Canaan Recovery Foundation
December 2009 Newsletter
It has been an eventful and exciting year. Since opening in May of 2008 the Path of Grace has been at full capacity nearly continually, with 7 women enrolled in our residence program. Marcia Johnson, the Women?s Program Director, has been receiving calls daily from women seeking information about the Home or asking to be admitted. It was apparent early on that we would need to expand to meet community needs. In addition we have helped several women from states as far away as Arkansas and Louisiana.December 2009 Newsletter
Marilyn Stevenson, our Resident Manager, graduated from our program with flying colors and agreed to stay on and help us achieve the growth we need to face the challenges of the future. Her dedication, level-headedness and tough love is an inspiration. She is an example to our residents that the program we are providing does indeed work if one is willing to embrace this 12-Step based, spiritual way of life.
We have received an outpouring of support from local churches and individuals which has provided us with the means to help over 30 women and their families, and touch the lives of many seeking help with addiction issues. Destiny Worship Center and The Chapel at the Beach lent their hearts, hands and contributed the funds necessary to upgrade our septic tank system and build a wonderful deck. A Simple Faith Church contributed funds needed to purchase the beautiful van that the women use for their group outings and day to day transportation. We are currently supported by eight local churches (Good News UMC, 1st Presbyterian of Niceville, Christ the King Episcopal, 1st Presbyterian of Destin and Village Baptist) to various degrees and the Community Church of SRB has committed to supporting us in 2010.
Dr. Johnny Savage, local cosmetic dentist and renaissance man, has been working hard to make our ladies more beautiful and created two local fundraising events to support us this year. Our residents have received pro-bono care from dentists Mary Hencinski and George Keith, PA George Roll, Chiropractor Scott Thurston and we are grateful for their generosity.
This year we welcomed three new Board Members, Jim Richard, Joel Conaway and Jackie Andrishok. All of them bring their special talents and a genuine heart of service. We extend our thanks to departing Board Members, Marilyn Stowe, Susan Harris and George Hendricks for their dedicated service and considerable contributions to everything we have accomplished. Sadly we lost a great friend and Board Member, Buddy Faulkner, in an automobile accident. He was extremely dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
The most exciting development and greatest challenge is that the St. Joe Co. became aware of our mission and need to expand our facility. They have donated a building that will allow us to triple the number of women we can help. This building is 4300 sq/ft and can easily be modified into an ideal dormitory/dining/living area. Our challenge is to move it onto our current property in Freeport. Last month we acquired ownership of our location and we are over half-way to raising the $50,000 we need to get the building moved and set up. We project opening our new facility on May 4th 2010, the second anniversary of the Path of Grace.
Fund raising efforts this year included a great return performance by Verlon Thompson.
Jim Richard and his staff at Stinky?s Fish Camp provided the venue and a magical evening of fine dining that raised nearly $6,000. Dr. Savage?s birthday parties and Happiness Seminar brought in over $15,000. Buddy Faulkner created the concept of the Holiday Extravaganza and was working on it when we lost him. We dedicated the event to his honor and memory. Over $30,000 was raised toward our expansion project which will carry on his life-changing legacy.
We have held a Tent Sale of donated furniture, clothes, appliances etc. about twice monthly throughout the year resulting in sales of $23,000. Our future plans include a permanent Thrift Store that will bring in even more revenue, provide a safe work place for our residents, promote our mission and serve the community.
It is our goal and hope to meet the comprehensive recovery needs of the community and, with our expansion in progress, we are well on our way. Our other plans include developing a Men?s Program and residence, a transitional home for graduates and expanding our family involvement and non-residential services. Joel Conaway has made a tremendous contribution to the residents and their families through volunteering his professional counseling services. His expertise and the involvement of other local professionals enhance our program and help us to truly transform lives and restore families to wholeness.
We are grateful for every volunteer, contributor, sponsor, church, business and
the prayers of so many who have made the difference in the lives we are touching.
May God bless you all in 2010.
the prayers of so many who have made the difference in the lives we are touching.
May God bless you all in 2010.
