From the Executive Director

The weather is changing and so is The Castle. The year has been filled with laughter and good old fun throughout the year. We have added a new van to assist with transportation needs for our members this month.  As we look forward to the ending of the year and the beginning of another one,  many members expressed what they were thankful for during this season at our annual Thanksgiving dinner today (November 22nd, 2016).  Many expressed gratitude for the Castle, family, friends, support, food, and being alive.  Our thanksgiving meal was graciously prepared and served by members of the culinary department at Centerville High School.

As our past director stated, “people genuinely enjoying each other’s company…this includes members, volunteers, and staff as…(and) the quality of service we provide is directly related to the quality of the relationships we build.”

We are looking forward to a new year with our regular, loyal pool of volunteer staff, and a new batch of student interns, joining our staff in serving our members.  My hope is that with the coming new year, there will be a renewed interest and engagement with the members and the community at large.

Our university students (working on their clinical skills) are a critical piece of our service delivery, becoming increasingly actively involved with our members.

I am also actively looking to add new ventures with other community agencies in providing our population with growth and recovery opportunities.

Our in-house Recovery Center has grown and continues to grow. Plans are coming together and it is truly exciting. We have adopted a core curriculum to focus holistically on a person’s recovery as they wish to pursue it.  We have a Recovery Coordinator (who is also a member) and we are truly fortunate to have her on our team.  More than 40 individuals have graduated from  the peer-to-peer Wellness Management and Recovery program (WMR).

I invite everyone to come see us. You don’t need an appointment. Stop by any time- you will not be disappointed!

Lisa