please join us!

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N E W S L E T T E R

Vol. 1 • Issue 10 • May 2015

PLEASE JOIN US! We invite all alumni and friends to join us for an evening of fellowship (and food) on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, as we celebrate the 15-year history of First Step Recovery. A lot has changed since we opened our doors in 2000 with one counselor, a nurse, and an office manager. We are even more excited about our future. In December 2011 we merged with The Village Family Service Center. Our focus of treating people suffering from substance use disorders and spreading the message of recovery remains strong and we are proud to be a part of the mission of The Village. Of course, the reason for our success is our Alumni!! Our event in June will feature several alumni speakers who will share their messages of hope and recovery. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about First Step Recovery’s history and future. If you plan on attending, please call 701-293-3384 to RSVP. We hope you will join us as we plan for the next 15 years and beyond!

RECOVERY GARDEN 2015 marks the pilot year for First Step Recovery’s Recovery Garden. We were blessed with a large plot on the west side of our building, and had our first work day April 18. Nine adults, four kids and a dog showed up to build a bunny fence to protect our patch from the herd of jack rabbits that call the field in back of us home. We planted cool weather crops of radishes and lettuce, just ahead of a bit of rain to encourage their growth. They are popping up at the time of this writing! At our next work day May 23, we will plant the remainder of the garden. Corn, peas, cucumbers, beets, green beans, squash, melons, tomatoes and more are on the agenda. Did I mention we have a huge space? Our plan for future years is to invite all interested alumnus. Stay tuned for updates on our first gardening season.

SOBER FUN IN THE

SUMMERTIME One of the most common complaints from people who are starting treatment or are in early recovery is: “What am I supposed to do for fun? If I’m not drinking or using, I don’t know what else there is to do.” The goal of having sober fun includes a new learning process that is going to take some time and effort. Each individual is unique and has to discover the events or experiences that provide a natural level of enjoyment that draws them back for a second time. Don’t just stick to what is safe and comfortable—try new things.

Here are some ideas to consider for summer 2015: • Canoe and Kayak • Take an art class • Go to the zoo, with or without kids! • Create a bucket list • Join a running club • Take dancing lessons • Camp, Hike, Backpack • Go on long bike rides- check out http://www.fargomonthly.com/ community/great-ride-bikes-share/ • Discover a park a weekend • Get a one day free guest pass for Sanford Wellness Center • Tour the local museums • Take a hot air balloon ride in Medora • Check out Sky Zone/Trampoline Park; 701-478-8484 A few organized sober activities in the area to consider are: Spiritual Refreshment Fair Hills Resort on Pelican Lake May 22-25, 2015 Host: UMRNA activities sub-committee Lost and Found’s Mulligan Golf Classic June 26, 2015 218-287-2089 Also check out the following websites for more ideas: Cleanandsobernotdead.com Fargoparks.com/events-calendar.html Umrna.org/events.html So, whatever your summer pursuits and plans are this year, may you find endless enjoyable activities that support your Recovery! That is part of living life to its fullest! Enjoy.