The first question that comes to my mind is How does this apply to our work here at St. Anthony’s Drug and Alcohol recovery program, the Father Alfred Center? On the surface these concepts seem ethereal and elusive. Although it’s hard to find quantitative or empirical evidence for wonder and beauty, they are integral to what we do.

Celebration for the wonder of life is best recognizable to me when I am paying attention to the little things.  It could be a smile, an unseen act of kindness, or the sun shining on the city during my morning commute.  It’s about the tiny miracles that take place around us every day, that are so easy to miss among the chaotic circumstances of life.

I believe it is vital to our work to keep an eye out for this beauty of creation that permeates our world.  Spiritually speaking it is the mana that sustains us through the desert.  It heals us when we are hurt,  sees us safely to the other side of that which tests us, and reminds us that we are not alone.

Our work can be mentally, physically and spiritually demanding.  It is necessary that we replenish ourselves in order to continue that work.  Celebration of the wonder of life, and the beauty of creation is about gratitude for all that we’ve been blessed with; especially the little things.

The big event is taking place at the

Sacramento Convention Center
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

From Thursday April 21- Sunday April 24, 2011.  Anybody interested in attending can register at the following website:

http://www.norcalna.org/nccna.php

As per their webpage, The first convention took place in 1979 with only 360 addicts in attendance.  Since then the event as grown to encompass over 20 areas, and is attended by over 7000 addicts each year.

The conventions famous guest speakers, marathon meetings, dances, shows, food, concerts, talent shows & golf tournaments are just the tip of the iceberg.  The real magic for Father Alfred Center residents (and everybody in attendance) is to see so many recovering addicts (like themselves) gathered together in one place in celebration of that fact that recovery is possible.  They will have an opportunity to socialize and learn from other people who have faced the same problems they have and have come out the other side stronger for it.

Through this bill, California would “opt out” of the lifetime federal ban on CalFresh (the new name for California’s food stamp program) for people with prior low-level drug convictions.  Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have already restored nutrition benefits to this vulnerable population.

I used my visit to the Fr. Alfred Center house meeting as an opportunity to tell the program participants about AB 828.  I told them that AB 828 is going to be heard by the Assembly Human Services Committee on Tuesday April 5, and the bill needs support from the community in order to make it through the legislative process.  Today, I received the most wonderful gift that the St. Anthony’s Advocacy Coordinator could ever get: an interoffice envelope filled with hand-written support letters for AB 828 from our Fr. Alfred Center participants!

Next Tuesday, April 5, 2011, I will travel to Sacramento with four of our Fr. Alfred Center participants to tell the Assembly Human Services Committee that we support AB 828.  While we’re there, we’ll hand-deliver all of the AB 828 support letters that we’ve received.

If you’d like to lend your voice of support for AB 828 and for the other anti-hunger bills being heard by the Assembly Human Services Committee on April 5, please visit our advocacy alert page, where we have an easy to use customizable letter that can be automatically emailed to the members of the committee.

Here is the text of the letter in the photograph:

I think it would be in the best interest of all that this bill be passed so that drug offenders can have a better chance to reform and make amends for past transgressions and it seems that putting road blocks in the way only leads to problems so please give people a chance and give them a way to step up.

Here are some quotes from the other letters I received:

“People like myself who strive for a new life, a new chance to become a contributing member of siciety, we all need a helping hand sometimes.”

“I believe that people trying to reintegrate into society should have assistance to facilitate reentry.  I don not believe families should go hungry because of this outdated law!  People should not be denied eligibility for past mistakes.”

“I was convicted 15 years ago for selling drugs… I’m on the right side of the law now, and trying to get my life in order.  It’s hard times, and those food stamps would come handy in a time of need.  And that time of need is now.”

“Ten years ago I was convicted of possessing drugs, and now I can’t receive food stamps.  I have since changed my life and I am still being punished for my foolish actions of a decade ago.  I have repaid my debt to society and would appreciate the chance to receive help when I need it.  It would help me feed my daughter and be a responsible father.”

Mike Curran is a St. Anthony’s graduate who works full time, coaches high school baseball and speaks in public on recovery. He is writing his story and he’s trying to interest publishers. You can see his sobriety experiences and thoughts on Facebook.

I like reclamation stories. I like seeing people who thought they were nothing contributing to other people’s lives. And I like Mike Curran. So I “liked” his page.

St. Anthony’s doesn’t endorse anything in Mike’s book (which is still being written), except for the part where it’s good to get clean and sober, it’s good to use programs and build a community in order to stay clean and sober and live a better life, and it’s good to help others.

But you couldn’t find a better example of a graduate of the Fr. Alfred drug and alcohol recovery center. A look at his page would reveal a lot about what we hope people will be able to do with their lives after they’ve lived at the Fr. Alfred Center. And if you happen to “like” his page, you know that it does not necessarily reflect the views of St. Anthony Foundation. Except for the part that says that sobriety, self-respect, and service are good.

On November 18th (the week before Thanksgiving proper) The Father Alfred Center held our annual Thanksgiving Dinner for residents and alumni. It’s an event that we all look forward to every year because unlike every other meal cooked in our kitchen; this one is cooked by the staff.

The weeks before the dinner are spent planning the menu, shopping and preparing for what will arguably be the biggest meal of the year. The whole day is spent peeling, chopping, zesting, baking and simmering ingredients into a menagerie of culinary delights. When the decorations are up, the places set, every entrée, side and piece of pie is set up on the line we open the Dining Room to our residents and alumni. Every year they shuffle in and find an empty seat. A prayer is said, and each table takes their turn to load up plates. After all the hard work it’s very rewarding to see the guys enjoying the fruits of our labor.

It’s a challenge to juggle cooking times, and space in our small kitchen. Thanks to the diligence of my co-workers (as well as Andrew Ratoza, and Mark Beglin who both graciously give us their time this year) the result is always outstanding. Father Alfred Center ’s tradition of having the staff cook Thanksgiving dinner is one of the ways we give back to our residents who give so much to us.

This years Menu:

Turkey
Gravy
Mashed Potatoes with Manchego Cheese
Classic Sourdough bread dressing
Turnip & Mustard Greens
Mac & Cheese
Citrus Candied Sweet Potatoes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Salad
Maple Corn Bread

And for Dessert:

Sweet Potato Pie
BlackBerry Cobbler
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Last Wednesday, residents of St. Anthony Foundation’s substance abuse treatment center, Fr. Alfred Center, enjoyed the amazing musical talent of up and coming singer/songwriter Garrin Benfield. This show was produced by local nonprofit Bread & Roses, an organization dedicated to uplifting the human spirit by providing free, live, quality entertainment for organizations like St. Anthony’s. Garrin fulfilled this mission to uplift spirits and more with an hour long set of original tunes and interpretations of familiar favorites. The evening ended with a rousing, standing ovation. All of us at St. Anthony’s appreciate how Garrin’s music opened our hearts and comforted our minds.

September is National Recovery Month and St. Anthony Foundation’s Father Alfred Center has a lot on its plate. First what is recovery month? I went to www.recoverymonth.gov to find out.

“Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible.”

Events are being held around the Nation, the State (and more importantly for us) right here in the SF Bay Area.

On Sunday 19th, San Francisco Narcotics Anonymous held their very first Men’s Breakfast. 300+ men gathered for this event at the Hilton. Father Alfred Center Alumni & Staff donated enough tickets for 5 of our residents to attend. The massive breakfast is a great opportunity for fellowship and bonding within the NA recovery community. The event was highlighted by an inspiring speaker who shared his experience strength and hope around his addiction and recovery experience. Those in attendance say it was very inspiring.

On Saturday 18th Father Alfred Center participated in the East Bay Unity Day (held at Laney College in Oakland). 10 of our residents attended and helped out with setting up and decorating for the main speaker. I asked one of the attending residents about the experience. He told me,

“It was one of the most memorable unity days I’ve ever been too. For me the most powerful moment was during the ‘clean time countdown’ (where all present acknowledge their clean time by standing when their number is reached). There was one woman at the end who had only one day of clean time. It made me think back to when that was me with one day clean. It was a really scary place to be.”

This Saturday (25th) is SF unity day. 15 Father Alfred Center residents will be attending & helping out again. Unity day offers workshops, speaker meetings, karaoke, comedy shows, open mic, workshops and fellowship for those who attend. Father Alfred Center Councilor Craig Surratt said this:

“Narcotics Anonymous has allowed Father Alfred Center to be of service in these events for years. It not only helps the event, but also helps our residents with re-socialization into society. By participating it encourages them not to isolate and makes them feel more a part of the larger NA community.”

On September 30th, 15 of our residents will be attending a Major League Baseball game between the SF Giants Vs Arizona Diamondbacks courtesy of The National Council on Alcoholism & Other Drug Addictions. It’s an event the residents are really looking forward to.

National Recovery Month is an exciting time for us. The multiple events around the bay area allow our residents a chance to step out of the microcosm of the Father Alfred Center and get a broader view of the Recovery Community that will be an integral part of their continued sobriety and reintegration into society.

On Wednesday July 14, 2010 the St. Anthony Dinning Room sponsored one of the quarterly outings for the residents of the Father Alfred Center-The All Star Staff and Guest Baseball Playoffs. This year, as in years in the past, the Dining Room staff brought a very delicious meal for all to enjoy during this event, which is usually held in one of the nearby parks.

The staff all-stars started out on fire scoring 4 runs in the first inning showing their competitive side and giving the message’’ that we were here to defend our title’’. In the second inning the residents came back to make it a game by scoring three runs to make the score 4-3. In the third the residents went ahead scoring three more runs to make it 6-4. Then 1 more in the fourth. Down 7-4 in the fourth staff went on a tenacious hitting, fielding and base running display to out last the residents 11-9.

It was a lot of fun, with gratitude held by residents and staff alike. (the Father Alfred Center especially thanks the Dining Room staff for their kindness and generosity in making these events memorable and special).

Go Team!

Graduating residents typically dress up their best attire, though some choose to dress more casual. The Ceremony starts with a blessing from the Chaplin’s department.

Staff from peripheral programs with in the St Anthony Foundation such as the Dining Room, Tenderloin Tech Lab, Social Works Center and others come up next to share stories about the graduates, and thank them for their service.

The MC next invites up volunteers who facilitate groups to talk about their experiences with the graduates and addiction in general. Alumni and residents in the 4th phase are then encouraged to say a few words. Sometimes residents will perform a song, or poem that they have worked on.

Family and Friends are welcomed to come up to the microphone and talk about their experiences with the graduates. This is followed typically by the Father Alfred Center Councilors and staff. Staff comments and stories finish off with the 4th phase councilors giving their clients a certificate of completion and their 1 year sober chip.

Finally the graduates themselves have a chance to say their peace. This is often heartfelt and sincere with thanks and gratitude to spare. At the end the Staff gathers around the mic to read the Creed. The Creed is followed by the Serenity prayer and a fantastic meal prepared by the Father Alfred Center Kitchen Crew

In San Francisco. CoSIDA Convention attendees or spouses are encouraged to attend the service project at the St. Anthony Foundation where they will volunteer time in the dining room plus have a chance to interact with the Father Alfred Center, which helps homeless men with addiction from drugs and alcohol. This moving experience will hopefully leave an impact on you and help CoSIDA reach out to the San Francisco community.

“We have worked hard to coordinate this project with the St. Anthony Foundation and hope that CoSIDA members take a hour or two out of their convention schedule to volunteer their time towards a worthy cause,” said CoSIDA Goodwill Committee Chair Sam Atkinson, Gallaudet University sports information director. “We had a good start last year with our first-ever service project in San Antonio and we hope to have more people come out and help this year and show why ‘CoSIDA Cares’ about giving back to our host city.”

Learn more about CoSIDA’s work with St. Anthony’s by clicking here.