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Get Involved!
Write Your State Legislator -
Delaware is facing a budget deficit, but you can help prevent a possible
reduction of services for our state's behaviorally ill. Click the link above for a
sample letter you can personalize and send to your State Representative or
Senator. If BCI has saved your life or the life of a loved one, please tell
your story!
Shop GoodShop.com - Did
you know you can support BCI when you shop online? Make your purchase through GoodShop.com, select BCI as your charity, and a percentage of your purchase
goes to us! And, don't forget to use GoodSearch.com, which raises a penny for
BCI with every Internet search you do!
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Is BCI Great at Serving and Empowering Women?
Tell Us Why!
Do you love and support BCI's work on behalf of women? Tell us why, before May 31, and help us shine in the 2010 Women's Empowerment Campaign.
Guidestar and GreatNonprofits.org want to know what
you think are the best organizations serving and empowering women. If
BCI gets at least 10 positive reviews (4 or 5 stars) on GreatNonprofits
and GuideStar by May 31, we will make the list.
You can help by writing your review here! If you're a client, family member,
volunteer, or have had firsthand experience with us in any way, we want
to hear from you. Your first-person story will share with the public
how we help the community, and help us reach new audiences.
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Greetings!
In this issue, see how two of Delaware's "invisible homeless" started on the road to self-sufficiency, thanks to a welcoming environment. Plus, learn what progress has been made after three years of needle exchange in our state. And, a sample letter you can send your legislator to ensure services continue for Delaware's behaviorally ill.
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How to Help the Homeless? Start with "Welcome."
Michael with Vocational Counselor Tammy Williams  | Picture "the homeless." What comes to mind? A panhandler on the city streets, with a cardboard sign? With a weathered face, and disheveled clothing? That's what most of us picture.
Now picture the salesman you met the other day who sold you your new PDA. He was a neatly groomed professional, in a suit jacket, self-assured and confident as e made his pitch. Michael was his name. Would you believe Michael is homeless? How about Marshall, an energetic, proud father of three in an Old Navy T-shirt?
1,479 people were homeless in Delaware at last count. By definition, "homeless" include someone living on the street or in a shelter. It also includes residents of transitional or supportive housing, like Michael, and Marshall. They are the invisible homeless. But their challenges are no less severe, and their needs no less urgent. Now, with help, they are on their way to self-sufficiency. Read more...
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3 Years of Needle Exchange in Delaware: Saving Lives and Dollars
The pilot Delaware Needle Exchange Program has
enrolled over 700 people in 3 years. Nearly 40,000 needles have been exchanged
and destroyed. Here are some more highlights:
150 people have been referred to drug treatment, with
an incredible follow-up rate of 60%.
Over 1200 people have been tested for HIV on the van.
More than half were not needle exchange participants, but took advantage of the
service we brought to their neighborhood.
We've begun Pregnancy Screening on our van, with the
goal of reducing infant mortality by connecting pregnant women to drug treatment. Read more...
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More Success Stories on bcidel.org
Living with HIV/AIDS: "This Does Not Stop You."
Watch an uplifting video interview with James, our very first client in the NSAFE program, who continues to do well 12 years later, thanks to the help he's received.
The Magic Group
A waiting list to get into a group that meets 3 days a week, for 3 hours? See why the IOP is helping some long-term drug users stay clean.
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What's New on bcidel.org
 A Clothesline of Love for Parents and Children -
Moms decorated baby clothes with messages of love, as part of BCI's month-long celebration of Child Abuse Awareness Month. More photos and coverage on bcidel.org.
 BCI Alpha has moved!
Our new address
is:
2500 West 4th Street
Wilmington Delaware, 19805.
We are on the second floor of 4th Street Plaza.
We look forward to serving you at our
new location!
Farewell and Thank You
David Oppold has
retired from our Board of Directors membership after 15 years of service,
including the past 12 as President. David was instrumental in BCI's growth and
expansion during this time, and our addition of cutting edge services like
HIV/AIDS treatment. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him well
in his future endeavors.
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BCI Board Welcomes New Officers, Members
The Brandywine Counseling Board of Directors, on
January 19, 2010, elected its 2010-2011 officers: Carole Franzoni, President; Lisa Sherwood, Vice
President; Karla Fleshman, Secretary; and Jean Meussner, Treasurer.
In March, we welcomed two new members to our Board. Lauren Pearce of
Milton is a Constituent Relations Liaison for Governor Jack Markell. Dr. Harold Rosen, MD of
Wayne, Pennsylvania is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry for Christiana
Care Health System.
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Thank You
Special Thanks!
Our
first annual Christmas Giving Tree made holiday wishes come true for our
clients' children. We partied, we joked, we sang, and we got emotional to see
some of our favorite success stories stop by. See photos and video at
bcidel.org! Big thanks to Jenner's Pond, Jillian Grace Salon, and Sedona
Fitness and Spa for donating toys!
The law
firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP raised $225 for BCI with an
employee "Jeans Day" fundraiser in December. Skadden Associate Jennifer Karpe,
a BCI Board member, organized this event. Thank you for this generous gift!
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Brandywine Counseling
Where the Journey To Recovery Begins
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