Greetings!

In the Last Door halls of recovery memories and laughter linger.  This past month I took a few weeks away from the daily routines of talking with clients, walking the halls and checking rooms.  One of the great reframes that comes from a break is the ability to see things in perspective.

Two years ago our colleague, Michael Pesut passed away and each October represents an opportunity to do something in his memory.  For those of us at Last Door it is an opportunity for rededication to the spiritual nature of recovery.   This fall it means becoming more aware of how our work affects others.  Sometimes a simple personal check with  Executive Director, David Pavlus mantra, "Is it kind, necessary and true?"  before we speak, gossip or shout promotes immediate change.

On a chain of remembrance on the Great Wall in China some of Michael's ashes hang as a memorial.  That's a loving gesture as are the ashes spread at the base of a Bonsai tree in Hue.  However those are simply gestures of remembrance, rituals of remembrance would be more personal - more practical.

This year we'd welcome your practical gestures as an expression of your spiritual response.   As the calendar turns from October to November and we begin building those Christmas Gift lists and planning next year may we suggest that you consider remembering recovery with your gift.  I could suggest some practical projects to consider:

1.       The Fund-A-Bed Program - A simple way to fund a bursary for treatment for someone who cannot afford treatment.  Estimated monthly cost $7,500. Fund one month or more.

2.       The Capital Expansion Program - With growing demands on our physical facilities and the requirement to develop for long term expansion this fund will require significant grants over the next 2-5 years.  Estimated requirements are 250 x  $500 donations immediately.

3.       The Gift Program - Each year 60 clients in our Youth and Adult programs benefit from your generous Christmas gifts whether a movie ticket, a coffee card or simply $25 for their kids.

4.       The Recreation Programs - Each year our clients participate in hockey, soccer, fishing, biking, wrestling, yoga, golf and other life-styles-enhancing opportunities that demonstrate fun-in-recovery.  - Donations can range from $25 for simple drop-in fees to $5000 to sponsor a convention package for all the clients.

Now getting back to the perspective a break from routine provides - seeing the world, walking the Great Wall, saying a prayer in some distant church are moments of spiritual connection that require a practical response of gratitude.  A response that allows my gratitude to turn from words to action.   As Michael would have said with a grin, "Have you prayed about it, it'll work out!"

Sincerely,

Nick Ringma

Chain of Remembrance, Great Wall of China

Thanksgiving Dinner in Pictures

The holidays at Last Door are emotional, loud, busy, fun and complimented by an abundance of food.  Parents, wives, children and other family participate in this Thanksgiving celebration and the facilities are filled to the brim with gratitude and peace. Special thanks to everyone who helped cook and brought goodies.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT WE DO?

Last Door provides therapeutic environments where individuals and families experiencing addiction can gain support and guidance to restore themselves to mental, spiritual, physical and emotional health.

ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES OFFERED:

• Substance & Process Addictions
• Structured Environment
• Accommodation and Meals
• Processing of immediate problems
• Group, Individual and Couples Counselling
• Resource Referral
• Recreation and Socialization
• Support for Legal and Medical issues
• Family Support including Group, One to One and Couples Counselling
• Parent's Group
• Co-Parenting Group
• Women's Group
• Couples Group
• Qualified Staff - ICADC. CCS.
• In-house Yoga twice a week
• In-house Acupuncture
• Qualified Naturopathic Support
• Health and Wellness Education
• Smoking Cessation Program
• Back to Work Program Strategies
• Continuing Care Alumni Group
• Follow-up services including long term Transitional and Independent Living Residences

ADDICTION CLINICAL SERVICES OFFERED:

• Screening
• Orientation
• Assessment
• Treatment Planning
• Counselling - Group Individual
• Case Management
• Crisis Intervention
• Medical Management
• Medical Assessment by LDRS Medical Director, Dr. Doug Coleman, Addictions Specialist
• Client Education
• Resource Identification & Referral
• Reports and Records
• Consultation with Professionals

REFERRAL PROCESS:

Last Door welcome inquires via phone or email regarding suitability and availability of services, followed by completion of LDRS Referral Package.  As part of the screening/intake process Last Door can schedule up to a full day of program viewing for applicants and their referral agents.  We welcome clients from across Canada, the United States and around the World.

Call us at 1-888-525-9771