The HERO House Weekly News, June 2, 2011

In This Issue

The HERO House Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Gala

Discovering Choices

Cheerfully Do

California Corner

Atlanta News

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.

~Mahatma Gandhi

Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.

~John Ruskin

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.

~Helen Keller

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,

but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Definition of a hero

he·ro Pronunciation Key (hîro) n. pl. he·roes

1. In mythology and legend, a person, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed
with great courage and strength, celebrated for their bold exploits, and
favored by the gods.

2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 Volume 3, Issue 26

Our primary focus is our own recovery and rebuilding our own lives. We will lead by example and not interfere with another's recovery.

The HERO House Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Gala

Alumnus Harry DeBray posthumously honored with Scholarship naming as part of the evening's events which included dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

Over 120 guests that included Alumni and current HERO House residents and their families, recovery and addiction field professionals and friends and supporters of HERO House gathered to celebrate the 5^thAnniversary Gala this past Sunday, May 29^th at the historically treasured Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, GA.

The evening began with a silent auction to benefit the Scholarship Fund which was named as the Harry DeBray Scholarship as part of the evening's events. The Fund has been instrumental in helping college students who have completed treatment, are not quite ready to return to their original campus, but have a desire to maintain their sobriety and continue their education at HERO House.

Following dinner, a moving tribute to Harry DeBray was presented by Randy Haveson, Founder and CEO of The HERO House; Hendon DeBray, Harry's mother; and James O'Connor,the first House Manager at The HERO House and mentor to Harry. The three presenters shared how much light the HERO House Alum brought to others. Harry tragically lost his life far too early due to a car accident. He was moving forward with his ambitions and was living a life in recovery, a true example for others who follow in his footsteps.

With thousands of college students struggling with substance abuse and addiction, HERO House has provided a safe, supportive, and substance free environment for students in recovery who wish to maintain long-term sobriety. HERO House guides students on their path to staying sober, continuing their education and learning the skills necessary to be positive and productive members of society.

The event was a celebration of the program's success and expansion since 2006. Beginning in a house with 4 beds in Kennesaw, GA, HERO House has grown to accommodate over 25 students throughout 5 houses in the greater Atlanta area and 2 houses accommodating over 15 students in Orange County, CA. With the success rate of students staying sober through HERO House's peer-to-peer recovery model and supportive environment, the Gala acknowlegded the swift growth of the company and future expansion to meet the needs of college students struggling with addiction across the US.

Discovering Choices: Our Recovery in Relationships

One of Al-Anon's latest books explores the many facets of our recovery in relationships. Drawing on the experience, strength, and hope of hundreds of members, it sheds light on how alcoholism has affected many different types of relationships in many different ways. It also shares why various Al-Anon tools have been helpful in improving our relationships or our attitudes about them.

Excerpt

I was full of anguish when I first arrived at Al-Anon. Real progress came when I understood that I am responsible only for the consequences of my own behavior and choices. In time I came to understand that much of my family members' lives was none of my business. I had no right to judge them as right or wrong, much less interfere with their lives, even if they asked for my opinion.

My greatest progress in overcoming the urge to get involved in others' lives came when I recognized that I don't always know what's going to turn out to be a good thing. As I listened at meetings,

I realized that many an idea that I thought would be the best possible solution turned into a complete disaster. On the other hand, things I thought would surely stigmatize and ruin lives turned out to be someone's salvation.

If I can't recognize whether the consequence of an action will turn out good or bad, how can I possibly make a reliable judgment for others? My only responsibility is to put the focus on my behavior, understand my family, and try to be non-judgmental. I stopped judging my family, and I now accept them for who they are. I do my best to give unconditional love.

Cheerfully Do

Don't be resentful of your responsibilities. Instead, be thankful for your abilities.

Don't feel burdened by your obligations. Instead, feel the freedom and possibilities in the opportunities you have to make a difference.

Life can often be serious, complicated and demanding. It's not all fun and games.

Yet every day, no matter what it holds, is a chance for real fulfillment. Every situation is a situation to which you can bring positive meaning and purpose.

If you get hung up on fighting against what you have to do, you can miss out on some of the most valuable and enriching things you're able to do. If you waste a lot of energy on resentment, you have that much less energy available to create achievement.

Cheerfully do what there is for you to do, then step up and do even more. Life is yours to be lived, so give your life the richness you deserve.

~Ralph Marston

California Corner

Fellowshipping on the Sand

Weekends can be tough in treatment and sober living, as idle time outside of class, work and other commitments can be a challenge to some who simply don't know what to do with themselves. Those in recovery in Orange County, CA fill in the gap of idle time by initiating social events on weekends. There is AA softball on Sundays at Tewinkle Park where home groups compete against one another. There's also "Beach Party" on Saturdays where nearly 100 people play volleyball, bask in the sun, surf and converse. One HERO emphasized, "It's amazing to see a huge crowd having a blast. From the outside you wouldn't pin them as addicts in recovery, but just young adults having fun." Fellowshipping opportunities like these are the keys to recovery and open the door to the idea that there is a way to party without drugs or alcohol.

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A calm mind fosters clear seeing, which is another way of saying that if we practice mindfulness, we will have less self-deception. We learn to be honest, and delusions fall away. When we sit in meditation, we observe our mind, watching the thoughts pass through, all the mental traffic honking, swerving, and cutting in. We practice holding "bare attention" toward the thoughts and feelings that arise, accepting them with kindness and non-judgment.

--from Mindfulness and the 12 Steps

Atlanta News

Upcoming Events in Atlanta

*Street Meals
Sunday, June 5, 2011
11 am- 2 pm

The HERO House in partnership with Kashi Atlanta in their Street Meals program for several years now. Street Meals helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in Atlanta. Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers who are committed to seva - selfless service - as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people about the joy of community service is a part of our commitment.

The first Sunday of every month The HERO House residents and staff make and distribute over 250 sack lunches to Atlanta's homeless. The HERO House wanted to create a service opportunity for our residents as we believe that being of service is a major component in bringing about lasting recovery. When discussing how to bring this project to fruition we turned to Kashi Atlanta for support.

We at The HERO House look forward to being part of the change we wish to see in the world!

*District 13's Annual Fun & Fellowship Potluck

6 pm, Saturday, June 11

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church

1824 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA (in the Fellowship Hall)

* GCYPAA

June 17 - 19

Hilton Garden Inn of Kennesaw, GA

GCYPAA is an annual A.A. Conference. GCYPAA stands for the Georgia Conference by Young People inAlcoholics Anonymous.

The Conference is a weekend celebration of recovery from alcoholism hosted by a group of recovered

alcoholics that are trying to carry the message of recovery, unity and service to those who suffer from

alcoholism. Generally, the Conference takes place at a hotel in Georgia and features large speaker

meetings, entertainment, workshops, AA meetings and other sober activities that celebrate our

recovery from alcoholism.

Each year, the Conference is hosted by a "Host Committee" representing a particular city or area. At theConference, the next group to host GCYPAA is selected. In this way, the Conference travels the state ofGeorgia. Those interested in Conference history are encouraged to consult the archives displayed at theConference and on the Conference website, www.gcypaa.org.

*Habitat For Humanity
A Journey that Can Change a Life Forever...
June 26-July 2

Collegiate Challenge is Habitat for Humanity's year-round alternative break program that provides opportunities for students from youth groups, high schools and colleges to spend a week of their school break building a house in partnership with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States.

A Collegiate Challenge trip may be the best school break trip you will ever have. Not only do you help people in need - it's also fun!

The HERO House recognizes the power of a truly alternative break, giving students the opportunity to not only have a great time on an affordable trip, but to do so while making a difference. Participants will enjoy being able to clearly see the impact their hearts and hands can have on a Habitat for Humanity house and its host community in just one week.

We look forward to taking our residents on this service trip. While in Augusta, not only will we work with Habitat, we will explore the culture and history of this enduring city. We will set aside the time for 12-Step Meetings in the Central Savannah River Area. We look forward to our HEROes becoming heroes for the week in Augusta!

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The Summer Family Weekend will be held June 24-26. Please RSVP for the weekend by June 17. We will begin the weekend with a Social Event on Friday evening. Saturday will be filled with workshops for the family and for residents. Sunday will offer opportunity for individual families to meet with staff to discuss your resident. I look forward to seeing you all at our next Family Weekend. California Families are invited to attend the Family Weekend activities.

Family Weekend

June 24-26

All Friday and Saturday activities will be at House 4 - 1780 Timberlake Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144

*All Residents attend these sessions

Friday, June 24

7:15 pm Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social....*

8:00 pm Graduation Ceremony*

Family members and friends of Andy H. are invited to attend. All HEROes will attend this event

Saturday, June 25

8:30 am Coffee and Pastries/Welcome

Kelly Moselle, Program Director

9:00 am-9:30 am Introductions of Staff and Families

9:30 am-10:30 am I Am Not Mr. Fix-It

Reid M. Al-Anon Member

10:30 am - 12:30 pm Enabling, Rescuing and Controlling

Bill Anderson, LCSW

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch*

1:30 pm-3:00 pm My Journey*

Chad H. Recovering Addict and Author

3:00 pm-4:30 pm Knees to Knees*

Kelly Moselle, Program Director

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Wrap-Up and Evaluations

5:00 pm and on Dinner on your own

Sunday, June 26

¨ Open for individual meetings with Staff, schedule with us during the weekend.

Hotel for Family Weekend

We have arranged for a HERO House rate at the Springhill Suites by Marriott for Family Weekend. Conveniently located a mile from our campus, it is a wonderful facility. Their website is www.springhillsuites.com/atlkn. You may reserve your suite for $89.00 by contacting the Kennesaw Springhill Suites at 770-218-5550 and ask for the HERO House rate.

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"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway."

~Mary Kay Ash

About The HERO House

The HERO House is a recovery residence for college students in early sobriety. We serve men and women in separate residences, based upon Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support, grounded in the 12-Step process. The HERO House is a community of students in recovery, sharing life experiences and helping each other achieve long term, quality sobriety and a manner of living that will make them outstanding contributors to our society.

Additionally, at the Higher Education Recovery Option, we work with students to return to school and to find the tools necessary to be successful while sober, on a college campus. We tell residents at intake that our program is typically a one-year program; however, we recognize some residents will finish early and some will need additional time. To successfully complete our program, residents need to complete a 12-Step Program, successfully complete one full-time semester of college, and to advance through all four of our levels of competency at The HERO House.