GC Community Coalition Delivers Holiday Cards To Those In Treatment For Addiction

From Garden City Community Coalition: The holiday season is a time of spreading hope and cheer to all. A multitude of community groups have come together with one mission, to spread hope and cheer to those in treatment for addiction this holiday season.

The idea came from a Thrive community meeting. For the past eight years Thrive, a division of the Garden City Community Coalition, has worked hard to bring alcohol and drug prevention initiatives to the community. The group of community members meets monthly to discuss ideas and plan prevention-related events. A member of Thrive, Lisa Rutledge, from Western Wayne Family Health Centers, mentioned at the November meeting, “Hey! Why don’t we send cards to individuals in substance abuse treatment over the holidays?”

The initiative has really taken off. The Garden City Library, Senior Center, Family Resource Center, Community Resources Department and the Thrive Youth Coalition, from staff to patrons, have filled out the holiday cards. The card authors have been of all ages and messages have included everything from kid drawings to inspiring messages of hope.

“Addiction touches the lives of many families today, “stated Megan Sheeran, the Thrive Coordinator, “When as a society we begin to see addiction as a medical problem, the power of the stigma associated with addiction is weakened. The individuals in treatment this holiday are fighting for their lives, many without contact from their loved ones. The goal of this initiative is to show these individuals that there are people that care about them in the community and that there is hope; to motivate them to keep fighting the fight.”

The cards were delivered to Personalized Nursing LIGHT House, Inc., a substance abuse treatment facility located in Plymouth on December 19. “These cards are greatly appreciated by the people we serve,” said Joseph Paliwoda, Co-Founder and CEO of PNLH.” Knowing people volunteered their time to express hope and encouragement will be inspirational to those in our treatment programs over the holidays.”

Personalized Nursing LIGHT House has locations in Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, Canton, Farmington and Lakeland. If you or someone you know need help with addiction or for more information, please contact Personalized Nursing LIGHT House (800) 467-7654 or visit www.pnlh.org.

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