Portage Area Recovery Center - PARC

Happy Wednesday everyone!

So, things have come back to sense of "normalcy" here at PARC. One of the unfortunate things that came out of the societal shut down was the amount of relapse/overdose deaths. Sometimes it's hard to realize how much you need the fellowship/social connection until its gone. No matter what is happening in the world, don't give up. There is help, there is support, there are people who are feeling the way you are feeling who need to talk as well. How we communicate may look different, it may feel different, but there is value in all of the ways we connect. The world is a strange place right now but that doesn't mean there isn't something good or even better on the other side of it. The most important changes we have seen in the world have come from turmoil, from turning the dial to 11 and being loud and in your face. It is uncomfortable, but we change when we're uncomfortable. Don't give up. Don't ever give up.

Hello everyone!

We hope everyone is staying healthy and that everyone is following the protocols to keep everyone safe. Regardless of personal opinions about COVID-19, the more we follow suggestion, the faster things return to normal. To that end, PARC is suspending all visits to the building. Sadly, this includes sponsors and any in-house meetings or groups. For the former residents who are sponsoring, I'm sorry but this means you, too. So, please utilize Face time or other creative means to continue your work with your sponsees. Give them lots of homework to do because they are going to need to use their time on "lock down" to keep their recovery a priority. Residents of PARC are also not allowed to take passes off the premises or go out with sponsors or to meetings at this time. Believe me, this was not an easy decision to make. We appreciate all who are sharing in-person meeting alternatives.

I am also asking people to keep in mind that incidences of domestic violence, sexual assault/rape, and substance use will all likely increase during this crisis. When people feel out of control and afraid, these issues among many others are the unfortunate by product.

But lets also remember that when human beings face crisis, it can also bring out the best in us. Fear can be a wonderfully motivational emotion. Hopefully, we see our best and not our worst. I am very proud of how the residents at PARC are handling this situation. The thing about having been an addict is that they have been in crisis most of their lives. So, they are well prepared! Really, they have been great and helpful with each other and it's beautiful to see.

My staff. I don't know how to thank them enough. They are coming to work, they aren't complaining, and they remain committed to making sure our residents are taken care of. THANK YOU!

And finally, I want to give a shout out of appreciation to Family & Community Services, Inc., our parent agency, for how well they are handling an enormous staff and many 24 hour programs that don't have the ability to just "shut down".

Thanks for reading everyone! Please be safe and stay healthy!

Hello everyone!

I wanted to give some information about the program that might be helpful for someone who is struggling. While most of the women who come here are court ordered, that is not a criteria for admission. If you know someone who may be struggling and who has at least 30 days clean but not a safe place to be to start building their life in sobriety, PARC may be the place for them. Please have them call 330.474.3188 and I can answer any questions and/or set up an assessment time. If PARC is not the best fit for them, I will make sure they leave with referrals. The program is a lot to explain but here are some answers to FAQ's:

1. PARC is a renovated apartment building. Residents do not occupy an entire apartment but they do have their own bedroom. They will share a kitchen and bathroom with one other person.

2. There is a level system. Most will come in on an orientation or "restricted level" meaning that they have to go off site with staff only for 45 days. After that, the levels increase the amount of time and ability residents have to do things on their own.

3. Residents are able to work while they are here.

4. Residents can have vehicles here as long as they are properly updated with all registration, license, and insurance.

5. Residents are not able to have their children live here with them but children and other approved people can come see them before they get passes off site. .

6. We have staff here 24 hours a day, the building is monitored by cameras on the exterior and interior (not in the apartment areas but in the hallways), and people have to be "buzzed in" to enter the building.

So, if this sounds like something you or someone you know may need, please have them call 330.474.3188.

Have an amazing day!

Good morning! As we approach the new year, I wanted to take a moment to talk to those who are still in active addiction. I have been doing this work a long time. My entire counseling career has been dedicated to working with substance using people. One thing that i believe (and i have no research to cite to back this up but I’m sure there is some) is that when you are thinking of using, it’s not the drug you want. You have a need that isn’t being fulfilled. You need something that you think the drug gives you but it always leaves you more empty and needing more than you did before you used. You have a need in your life and you just don’t know any other options. My hope for you going into this next year is that you focus on your needs. Find the things that fill you with what you feel you are lacking. That is when you will realize how little the drug has done for you. We have seen what happens when people stop using the drug and meet their needs in a healthier way. It’s beautiful and there is a peace and serenity that i promise you, you will never find in your drug. Please, just try something different. Consider that life can be better and that you can get what you need. You have given everything to your drugs, try to give even half of that to recovery and just see what that feels like. We, at PARC, wish for you to find the peace that we have seen in those who have chosen to try something different. Happy New Year to all. When you’re ready, we are here for you.