Persistence and hope

I sat in the mail room this morning while I was working on compiling chore hours for our guests and talking with our visiting nurse, Tina about addiction and substance abuse. Tina's approach to working with individuals battling substance abuse is that you never give up on them "even if you're hitting your head against the wall 12-14 times, you just don't give up". A lot of people look at HHC and wonder how our staff deals with this day after day after day, seeing some people relapse time after time, and a small number going into a steady recovery. I've only been here for 9 months, so I can't answer those questions on how staff does it, but I can only assume that it's because they share Tina's view. When a kid is learning to walk and he falls the first time he tries to stand on his own, a parent doesn't say "oh well, you're never going to walk, good luck."

Tina believes that you never know which day you're going to repeat the same things you've been repeating for months and really get through. One cannot begin recovery if they don't want it for themselves first. They have to be their ultimate motivator, but how could someone dig deep and find a belief in themselves if those that are meant to support them don't have faith in them? I am consistently impressed with the persistence and hope that HHC staff instills and radiates with our guests on every single step they take in a process of recovery. Sure there is some aggravation, impatience, disappointment, but it never leads them to stop trying. I guess what I'm trying to say is that our staff is just...they're really good at loving. They love well and equally, they love selflessly. Our anger tanks all fill up and top off, but there is always a love that is backed by the belief that our guests can and will do well.

Gabi sent me an article this morning from the Huffington Post titled "Homeless Woman Recovers, Rises from Addiction, Prostitution," I'll link it here. It's just an example (an incredible one) that where there's a will, there's a way. Sorry to cut this short, I'll come back to it but Mondays are unpredictable and when duty calls you answer.

-Jackie

Using Social Media to Promote Social Media...

I figure the best way to reach out to the community is to address the 17 followers of this blog first and all you anonymous posters out there (don't worry, I know who you are.) As most of you who actively use Facebook know, it is constantly changing, upgrading, improving etc. etc. Recently, moderators of pages were notified that the "timeline" will automatically go into effect on March 30th, so I changed it early in hopes that by the 30th I will know how to use it. In this process I also created a page for Homeward Bound Treasures Thrift Store, the store in downtown New London that's proceeds support NLHHC programming (Homeward Bound Facebook Page). We would appreciate it greatly if you would "like" the new page and spread the word about the store!

Personally, I love thrift stores. Up in Burlington, VT we used to go to Recycle North which was very similar to Homeward Bound, only it was in a warehouse. Thrifting is typically beneficial in many ways and extremely logical economically and environmentally.

First of all, you can rest assured that the money you spend at Homeward Bound is going to a good cause. The proceeds help NLHHC fund the following: housing deposits, transportation to reunite guests with family, laundry vouchers, bus tickets to get to work, birth certificates and ID's (which help secure employment and housing), starter kits for guests who get housing, gas to transport guests to important doctor's appointments, case management, and meetings with land lords, and so much more. By shopping at Homeward Bound, you are actually helping our guests take their next step out of homeless in a major way (which is also beneficial to those of you who want to help but are shy and prefer not to volunteer in the shelter itself).

Next, it's environmentally friendly! Donating your gently used furniture and dish wares is recycling, and it's a guarantee that the next person to pick up the items will be grateful for your generosity. Instead of tossing that slightly faded futon into the stream of waste, why not call us (860 444 8800) to come pick it up and resell it? You can write it off on your taxes too. If you have something smaller to donate, for example over the years your reasonably sized coffee mug collection has grown to the size of Alaska and you need to get rid of some but feel guilty throwing them away, you can bring them in to us and shop around while you're there. I promise you that even the most absurd mugs that you think no one will ever buy will be treasures to someone (I bought a mug with the name "Pete" on it and a glass that says "I had a whale of a time at Alex's Bar Mitzvah, Mystic Aquarium 1998").

Did you get a Vitamix for Christmas and you're not sure what to do with that blender that does the trick but doesn't quite nix the seeds? We'll take it. You got a toaster oven and realized you don't need a regular toaster anymore? We'll take it. Your toddler outgrew their bed and you need a new one? Bring us the old bed and check out our selection of frames and mattresses (we have a lot!).

Lastly, it's fun! There are so many trinkets and treasures and our inventory is constantly changing and growing. If you've recently moved to the area and are looking to make your house feel like home, we'd love to help you with that. College students love that they can find a lamp for $5 or $10 to decorate their room and create a home away from home. Mugs, artwork, side tables, chairs, mirrors, I'm sure you'll find something you like and you'll keep coming back. Our staff is cheery and helpful, delivery is prompt and flexible, and our frequently changing inventory will keep you interested.

Am I convincing you? Come in to Homeward Bound Treasures Thrift Store on 35 Golden St in New London Wednesday-Saturday 12pm-6pm, we can't wait to see you! Oh...and don't forget to "like" our Facebook page!

-Jackie