NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 Volume 1, Issue 2 The Transformer Inside this issue: Hope House: Not Your Run of the Mill Recovery House. The mission of Hope House is to provide a safe home for men to pursue sobriety and new life purpose through making and maturing them as disciples of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God. Hope House is not your run of the mill recovery house. It s one part of a three fold program. Hope House is part of and has complete access to the Transformation to Recovery Program; South Philly Recovery Hub. Hope House participants are able to partake in the Disciple and spiritual curriculums such as Additions Victorious,12 steps meetings, Life Skills class, and innovating groups like New Life Recovery meetings and are fully connected to the TTR bounty of resources that will assist in the recovery capital of the individual. TTR collaborates with PRO-ACT and American Keswick. Christ Church extends it s ministry to Hope House as well. Residents have access to church services and also some really fun events as well as their up and coming Benefit Dinner Concert in February. 4 Cores Values and So Much More. 2 John Shares His Testimony Congratulation & Welcome A.V. & New Life Recovery Meetings EA, GOB and Life Skills Class Ur Story Teller/ Fun 6 Homeless Memorial/ Spotlight Calendar & Flyers 8 PRO-ACT News 14 2 3 4 5 7 Let s Talk Philly-On the Table John Carlson, Executive Director of TTR and the South Philadelphia Prevention Coalition Director Jeffrey Jones were the featured host on The Let s Talk, On the Table Philly, which is an online forum designed to reach out and highlight local and regional issues at the community level. These talks can inspire new ways we can work together to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic. Let s Talk On the Table Philly joined us here at Christ Church where actionable ideas and solutions were discussed to help change and transform our community. https:// onthetablephl.org
Page 2 Four Core( Values) and So Much More at Hope House Four core values: 1. Determine plan of action. 2. Engage in house activities 3. Participate in Christ Church 4. Regain personal responsibility This all proceeded however by it s 4 core values. All four values are centered in Christ. Core Value # 1 Addiction is a sociological, psychological and spiritual problem. The person and work of Jesus Christ addresses all three of these factors. Core Value # 2 The good news of Christ teaches us that we are to welcome everyone to come as they are without judgement of the past decisions or failures, or with the stigma of their sin struggles. Core Value # 3 The good news of Jesus is meant to be experienced and applied in the community of the local church. Lasting transformation is best fostered within the relationships of the church. Core Value #4 The end of an addiction ministry is to help individuals be es- tablished in a new identity and purpose in Christ, transforming them successfully back into a contributing person in society. These Core values, Disciple principles along with the Hope House process provides hope and gives life to the tagline Finding Hope Here. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 John Shares His Testimony at American Keswick John Carlson the Exe. Dir. of TTR, was invited to share his testimony at American Keswick morning breakfast devotion at colony of Mercy on Dec. 18 2018. American Keswick is a ministry where they have Christian led events, retreats, outreach, and addiction recovery. The Biblical teaching and worship there is to lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, resulting in a transformed life. John shared his testimony with 35 men at the colony. It was a major blessing states, Mr. Carlson. to share with these men with the hope that what is said can relate to their journey. Afterwards, John sat with over 10 men to counsel and helped them with future planning and on-going supports. TTR is honored to be accepting four new AK men to our program in the new year. John, a Graduate, himself from the American Keswick Colony of Mercy back in February 2014, states that through his experience Transformation to Recovery was born. Now TTR and AK are collaborating partners and through this partnership TTR takes on men that graduate from the colony to do their covenant and continue Recovery Support Services.
Page 3 Congratulations Todd Shade! Help us congratulate Todd Shade as he completes his covenant from American Keswick. Here is John Carlson, Exe. Director of TTR presenting Todd with a certificate of completion at the Colony of Mercy Chapel. He graduated Dec. 30, 2018! We are so proud of you Todd! Many, many Blessing in your recovery journey! Keep up the good work! One day at a time. Help Us Welcome Reyes Vigil! Help us welcome to our program Reyes, Vigil a graduate from America s Keswick! He is pictured here sharing his testimony in front of the Ur Story Telling Training. Reyes is doing his eight months covenant with TTR and is a resident of Hope House. Reyes is currently working on his recovery disciple program. Reyes accountability mentor is Hope House Manager Chris King. We are keeping you in our prayers. Praying that with each step you take in your recovery journey, you know you are not alone. Stay Blessed.
Page 4 Addiction Victorious What Are Our Meetings Like? NEWCOMERS ARE SHOWN THAT: There is a vital spiritual element connected with their physical struggle. The addiction( s) that have them tightly bound are also symptoms of a much deeper spiritual problem. Ultimate freedom, lasting change, and total serenity can only be totally obtained through the pathway of the heart/soul. Victory over the struggle with addiction is found by humbly surrendering their heart entirely to God s amazing grace (gift) and through trusting fully in the redemptive work of Jesus. Through an understanding of the biblical perspective on addiction, anyone who struggles with addiction can learn how to let Jesus transform their heart from the inside as they put off the old self and put on the new self Ephesians 4:22-24 WHO SHOULD AT- TEND? AV is for those desiring to be free from the bondage of any kind of addiction in their own life or a loved one or friend whose life is adversely impacted by the destructive consequences of addiction. Our meetings are open to men and women of all ages who are seeking lasting change in their lives. There are also AV groups that are focused on the loved ones and friends of addicts. "Anyone in bondage to the rule of a substance, activity, or state of mind, which then becomes the center of life, defending itself from the truth so that even bad consequences don t bring repentance, and leading to further estrangement from God. Edward T. Welch, A Banquet in the Grave Common addictions include such things as substances (alcohol and drugs), tobacco, sex, pornography, gambling, pleasure, food, sports, work, success...etc. But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18 This outline is taken from the website. This description is of another wonderful meeting for Hope House Residents. The Hope House men has the A.V. Meetings every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Months. Facilitator Arthur Robinson. http://addvicinc.org/supportgroup-meetings.html#like New Life Recovery Meetings The New Life Recovery Meetings are held at TTR on Fridays at 7:00-8:30 PM. This Meeting is a fellowship of men and woman who through the power of Jesus Christ seek freedom form the struggles we call addiction. We believe a person can only be totally free from the bondage through the power of God s indwelling Holy Spirit and the application of His Word in our lives. Therefore, if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 The New Life Recovery Meeting has Disciple Principles: 1. Be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. 2. Be dependent on the Holy Spirit for personal victory. 3. Apply Biblical Principles to every aspect of our lives. 4. Provide love and support to those seeking freedom. 5. Encourage one another through prayer. TRR Wisdom: We are not working on sobriety, but a new purpose within a new identity, grounded in hope. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The New Life Recovery Meeting is open to those who: 1. Seeking deliverance from their life dominating struggle. 2. Have loved ones who are in bondage of addiction. 3. Would like to learn more about more victorious living through Jesus Christ. Some who attend this fellowship have been Christians for many years, while for others a relationship with Jesus is a completely new idea. Regardless of your situation you are welcome.
Emotions Anonymous Meetings Page 5 Emotions Anonymous is another awesome support group that TTR has on it s calendar. Hope House residence are invited to attend as well as the general pubic. EA, is a program that is patterned after the AA 12 steps and 12 Traditions. Everyone is welcome to attend; all is needed is a desire to become emotionally healthy. Here is a good place to work on the emotions that hinder us from having a healthy relationship with ourselves and others. Many find that this meeting is another tool in their recovery tool box. We come to EA to learn to live a new way of life by using the 12 step program through it, we find serenity and acquire peace of mind. Join us as we embrace on this new way of life. Wednesdays at 2PM - 3PM JeanTorres Lead Facilitator What s happening at G.O.B? Help us recognize as the new Lead facilitators Arthur Robinson and Mellissa Pizzo of the yet another awesome meeting at TTR. Gambling Outside of the Box is a fellowship that meet every Thursday at 2 PM -3 PM. It s mission is to seek recovery in an unconventional way Life Skills Class we invite individuals with diverse challenges, not only challenges with gambling to attend. TTR wisdom also states that Utilizing multiple pathway (one stop shop for recovery) that can fit the recovery need of the individual with the end goal or pathway to Christ. Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 TTR program provides a Life Skills Class. Every third Wednesday of the month at 7 PM -8 PM Jack Horchar, facilitates the Life Skills class for Hope House men and to the public. It covers short term and long term goals. Recapturing dreams and actualizing them. Using vision and mission statements to meet goals. This course empowers participants with the skills to manage and organize their employment goals as well.
The Transformer Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 6 Increased Success With Story Tellers Training Story Telling Training was held at TTR on December 3rd. This is a prerequisite and an accredited training for the CPS certification. There was a good turn out and the topic taught was the skills and applications to share successfully and impactfully your story. Sharing Acts 2:46 Fun Events And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Hope House residences and community were invited to partake in Christ Church s 4th Annual Friendsgiving Neighborhood Dinner this past November 2018. Free food, activities and fellowship. They actually had a pie eating contest! Fun, fun, fun! your story can help one person or an entire community. Learning how it is done starts here. Thanks to Shawn Anderson and Luis Soto who was the facilitator for this important training.
Page 7 TRR was at the Homeless Memorial Day Event TTR was at the annual Homeless Memorial day event on December 20 2018. Honoring the homeless who passed and speaking on the ways to engage our communities and organizations to help in the mission of homelessness. Nobody is home until all of us are home. TTR was on the planning board and set the up crew, Arthur R. Peer coordinator of Hope house was key in organizing the help for this event. Arthur Robinson, Peer Coordinator Ms. Vikki Copper Spotlight on a well deserving intern, Ms. Vikki Copper! From the very beginning Ms. Copper was in the trenches with TTR. She did the administrative work that entailed a lot! She went beyond the call of duty doing many task to make sure every event, meeting, and publishing got done in a timely manner so all may go smoothly! W e would like to thank Vikki for all of her eff orts and her continual contributions to Transf ormation to Recovery! W e Love you Vikki!
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Page 9 Inside Story Headline Caption describing picture or graphic. This story can fit 150-200 words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports. While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers. A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product. You can also research articles or find filler articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it. Inside Story Headline To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here. This story can fit 100-150 words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients. If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing. Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors. Inside Story Headline Caption describing picture or graphic. This story can fit 75-125 words. Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter. Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context. Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols. Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.
Page 10 This story can fit 150-200 words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports. While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers. A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product. You can also research articles or find filler articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it. Caption describing picture or graphic. Inside Story Headline This story can fit 100-150 words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients. If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing. Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors. To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here. Inside Story Headline This story can fit 75-125 words. Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter. Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context. Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols. Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image. Caption describing picture or graphic.
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Newsletter Title Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 12 Transformation to Recovery s Benefit Concert Come support Transformation to Recovery (TTR) at our first ever Benefit Dinner Concert! Enjoy an evening on us: *Dinner: Catered 3-course meal *Featured Speaker: Ronald Lamb, Philadelphia s Deputy Director of the Department of Behavioral Health *Musical Performance: Andy Boettcher, National Soloist *Testimony & Offering: We thank you in advance for your prayers and support. We simply can not do this without you. (seriously, who else will eat the food? ) This is a free event there is no charge, however please register online at eventbrite.com link below.
Newsletter Title Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 13 Comfort in Suffering A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRANSFORMATION TO RECOVERY Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. Thank you for your Blessing! In Christ, John Carlson Executive Director TTR 856-723-2543 Jkcarlson2151@gmail.com 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
T R A N S F O R M A T I O N T O R E C O V E R Y If your heart is leading you to become a TTR ministry partner, please visit the link below or: call John Carlson, Exe, Dir, of TTR at: 856-723-2543 or Email: jkcarlson2151@gmail.com A heartfelt thank you to all who are committed to the process of recovery and healing of the community. w w w. t r a n s f o r m a t i o n t o r e c o v e r y. c o m / d o n a t e God Bless Attention PRO-ACT and Transformation to Recovery are officially recovery support collaboration partners! Bringing recovery support to the greater Philadelphia, More information and updates to follow... Visit PRO-ACT @ www. counsilsepa.org Transformation to Recovery 229 Moore Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 856-723-2543 267-902-2792