tell yourself you’ve been such a great mom or dad — how proud your family is that you really turned your life around.

5.

Now keep those notes to remind yourself: A) Not to make the same mistakes again and B) That if you are committed and believe in yourself, you can accomplish any goal.

3.

Start with the note dated one year in the past. Write a note to yourself as if you could time travel. Then give that note to yourself one year ago. What would you say about what was to come? How would you warn yourself about the bad decision(s) that led to your current situation? What are those 5 mistakes you’d like to go back and change/ warn yourself about? Write it down as if you were really telling yourself what you could’ve done differently to avoid those mistakes.

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The Act of Rising Up

We have kites! For the housing units receiving RISE, there will be a paper kite just for RISE. Fill out the kite, or submit a piece of paper in the kite box with RISE listed at the top. RISE is about providing resource information to anyone who needs community support, but it’s also a newspaper for those currently incarcerated in the Hamilton County Justice Center. We want RISE to be a place to share your story, art and thoughts. Our goal is to include your feedback in future issues, because we think it’s important to give everyone a voice and forum to highlight their talents, comments and perspective.

CONTACT US

FOLLOW US

www.riseupnews.org

@RISEnewscincy

[email protected]

@risenewspaper

513-327-8665

@riseupnews

Thanks for reading, The RISE team Publisher Tracy Brumfield Editor Kyle Stone

Team Leader Sharee Allen Lead Designer Chelsie Walter

...and our growing team of writers, mentors, and volunteers.

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