January 20, 2008
Through a recent set of circumstances I became homeless. Although it was only for 1 day, I was reminded how it can happen to anyone. I also see that society’s views of those in need have not changed since I was in this situation some 20 years ago, and hope is still hard to find. Although it was only overnight it was humbling because I was reminded of my duties as a Peer Support Specialist. There are those who gave up on their hopes and dreams many years ago; if you don’t have them they can’t be broken. As Peer Supporters we encourage others that it is okay to dust off those dreams and again have trust in the system.
Transformation is gathering momentum and consumers are becoming major contributors to the system of treatment and recovery. As such, we are being encouraged to find new and innovative ways of spreading the message of hope and laying groundwork for establishing new levels of cooperation between consumers and administrators. At this years ‘Empowerment Day’ event we hope to demonstrate the ability consumers have to be able to organize and stage recovery centered events. We are also hoping to set new standards in the level of administrative support and consumer directed recovery in Wayne County.
EMPOWERMENT DAY 2008
Visions and a group of Peer Support Specialists have begun work on this year’s conference. We are dedicated to the belief that when Consumers receive the proper support, the odds of a healthy recovery rise dramatically. Read on to see what we have planned for the 3rd annual Empowerment Day.
There are two main reasons why telling our stories is so important: 1) others who are going through what we have been through see hope of recovery in us, 2) each time we go over our past we realize a little bit more how we became who we are today. This year ‘Empowerment Day’ will be centered on recovery and so we are organizing a story telling group based on the ‘Toastmasters’ concept. The difference is we will be telling recovery stories. To get on the list we are asking consumers to contact LeeAnn Norris or Shirley Cockrell at Go-Getters (842-4046) where over the next few months this group will be fine-tuning their recovery stories to be told on Empowerment Day.
Are you or do you know of other consumers who are singers, poets, musicians, songwriters, ETC. If so, dust off your old instruments and your chops and come and join ‘Recovery’. Whether you want to do one song at an event or join the band, we need you to be a part of this great consumer directed project. We are looking for consumers with a strong desire to ‘pay it forward’ by helping us to spread the message of hope and recovery through our music and words. Those folks choosing to work with us now will be on the Empowerment Day agenda. If you are interested contact me, Gerald Butler at jaybee10.1@juno.com or by calling me at Go-Getters (842-4046).
In closing, I feel I have somehow been allowed a glimpse into the future: a future where we are no longer judged by our missteps and/or lapses but by how far we have come in our recovery. A time when we will be appreciated for our desire and ability to help others find their way through a complicated system. A day when we will no longer fear the system designed to help us, but instead be able to look to that system with hope and trust. I envision the day when our capabilities and talents will no longer be suppressed but instead encouraged to flourish and grow. Dedicated leaders shall walk ahead of us opening doors, enabling us to focus all our attention on our growth in recovery. We are looking forward not only the coming months but also the coming years as we all work towards transforming the system of treatment and recovery.
Gerald Butler
Peer Support Specialist
Consumer Advocate
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