The Recovery Review: December 2018

The Recovery Review

Real Hope for Addiction

Isaiah House Newsletter, December 2018

Heartfelt Thanks

It is the most wonderful time of the year! I’m sure you are finalizing your plans to see loved ones, finishing up last minute shopping and reflecting on the reason for all of our celebration; the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I reflect upon 2018, I find myself rejoicing over the many incredible happenings within Isaiah House. We have opened up the Greg Bowen and Jake Kuertz Centers, purchased a facility for women which will be opening in a few months, are the new owners of Howard’s Metal Sales, and were selected for a national pilot project by the USDA for transitional living. Churches have again risen to the occasion in providing gifts for the children of clients and it’s with delight I envision the big smiles upon children’s faces on Christmas morning.

But I’m most grateful for our clients and their families. These men and their families have made decisions to enter into this battle of overcoming addiction. It’s a battle that has left behind the scars of broken hearts, broken relationships, broken homes and broken lives. But in the midst of brokenness shines the bright light of recovery, the healing of relationships, restoring of homes and saving of lives.

I’m grateful that God leads men and will soon be leading women to Isaiah House. These men and women who graduate will be well on their way to becoming great moms and dads with a bright future. Isaiah House is raising up men and women who will become future leaders of churches, businesses, and universities. They will become therapists, ministers and professionals — but as you well know, there is a barrier to many receiving treatment that some may never overcome.

This Christmas season, would you consider giving the gift of life to someone who is seeking treatment or already pursuing treatment at Isaiah House? As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to make a significant, tax-deductible contribution to Isaiah House.

During the season of giving and gratitude, I can’t keep from reflecting on the impact you have made on Isaiah House. Thank you for supporting our clients through your prayers and financial contributions.

May this Christmas season bring you tidings of joy well into the New Year!

Sincerely,

Mike Cox
President
Isaiah House, Inc.

Isaiah House Treatment Center partners with USDA Rural Development to put skills into the hands of those that need it most

Howard’s Metal Sales of Chaplin has been officially sold to Isaiah House Treatment Center thanks to another partnership with USDA Rural Development. This is an exciting new venture for Isaiah House, Inc. Howard’s Metal Sales is located on the same property as our Jake Kuertz and Greg Bowen Centers.

Charles Howard, founder of Howard’s Metal Sales, started the business in January of 1984 with his wife, Donna. He said selling the company his family started is a special moment for them, and one they didn’t take lightly.

“At some point in time, a person has to consider you’re not going to be here forever. I’m 61 years old,” he said. “The big deal for Donna and I is that it’s going to continue. Not only has it provided a living for ourselves and our employees, it’s a value to the community. It’s going to continue to provide employment for a number of people and continue to provide a service to the community, and even grow, so that’s the idea.”

Mark LaPalme, founder and chief executive officer of Isaiah House, said the process of this purchase has been a long time coming. “Today was the culmination of an 8-month process and the first of a pilot collaboration between USDA/Rural Development and Isaiah House substance use disorder treatment centers. The $150,000.00 Grant and Low interest loan received from the Opioid addiction funding will provide employment training and employment to those struggling with substance use issues,” LaPalme said. “Our Crisis to Purpose employment programs have gotten thousands employment and training over the last 19 years. This really takes treatment out of the box and puts real world, practical, tangible skills into the hands of those that need it most.”

LaPalme added that Isaiah House’s Crisis to Purpose programs have put nearly $160,000 in state and local tax money back into the system in the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, proving that treatment works and is worth supporting. “We look forward to further collaborations with the wonderful people at Rural Development. Our thanks to Linda Luckett, Hilda Legg and Anne Hazlett.”

Although his family has sold their business, Charles Howard and his family will continue to be active in Howard’s Metal Sales, working along with Isaiah House.

“I think the future for Howard’s Metal Sales is very bright. Not only are these people willing to listen, they’re eager to learn about what they can do to make this a better business, and that’s the type of thing that’s music to my ears. I’m very excited about it,” Charles Howard said. “That’s another good thing about the Isaiah House. I get to transition myself from being behind the computer desk every day to going out and being the face of Howard’s Metal Sales to a degree, going from job site to job site. You don’t know how to put that transition in? Let me show you. You’ve cut a piece of J-channel wrong? I’ll go get it and bring it back to you. Things like that will build a rapport with your contractors, which will build loyalty. That excites me, and it will allow me to change gears and allow me to do something else.”

The Howard family is excited about the next chapter for the business, and Donna Howard said they want to see Isaiah House be successful.

Isaiah House Treatment receives $80,000 donation

Isaiah House Treatment Center received an early Christmas present Thursday afternoon when an anonymous supporter made a very generous donation to the program.

According to Mike Cox, president of Isaiah House, the donor confirmed that a gift of $80,000 had been approved to help Isaiah House with two ongoing projects.

The money will be divided between the Mike Mullins Vocational Center, located on the Isaiah House’s Willisburg campus, and the Lisa Walker Center located in Mercer County. The Mullins building will receive $50,000 for work on its air filtration and ventilation system, while the Lisa Walker Center will receive $30,000 to complete work on the septic system for the new women’s residential treatment center.

The Mullins center is a 6,800 square foot building used for job training for Isaiah House’s clients. The Lisa Walker Center will be a facility serving women, and will be able to serve up to 16 clients at a time. It is scheduled to open in February 2019.

Cox said the updates to the Mullins center will be vital in helping Isaiah House clients continue to prepare for life after treatment.

“Recovering addicts often struggle with the stigma of addiction, criminal records and poor performance at previous jobs because of erratic, addictive behavior. Many have little job experience or training and the majority are unemployed by the time they seek treatment. The ability to gain vocational job training skills and employment is critical to long term success in sobriety,” Cox said. “We appreciate the organization that has donated $50,000 to purchase the air filtration and ventilation systems for the Mike Mullins Vocational Center. These systems are necessary to prepare the building for the welding classes that will be offered to our clients beginning in 2019. The classes will be conducted in partnership with Campbellsville University. We are deeply indebted to organizations like this who invest and partner with us in saving lives.”

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary and Deputy Secretary visit Isaiah House

Secretary Adam Meier and Deputy Secretary Kristi Putnam of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services visited Isaiah House Treatment Center’s Chaplin campus Wednesday, December 19.

Isaiah House CEO Mark Lapalme, President Mike Cox, Vice President of Operations, Andy Ayers and Vice President of Programs, Kevin Horn gave our guests a tour and discussed our treatment programs and our wrap around services that we provide.

Welcome to the Isaiah House Family, Jeff Moreland

Jeff Moreland, a longtime newspaper editor and publisher, has joined the Isaiah House Treatment Center’s staff as the Resource Development Director. A native of Irvine, Kentucky, Moreland has spent the past 23 years as a journalist, with the past 13 in Springfield and Campbellsville, where he served as editor/publisher of the newspapers in both communities simultaneously.

“I am excited to be at Isaiah House, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve God and others through my work. I believe this new position will be a blessing, and one where I can join a great team of professionals dedicated to helping people while also sharing the gospel. I personally know people who have benefitted from the programs offered at Isaiah House, and I look forward to being a part of the Isaiah House family,” Moreland said.

In his new role, Moreland will oversee the public relations department, as well as working to build relationships and enhance the Isaiah House brand.

“Isaiah House is very pleased to have Jeff Moreland on our team,” said Mark LaPalme, chief executive officer of Isaiah House. “Jeff is going to be a valuable asset. We look forward to his leadership and expertise. He has been a leader in the community for a long time, and is very well respected, not just in our county, but the state.”.

Final Ascend celebration of the year may be the best

Isaiah House hosted its final Ascend event of 2018 on Dec. 13. Ascend is a quarterly get together for all staff and clients. Clients and staff members enjoyed the fun, as well as the praise and worship.

The celebration kicked off with music from Rise Up, the Isaiah House praise band. Next came a skit by public relations supervisor Jordan Wilson, portraying the story of a young man who battled addiction before finding Jesus and treatment at Isaiah House. Pastor Keith Creech, Isaiah House chaplain, delivered a stirring message to the crowd, and afterwards, the clients got a chance to participate in some fun games, which included a contest to see which of four clients knew the most scripture. The winner received an extra home visit, and this was considered the grand prize because it emphasizes the importance of the clients learning the word of God.

Next was the cotton ball beard toss, with the prize being an Isaiah House hoodie and cap. Five clients had their faces covered in shaving cream while five others tossed cotton balls and tried to make the most stick to their partner’s face. The snowball shovel game saw clients use a spoon to move cotton balls from one container to another, and the winner received a prize of $20 in canteen money. The funniest game of the day was steal the present from the elf, featuring Randy Sundgren, our doorman, as the Christmas elf. The client who could spin around on a baseball bat handle, run the length of the gym and grab a present from the elf and bring it back the fastest would get to open the present, which contained an ugly Christmas sweater made by the public relations staff.

“This was my favorite Ascend so far. We had so much fun, “ Wilson said. The event wrapped up with a meal of pizza and drinks. To enjoy more photos of our Ascend, go to our Facebook Page.

Men of Isaiah House Baptized

On Sunday December 2, fifteen of the Isaiah House Treatment Center’s clients made a public profession or their faith in Christ. Several of the men decided that Sunday morning to be baptized.

Pastor Jason Roop baptized our fifteen clients at Asbury Methodist Church in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Jason Roop is not only the head pastor at Asbury Methodist Church, but he is also an Isaiah House Alumni. Jason knows what these men have suffered because of their addiction. He celebrates this life changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to be baptized.

It was a wonderful time for not only the members of Isaiah House, but also the members of Asbury Methodist Church to be a part of this special Sunday. To see more pictures of this special event, go to our Facebook Page.

Congratulations to our December

"5 Star Employee of the Month", Joanna Early!

Joanna is our Public Relations Coordinator. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the public images of clients and Isaiah House. She helps with issuing press releases, promoting press releases, arranging public appearances, setting up meetings and coordinating events.

We asked what she likes about her job and working for Isaiah House. Joanna replied, "Being able to tell the guys about Jesus and that we can come together to pray anytime of the day. What I like about working for Isaiah House is the opportunity to give back what’s been freely given to me!”

We are glad to have Joanna as a part of the Isaiah House family. She was chosen by her co-workers. She received a special keepsake gift, front door parking in the designated Employee of the Month parking space and she will enjoy lunch with Isaiah House, Inc. President, Mike Cox.

Upcoming Events:

January 26 – Program Graduation, 11:00 am at Sountheast Christian Church in Louisville, KY

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