#Congratulations to all of our #alumni that #celebrate #recovery #milestones this month in #calgary and #lethbridge. Each of you are a #miracle and an #inspiration to us all! Thank you for sharing your #journey with us and for all that you do for our #community. Thank to all that attended in person, online and in #spirit. #recoveryworks #service #fellowship #love #freshperspectives #step12 #freshstart https://www.instagram.com/p/Cov1COxrftt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Our Executive director Bruce Holstead had the tremendous honor of receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal this week. This award is given to a person who is noted for making a significant contribution to the betterment of Alberta. An interesting fact about this award is that Bruce's late father was one of the first recipients of this award for his service and military contributions, and Bruce will be in the group that will receive the last of the medals awarded in the late Queens name. Bruce will be celebrating his 25th recovery milestone this year; he has been a champion for addiction and mental health in our province and across Canada for many years. He works tirelessly at helping break down barriers and stigmas associated with addiction and recovery and knows that recovery is possible. Under his leadership, our organization continues to flourish, break new ground, and help individuals recover from addiction. Bruce has stated that he shares this honor with the entire Fresh Start Community. Without the vision and work of those that came before him and the continued support of our Community Partners, the Fresh Start Board, Staff, Alumni and Clients, we would not be able to do what we do.  Congratulations to Bruce and all the other recipients on a well-deserved honor for all you have done and continue to do for our community.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CoIxBJvv9py/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This week some of our clients attended #culture camp put on by the #Indigenous #recovery coach program in South #lethbridge. The 3 day #event included #Blackfoot story telling, #drum making and lessons. Oral history and teachings of #traditional #medicines. We are #grateful and #honored to have been able to participate in this wonderful event in our #community. (at Lethbridge, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoBhMS0LyH2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The #freshperspectives word for this week is integrity, check out our feed daily for new perspectives from the #freshstart #community. #integrity is the groundwork #principle that instructs our #recovery daily, at #home, #work, or at #play. Integrity helps us develop and maintain our own personal #value system and to identify who and what we want to be known for. Step 5 in the #12step program of recovery is about taking the moral inventory made in step 4 and admitting first to a #higherpower of your own understanding, next to #yourself, and last to another person. You can #practice integrity in your recovery by reaching out to a #support when you are unsure, daily spot checks and of course doing the next right thing. Basically, having integrity is to live honestly, It creates a positive #culture of open #communication and gives us a strong moral compass for all our decisions. When you have integrity, you gain trust and respect from the people around you. Here are some common traits that a person with integrity shows: -     Expressing #gratitude for others. -     Valuing #honesty and openness. -     Taking responsibility and #accountability for your actions, good and bad. -     Respecting yourself and others around you no matter where you are. -     Demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness. -     Refrain from sharing secrets and confidential information with others. -     Remain #honest with the people around you. -     Avoid #gossiping about other people. -     Follow through on promises you make. -     Return found items without an expectation of receiving a reward. -     Admit when you are wrong. #Freshthoughts: Why is integrity an important core value? https://www.instagram.com/p/CoAe5zcptXf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"#FreshStart #remodeled our #hearts, so we #remodelled the centre. Anise's Group showed their #gratitude for completing phase one by putting #Step12 to #action by #giving back to the centre by #painting one of Lethbridge's main group rooms. #Congratulations to you all for completing group and we are #excited to follow your #journey in your #newlives in #recovery. (at Lethbridge, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn8GAIpPk-L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook and broadens our perspective.” ― Germany Kent Congratulations to Anise’s Group on celebrating their #gratitude tomorrow at 6:30pm in #Lethbridge at Parallel Church. These seven amazing men and women have completed the first phase of their recovery journey at @freshstartrecovery and have had a change in #attitude. They walk forward together with brighter #outlooks on the #beggining of their #recovery journey and have had their #perspectives of what lies ahead broadend. Welcome to the #Freshstartalumni!! We are excited for all of the great things to come to each one of you in this new life in #recovery We hope that you are able to join us in person but if you are not please email [email protected] for the link to join online. @parallelchurches Alumni can also join residents in person at our centre in Calgary to virtually cheer on the group. (at Lethbridge, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn0XNEiP3wS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#Congratulations to all of our #alumni that #celebrated #recovery #milestones tonight in #calgary and #lethbridge. Each of you are a #miracle and an #inspiration to us all! Thank you for sharing your #journey with us tonight and for all that you do for our #community. Thank to all that attended in person, online and in #spirit. #recoveryworks #service #fellowship #love #freshperspectives #freshstart https://www.instagram.com/p/CnlUok2LV2h/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This past #weekend, some of our #freshstart #alumni and clients hosted some of our #community partners and #friends for another #floorhockey tournament in #calgary. Everyone in attendance had a day filled with excitement, competition and a ton of #sober fun. Throughout the day, there was time to #connect, #laugh, and build new #friendships and bonds in early #recovery! https://www.instagram.com/p/CnQUvXwvHz_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"Gratitude helps you to #grow and expand; gratitude brings #joy and #laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you." - Eileen Caddy Join us in welcoming these five individuals from our centre in #calgary into the #FreshStart Alumni. Help us congratulate them on completing group and celebrating #gratitude. Over these last 90 days, they have grown and expanded their minds in #recovery. They have been filled with gratitude, and you can hear the laughter and joy through the halls; they are ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey, where they will share it with everyone around them. The #risk they have taken in entering a life of recovery is showing the rewards. We are excited and #grateful to walk beside you as each of you trudge forward in your #recovery. This week's gratitude will be live from Calgary at 6:30pm. In Lethbridge, Alumni can join clients at our facility to cheer on the group virtually. If you would like to join via Livestream, please email [email protected] will be using the Microsoft Teams platform. You may need to download the Microsoft teams app or get a free Microsoft account. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm-Vrj0vV_y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Today is the big day!! Have you figured out your #sober #newyears plans yet? You can purchase tickets at the door cash or card! Make sure you don’t miss celebrating with your #friends, #family and #recovery #community!! Ring in 2023 at Fresh Start Recovery CentreDate: December 31, 2022 Time: 8 pm - 12:30 am DJ: DJ Barbaro Tickets include snacks, refreshments & party favours. Adults: $20 each or $10 for guests in treatment Children 12 + under: Free https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm16vA1pifk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Congratulations to Gethin for being recognized by the @nllroughnecks for his contributions to the #FreshStart #community as a #volunteer and a #donor! Gethin is the son of our counsellor @mrrecovery Andrew Jenkins who with his wonderful wife @1superlaura and son all give back so much to the #recoverycommunity we are blessed to walk beside so many #incredible people. Thank you to everyone that has volunteered, donated and showed up for Fresh Start Recovery this past year. We could not do what we do without each and every one of #you. One #day, one #week and one #year at a time we continue to #help individuals and their #communities #recover from #addiction. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm0k3ikOkYX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Just one day left till we close out the year together. Have you figured out your #sober #newyears plans yet? You can purchase tickets at the door cash or card! Make sure you don’t miss celebrating with your #friends, #family and #recovery #community!! Ring in 2023 at Fresh Start Recovery CentreDate: December 31, 2022 Time: 8 pm - 12:30 am DJ: DJ Barbaro Tickets include snacks, refreshments & party favours. Adults: $20 each or $10 for guests in treatment Children 12 + under: Free Click on our story, visit our website or come to the door to buy tickets. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freshstartrecoverycentre/819360?fbclid=IwAR26NxfvElnM8k8drjfJ_V2h2HX6AxJ9_9w-pNQOONKowN3bgRDKJRNq6rM (at Fresh Start Recovery Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmz7jKOvjs-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Have you figured out your #sober #newyears plans yet? Ring in 2023 at Fresh Start Recovery CentreDate: December 31, 2022 Time: 8 pm - 12:30 am DJ: DJ Barbaro Tickets include snacks, refreshments & party favours. Adults: $20 each or $10 for guests in treatment Children 12 + under: Free Click on our story, visit our website or come to the door to buy tickets. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freshstartrecoverycentre/819360?fbclid=IwAR26NxfvElnM8k8drjfJ_V2h2HX6AxJ9_9w-pNQOONKowN3bgRDKJRNq6rM (at Fresh Start Recovery Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmwrn_9pOAC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Yesterday the @freshstartalumniassociation set up a #bowling event for the clients, #alumni and some of their #families in #calgary and #lethbridge. Everyone had a blast and enjoyed the #fellowship and some friendly #competition. Our Alumni plan events throughout the year and run in house meetings to connect and share their #experience, #strength and #hope with those new in recovery and show that #sobriety can be #fun. We have a huge support system around us with our every growing alumni and #community. Join us in Calgary for our #newyearseve celebration starting at 8pm check out our other posts for more information!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CmuLPa-PaYM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Fresh Start has been once again chosen this year in the top 10 Canadian impact charities as well as Top 5 Calgary Impact charities. Thank you for your continued support in helping us recover individuals from addiction! MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DONATIONS FOR THE END OF THIS YEAR ⠀ “A growing niche of donors each year is looking for terrific charities to support, particularly those that have measurable, proven, and high impact. Most charities claim that they “make a difference” in the lives of those they work with, but it is very difficult for donors to tell how much of a difference any given charity is making. Charity Intelligence’s rigorous analysis measures this difference, or the impact, charities actually make to see how each dollar we give can create the most positive change.  Over $18 billion was given to charities by Canadian donors last year and a significant portion of that is going to less effective charities. Donors often focus on the reputation of the charity or they get distracted by salaries or administrative costs when what really matters is understanding the impact they create. “Some charities create a lot of change with the donations given to them. Others have almost nothing to show for the money coming from donors” says Greg Thomson, Director of Research at Charity Intelligence. “Of the 300 Canadian charities we have analysed for impact, these Top 10 have the highest measurable demonstrated impact. Our calculations estimate this group of Top 10 Impact Charities delivers average returns of almost 7 dollars for every dollar donated, compared with overall average charity returns of only 1-2 dollars.” To donate click on the link, visit our website or click on our story. https://www.freshstartrecovery.ca/donate-now-to-30-years-of-gratitude/ ⠀ http://www.charityintelligence.ca/ @charityintel ⠀ ⠀ Fresh Start Recovery Www.freshstartrecovery.ca https://www.instagram.com/p/CmrbgsOJA53/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Please Remember… "Your presence is a present to the world. You are unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take the days just one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. You will make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many answers. Understand, have courage, and be strong. Do not put limits on yourself. So many dreams are waiting to be realized. Decisions are too important to leave to chance. Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying. The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets. Do not take things too seriously. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. Remember that a little love goes a long way. Remember that a lot… goes forever. Remember that friendship is a wise investment. Life’s treasure is people together. Realize that it is never too late. Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Have heart, hope and happiness. Take the time to wish upon a star. And don’t ever forget… For even a day… How very special you are." Author unknown. From All of us… To All of you We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Bruce Holstead CCAC Executive Director Fresh Start Recovery Centre “How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.” ― Bill Bennot https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkiJ69Pdge/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The Owen Hart Foundation came by Fresh Start for a visit this month to learn a little more about our organization. Over the last week the OHF #elves were spreading last minute #christmas #cheer by delivering much needed #winter gear for our clients. Thank you to our #community for your generosity and for all that you do. To learn more about the foundation check out the links below and check out their profile @owenhartfoundation Follow them on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/@owen_foundation. Explore the meaning of life through the movies you watch with Dr. Martha Hart's Movie Meaning Blog at: https://moviemeaningsmainmessages.com/blog-feed/ 📽🎭 (at Fresh Start Recovery Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmjoQRFJoMH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=