Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / April 6, 2006, edition 1 / Page 12
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Grads of respected recovery program reunite BY T KEVIN WALKER THE CHRONICLE At an age when most boys, are chasing basketball balls and girls. Jeff Griffin was in hot pur suit of his next high. He began experimenting with alcohol when he was just 12. By the time he was a teenag er, he was officially an alcoholic. His substance abuse problem grew as he did. "I was into anything that would get me high," Griffin, long sober, said recently. Crack had become his drug of choice by his mid- 20s. It was during that time that Griffin also realized that he needed help. He and a dozen others with severe drug problems turned to Prodigals Community, a faith based substance abuse program with roots that stretch back to the mid-1980s. Griffin was among the first crop to enter Prodigals' New Salem program, an intense recovery regiment that teaches personal responsibility, job skills and doles out equal amounts of spiritual guidance and tough love. It was the early 1990s and New Salem marked a new chap ter for Prodigals, which before had focused, its recovery efforts inside of local correctional insti tutions and at a halfway house it operated for ex-offenders. New Salem participants live at a house run by Prodigals on Waughtown Street for up to 15 months. Griffin was one of the original 1 2 in New Salem. He and other New Salem grads had a reunion of sorts on March 25 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. They dined, laughed and reminisced about the long road they had each traveled. The event mailed the 10-year anniversary of the Prodigals Community Alumni Association. Griffin, now in his 40s and clean for more than a decade, said he not only discovered sobriety at Prodigals but faith as well. "I had never been a person who believed until I went there," said Griffin, who said that the spiritual basis of the Prodigals' program makes it successful. Harriet Rhodes was one of four women in the very first New Salem class. She admits that the highly-structured program was a tough pill to swallow for some one who wasn't used to structure or discipline. "I was 41-years-old. It was very hard for anyone to tell me when to wake up and to make up my bed. It was tough." she said. The tough-love has paid off for Rhodes and many-other program graduates. Rhodes, a volunteer coordinator for a nonprofit agency, said there are several New Salem graduates who are business owners, homeowners, college graduates and productive members of society. Jeff Coppage served as direc tor of Prodigals during New Salem's first years. He said those who successful completed the program truly wanted to change. Unlike other recovery programs. New Salem is voluntary. "We thought it was important that people choose this on their own, without having a court order them to do this," he said. The New Salem program is still aliv^ and as popular as ever. Alumni of the program have not let themselves become strangers. They provide inspiration, guid ance and encouragement to the men and womep currenlly fight ing their demons. Demand is i much more than the help that I Prodigals can provide. The < agency gels from 50 to 80 appli cations a month from substance i abusers eager to enter New i Salem. But spactf and resources are limited I Like most nonprofits. Prodigals has had its share of I funding crises. Program partici pants provide a huge chunk of the agency's operating costs through their participation in an in-agency jobs program that pro vides landscaping, painting and jther services. Local churches have also been good to Prodigals aver the years. Don Moore, the agency's current executive direc tor, is hopeful that Prodigals' best jays are ahead of it and that the success stories will continue to be numerous and inspiring. "We are very optimistic at this point," he said. For more information on Prodigals Community, visit www prodigals .org . Photo by Kevin Walker Former director Jeff Coppage (left, rear) with four of the New Salem program's first grads: Harriet Rhodes (front, left), Elaine Dessel, James Asbury (bdfck, right) and Jeff Griffin. Photos by Sandra Ulcy Jacquelin Thomas poses with members of the New Vision Writers Group. Thomas from page A/ "I wanted to show that they still have the same issues that we have, but God is the answer," said Thomas. "And that's really a good thing, because through the trials of my life, God has been the one to bring me out." In all. Thomas has penned 27 novels. Her Christian titles include "A Change is Gonna Come." "Soul Journey" and "The Prodigal Husband." "Defining Moments," a sequel to "The Prodigal Husband" made its debut at the weekend book festival. By the end of this year, she'll release four new titles, including "Simply Divin" slated for release in November, That m book will send her into a new direction - young adult Christian Fiction. According to Thomas, who lives in Durham with her hus band and three children, writing is in her blood. Thomas says that her mother, Marian Thornton, was a closet writer. Thomas said , her mother could write hereunder the table, but her mother refuses to publish any of her personal writings. Her father, Roger, turn all of Thomas' books into screen plays. Thomas' cousin, Maxine Billings, writes for BET Books. When she is not writing, Thomas stays busy. She serves as a mentor for New Vision Writers Group, which is made up of up and-coming writers. Members come from all over North Carolina to attend the group's monthly meetings. A few mem bers, such as Stacy Hawkins Adams, have had publication success. Adams' second novel, "Nothing But the Right Thing." made its debut doing the festival as fcell. She spoke highly of Jacquelin Thomas received flowers, an award and standing ovation at last weekend's book festival. Thomas' mentoring skills, saying that Thomas was an inspiration before she even knew who Thomas was. Thomas also hosts the annual Faith-Based Acts Conference every Junt to introduce Raleigh and other surrounding areas to other authors who pen Christian books. Those that will be taking part in this year's festivities include Tia McCollors and Pat G'orge Walker. "God has blessed me, so it is my job to give back when I can," Thomas said. Thomas also serves asjjresi dent for Faith-Based Literary Event Inc., an event planning company that does release parties for authors. While Christian fiction is her genre, Thomas said when she picks up a book to read, she likes variety. "I just love a good book." Thomas said when talking about her writing influences. She's an avid reader, enjoying everything from Shakespeare to murder mysteries, eveiv science fiction. Thomas' advice to those who want to become successful authors: just do it. "Put pen to paper." she said. 'To be a writer, you have to write." Joseph Dixon, the -founder and coordinator of the N.C. Black Book Festival, said Thomas was chosen for the award because of her tremendous success and immense talent. Thomas was impressed with Dixon's work as well. The festi val drew hundreds of people. Thomas said she is already look ing forward to next year's festi val. "The great thing about this festival is there are a lot of self published authors here that may normally not be heard of unless they came to your town or by word of mouth, but U)is is a great debut for them. It's a great venue for self-published authors," she said. For more information on Jacquelin Thomas, log onto www.jacquelinthomas jQom , 0 BestHealth Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center April 2006 Events Events are held at BestHealth in Hanes Mall or area YMCAs. Registration required unless otherwise noted. 9 To register, call Health On-Call' at 336-716-2256 or visit www.besthealtti.com To become a BestHealth member, call 336-765-8804 or visit our web site. 1 8 TUE - Occupational Therapy: Life Skills 1 1 a.m. Meet WFUBMC occupational therapists, learn what they do and experi ence some of the equipment and tasks they use to help patients with daily life skills. ? IP WED - Knowing What to Say 2 p.m. Retired minister and BestHealth member Claxton Hall presents ways to talk to those who've experienced a loss.^ff 19 WED - Take it To Heart 5:30 p.m. Learn ways to be heart healthier during this two-hour program that features a cardiac nurse, nutritionist, exercise physi-t ologist, and pharmacist. Sponsored by the WFUBMC Heart Center. ? 20 THU - Understanding Your Medical Bills 1 to 4 p.m. Bring all unpaid medical bills and insurance statements for a private meeting with WFUBMC Patient Financial Services retiree Margot Searcy. Learn how to b/tter understand and organize the paperwork. Appointment required. 20 THU Can Heart Surgery Affect the Brain? 4 p.m. WFUBMC cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. John Hammon explains, how coronary artery surgery can cause cognitive loss in some patients. 21 FRI - Aerobics of the Mind 3 p.m. Join WFUBMC recreational thera pist Carolyn Austin for this ^ I e fun, interactive workshop ' and learn ways to improve f (g\ brainpower and enhance x* \ f memory. For BestHealth / ' 1 ? members only. W 21 FRI - Stress Incontinence in Women 6 p.m. Stress incontinence is an involun tary loss of urine that occurs during movement such as coughing or exercising. WFUBMC gynecologist Dr. Samuel Lentz explains how medical advances are improv ing treatment and outcomes. 25 TUE - Belly Dancing 6 to 8 p.m. Learn how to belly dance from instructor Paula Stump. Dress in comfort able clothes to participate. If 26 WED - Diabetic Delights 3 p.m. Chef Penny LaBrecque shares recipes and samples of healthy treats for diabetics and their families.1T 26 WED - All About Autism 6 p.m. Learn from WFUBMC pediatrician Dr. Kurt Klinepeter how autism affects individuals differently, making early diag nosis and specialized intervention crucial. 27 THU - Advance Directives l p.m. Learn how advance directives, such as a living will and healthcare power of attorney, can ensure that your wishes will be met. Free notary service. IT YMCA Locations 27? - Your Face, Only Better 6 p.m. WFUBMC otolaryngologist Dr. Neal Goldman discusses surgical and non surgical options that may improve your appearance, 28 FRI - A Diagnosis of Diabetes 1 1 a.m. WFUBMC Diabetes Care Center Educators Kathie Cooper and Donna Kernodle discuss diabetes, healthy lifestyle changes, and healthy meal ideas to please your taste buds. "8? 28 FRI - Craving Creativity? 6 p.m. Creativity facilitators Janet Fox and Tim Binkley present the principles and tools of The Artist's Way, a plan for over coming obstacles to artistic expression.^? 29 SAT - CPR for Family & Friends 12 to 3 p.m. Learn CPR for adults, chil-1 dren and infants from BestHealth staff nurse Lonnie Clark. Free. Cannot be taken for professional certification.^? YMCA Of NOtTHWIST NOtTH CAROLINA 17 MON - Headaches & Neck Problems 11:30 a.m. WFUBMC physical therapist Penny Johnson explains causes of and treat ments for headaches and neck problems, plus simple exercises to ease the pain. Davie Family YMCA. ? 1 8 TUE - This Is Your Brain on Caffeine 6:30 p.m. Dr. Luke Burnett, WFUBMC Radiology Research Fellow, talks about caf feine's effect on the body and brain and how the level of use affects brain activity. Central Fatally YMCA. 25 TUE - Oh, My Aching Knees! 6:30 p.m. Learn the causes of knee pain, available treatments, and options for avoid ing surgery from chief physician's assistant Frank Caruso of WFUBMC Orthopaedic Surgery. Stokes Family YMCA. Other Locations 20 THU - Arthritis - What You Need to Know! 1 p.m. Find out from WFUBMC nurse manager JoAnn Fahey the differences in arthritis and how people can help them selves. Senior Services Center, 2895 Shorefair Dr. 22 SAT Heart and Sole 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk 4th of July Park, Kernersville 8:30 a.m. - 1 mile V$alk begins 9 a.m. - 5K Run begins 27 THU - Senior Services Center Open House 1 to 4 p.m. Join BestHealth in celebrating the opening of Winston-Salem's new Senior Services Center, 2895 Shorefair Drive, with tcreenings, exhibits, tours and food. V r To register for events, receive general health care information, or to schedule a physician appointment, call: Health On-Call* at 716-2255 or 800-446-2255. Unless otherwise staled, BestHealth programs are for adults ; nopMren under age 12, please. Wake Forest University Baptist MEDICAL CENTER
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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