On November 5th, the most profound milestone in the recovery process was hit and celebrated: graduation from the program and the first step into a new world ripe with possibility.    The evening was filled with excitement and enthusiasm for what the future held and culminated in a few proud teary moments when graduates declared their readiness to go back to their lives sober and stronger.

When women first arrive, they have often endured more pain and suffering than most care to imagine.  Breaking their addictions is the first step, but often times substance abuse is an effect of much more deeply rooted pain and trauma.  The real work begins addressing these very issues.

One would be hard pressed to replicate the sense of family and close knit compassion and support among "the girls" at the Recovery Center.  It's is through this strong peer support, coupled with our professional Brighton Center staff, that has transformed over 400 women's lives in the past two years.

The night could not be at a more fitting time of year.  These women will go back to join their loved ones with a renewed sense of purpose and worth.  For them, a fresh start is the greatest gift that can be bestowed. 

Many people revel in the holiday season as a time of warm nostalgia.  When you're a child, it doesn't get any better than anticipating what toys and other goodies the holiday season will bring.  However, the reality is that although we may be lucky enough to look back with fond holiday memories, local children right now are creating painful ones.

That's why this time of year Brighton Center transforms into Santa's workshop with volunteers and staff alike working side by side on a Holiday Drive that helps 1,600 families.  Through countless volunteer hours, we put toys and necessities in the hands of children, helping to preserve that innocence and wonderment that makes this time of year so special. 

This year more than ever, we must band together as a community to address the skyrocketing demand for such a service.  So many families have endured one of their toughest years in recent memory.  We would appreciate any financial or in-kind donations that could make a major difference in the holiday of one family right here in the community

To donate, click here or contact Beth Hodge at 859. 491. 8303, ext. 2331, or bhodge@brightoncenter.com for further details.

We are proud to spotlight several community partners who are living graciously and making a tremendous impact in a variety of different ways.  Although each finds a different way to support a different cause, they are united in their efforts to work in the service of others.

On November 10^th, PNC Bank Foundation awarded Financial Services with a $35,000 grant.  This grant will support foreclosure prevention, financial education, and first time homebuyers programs.  This will help sustain the efforts of the department, which is an absolutely crucial component to self-sufficiency.  There seems to be no escaping from the word foreclosure when one turns on the news, but Brighton Center has helped fend off that dreaded word for over 90 families.  Imagine nearly four blocks of boarded up houses being replaced with happy stable homeowners!

This month, several employees of Ethicon Endo Surgery, an old friend of the Center's, have volunteered 72 hours painting rooms at Bright Days Childcare Center and the Family Center.  There is no place around where paint doesn't have a big impact; the bright vibrant colors in the daycare help inspire creativity and comfort for every child that comes through our doors.  The atmosphere at the Family Center can help put more at ease a family at a time of desperation, 76% of which this is their first time asking for help.

Remke Biggs Markets have established a unique partnership with Brighton Center that also helps curb our environmental footprint.  From November through January 2011, participating Remkes Biggs will be holding their "Sixth Sense" campaign.  In exchange for bringing in a reusable eco-friendly bag, Remke will take off six cents from your order as well as give you credit worth six cents.  This credit can be donated to Brighton Center.  So, remember to bring in your reusable bags when shopping at Remke.  You will be able to see what happens when doing such a simple small action can have a big impact.

Three distinct ways to get involved, three great examples of living graciously.  Thanks to everyone who finds their own way to support our mission towards families securing self-sufficiency.