Results of Workshops in Washington:

We just completed the third Addiction Workshop in the area where I am living and the fourth begins in two weeks in Bellingham. I am encouraged that a major part of the mission that initially drew me here is coming to fruition; that is equipping local churches to  address addiction.

On Nov 1, The North Bay Christ the King Community Church will be hosting the beginning of a "Recovery Committee" to organize and coordinate recovery efforts at the church and in the local area. I will be inviting representatives from the other churches that hosted workshops to attend as well. My involvement will be serving as a consultant and support person with the local leadership.

Our first task will be "asset mapping" of the area; that is researching and itemizing what already is available and what is needed. Then we will do some "asset mapping" of those in the local churches involved. This has already begun with two dentists who are willing to help those recovering from long term meth-amphetamine addiction.  As you know meth strips away the health of teeth and untreated abscess can be fatal.  Also the cosmetic improvement of dentures or partials enhances recovery.

Two workshop participants shared when they first attempted recovery there was no available Detox available from the Canadian Border to Seattle. One goal will be to inquire and see what can be initiated in this area with the support of local churches and community organizations.

Any of my blog readers in the area that are interested are invited to attend. Contact me and I will get back to you with details.

I am so grateful for all those who have sent their thoughts, prayers, and financial support these last 15 months making this possible.

2nd Wellness Retreat

The second Wellness Retreat with men from the shelter at First United Church gathered at Camp Fircom on Gambier Island Sept 19-21. There were 4 men from the previous retreat accompanied by 5 new men. With the theme "Work and; Play" and to help keep costs at a minimum, the men all volunteered fencing the plot for the acre size garden being constructed. 

Two of the men assumed leadership as they had previous experience fencing. I was so impressed with the cooperation and team spirit shown by the group. They were so efficient, we only worked about 4 hours until running out of wire. Then we took a great 3 hour canoe and kayak trip to view seals around the corner of the island. 

Often I will hear a comment that shows the impact of these retreats. We made our own lunch in the field with great rolls, ham and cheese, and produce and trimmings from the existing garden. As we were doing so I overheard one of the men say, "I can't believe it, I have control of my own sandwich."

At the evening campfires,the men were open to my discussions how important a sense of belonging is, and the importance and role of  spiritual disciplines. All the men expressed an interest in returning and three men will be going over this week as volunteers working on the farm and enjoying some recreation. 

Since returning I have met with Jeff Willis, the Director of Fircom, and Stephen Gray, the Executive Director of Operations at First United. I will be inviting the men to a group meeting every other week, attempting to further the sense of community, well being, and belonging started at the retreat. 

We have starting planning to hold what I am calling "The Next Step." Those in any stage of recovery will be invited for four nights, and five days. I will help them assess where they could  take the next steps in their recovery. One of the goals will be grieving and recovering lost potential and moving past the losses of addiction. There will be an emphasis on Psych-Ed in the mornings and group process in the afternoons and evenings. The groups will also have access to kayaking, archery, hiking, and time to reflect and do written exercises in the beautiful and serene setting of Fircom. We will have a nurse present in case anyone goes through traumatic withdrawal during the week. Both groups are writing for grants to finance these events. 

Please keep this in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to see an outline of the "Next Step" process drop me an email and I will be glad to send it to you. 

Ross

Workshops this Fall

Labor Day signifies the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Summer vacations are over and schools and universities are about to begin again. Days are becoming shorter and evenings cooler. For me it means scheduling  workshops that have been discussed this summer. 

On my last blog I introduced you to Fircom and the Wellness retreat that was initiated with 10 men from First United Church. I am pleased to announce that a follow up retreat with the same group will be held again at Fircom Sept 19-21. One of our goals will be introducing the possibility of the group continuing to meet with me periodically after the retreat with the goal of building a sense of community out of our budding relationships. This would naturally lead to becoming a corp of mentors and involvement with others staying at the shelter leading to expanded involvement on more retreats for more residents. The impact on the group has been immeasurable and they are eager to return and offer their services one morning for a couple of projects establishing a farm. One of our group has volunteered to live on the island for six months in exchange for helping create the farm (he has 25 years experience farming before becoming dislocated economically). He has commented how he is feeling connected to himself once more. 

We are still working on plans to hold  my Addictions Workshop (which has now been extended to 6 hours of material) on Oct 26-28 at Fircom. Jeff Willis (the director) and I are also planning a major event we are calling The Next Step which would held 5 to 7 days at Fircom. The goal is to take a group from the shelter, accepting wherever they are in their pursuit of clean and sober living and intervening to help them take the next step. We will even have a nurse available given the possibility of someone going through withdrawal. 

Oct 6, 13, 20 I will be facilitating an Addictions Workshop with the North Bay Christ the King Community Church in Birch Bay where I am living. I have been meeting with the pastor Dan McEvoy and 10 interested folks from the church who are interested in having having an outreach and ministry to those addicted and / or recovering. When this comes to fruition, it will be the only outreach in a 30 mile radius from this side of Bellingham to the Canadian border. Last week one participant shared she has access to two dentists who will assist with dental care for those new to recovery. Can you imagine what an emotional boost this would be for a long term meth user? At the Workshop we will bring together thoughts and plans for a 12 step program and other community support. Most of you know what drives me is the belief that the local church should be the ideal setting for recovery. I also anticipate cooperation and sharing from the other local churches I have become acquainted with in this area. 

This fall I also will be holding an Addictions Workshop with The Jesus Gathering, a downtown Bellingham outreach that has been able to attract many of the marginalized in that area. It takes me back to the late 60's when I became a follower of Jesus in California during the Jesus Movement. A couple of times during the week they walk the streets of the most troubled area of Bellingham initiating conversations with the homeless, addicted, and a large number of dislocated students. 


A local coffee shop has given them 
the use of a back room where they can sit around a table discussing areas of interest and establishing friendships. On Thursday evenings they have an open mic at the Majestic and the local musical talent is amazing. Many of those living in the area are very gifted and giving them a public place to express their talents can be so encouraging to them. They also teach Bible studies at the nearby Mission as well as the coffee shop. 

Sunday afternoons they have an upbeat worship service followed by a meal prepared by other churches to serve to those in attendance. They meet in the basement of the Majestic which has a large meeting room and a kitchen.

The picture in a near by park shows folks that attend the Gathering enjoying a picnic last month which attracted some of the dislocated neighborhood folks just passing by. 

The Grandview Calvary Baptist Church has an outreach to the marginalized in Vancouver known as JustWork. They have three industries: pottery, small construction / painting, and catering. They are providing jobs and also assisted living for those in the DTES. I recently met with their leadership and we will be doing a Workshop with their with staff and those employed in this non- profit, social enterprise. I hope you will take time to look at their website to really get a grasp on how important and creative a ministry this is. They have a traditional church and a missional church holding services in the sanctuary, one in the morning and the other Sunday evening. They have a balance of presenting the spiritual and social gospel I am thrilled to be associated with. 

When I have consolidated all these dates, we are planning to have another workshop at the Dugout. Last time we had folks from the AA group that meets there, those from the neighborhood who drop in for morning soup line or a place to relax during the daytime and the staff of volunteers.

I will greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers as my schedule feels quite demanding added to my other involvements in the DTES.

Ross

Retreat at Camp Fircom

On July 23-25, I joined ten men from the DTES and three staff for the first "Wellness Retreat" at Camp Fircom  on Gambier Island. This was a remarkable and memorable experience for all involved and a great success leading to the possibility of a return visit in Sept. We shared the space with camping staff that was training for the upcoming children's groups. We shared a common table at meals and many of the activities including canoeing, kayaking, archery, evening campfires, hiking, swimming, working in the garden, and helping clean up an an area under reconstruction. 

Jeff Willis, the executive director was directly involved with our group, initially making everyone feel welcome and affirming the pledge of the camp that all involved will be treated with dignity. It was amazing to see the groups merge with open exchanges and mutual support. Our group named themselves "The Boys from DTES" and all commented how they were able to operate with trust and openess just being away from the culture of the Eastside. We are hoping that this group of men will become part of the group we hope to become  the nucleus for creating a community at First United Church that promotes wellness.                                               

As you know it is my commitment to be part of creating the cultural - social networks that are essential for recovery from addiction or the trauma that creates home-lessness. I feel there must be a spiritual component to this, and the Christian Church at large ought to be the ideal setting. It must be stronger and more influential than the drug culture. Hence, my interest in presenting workshops on addiction. 

For a few days I saw this in effect. The spirit of cooperation was wonderful and I am so pleased a number of the men shared with me traumas, events, and issues that were troubling them.

One of the participants was Brad Firth, a member of the Gwichin band (related to the Navajo tribe) who grew up in the Arctic. He has three years being clean and sober. He was active as an athlete growing up but this was lost in his addiction. He has started running marathons being associated with Run for Change. RFC works in partnership with Carnegie Community Centre and its aim is to introduce low-income, shelter, recovery and homeless people living in Vancouver’s Downtown East side to a healthier, more active lifestyle through regular running/walking.

Next May 8th, Brad is planning on running from Vancouver to Inuvik, North West Territories to draw attention to recovery from addiction. It is 2800 miles and he plans to take 3-4 months to complete his Run to the Arctic. I committed to being there for his departure.

Jeff Willis has done a wonderful job reorganizing Camp Fircom which has gone through a major reconstruction and renewal of program in the last few years. He has a heart for DTES and we discussed holding a 5 day addictions workshop titled The Next Step. I am in the process of writing up a proposal which would be for 9 men who are in some stage of recovery. The goal would be to consider what would be the next step for them to regain the potential they lost in addiction as well as the next step in moving beyond the losses experienced in addiction.

The potential of Fircom is unlimited, as is the possibility of offering workshops there if our thinking materializes.  

The "spirit" of my colleagues...

I am regularly inspired by the qualities of those that serve the DTES at First United and their dedication to being of service to the marginalized.  This letter from my colleague Layton Peck catches this "spirit." I hope you will listen to his video at the end of the letter. 

• To all my colleagues and friends at First United I want to say goodbye, thank you, and farewell. It has indeed been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of his congregation, parish, and the Downtown East Side since April of 2011 and it has been my life’s a great delight to have been given the opportunity by Nina and Ric to make a difference from the shaping the celebrations for our 125th Anniversary ‘Party in the Park’, through the past year of radical and accelerated change here at First United. I have been richly blessed.
  
  I had heard of the work of the First United Church Mission of Vancouver long before moving to BC, and at the time when my life was at it’s absolute lowest, when I was without a home of my own, you took me in, became my family, and gave me a purpose and community in which to thrive. I will, as have so many people who have been served by this institution, ever have a warm place in my heart for you all, still the time has come when I must move on and answer a different call. For those of you whom I may have angered, frustrated, or offended I ask forgiveness, such was never my intent. For those who have sought my advice and shared their confidences I return my humble gratitude and affection, with continued prayers for the growth of your daily blessings. And, for all who have shared their stories, songs, sorrows, frustrations, and laughter, who have broken bread with me here, who have held vigil with me against the forces of darkness, addiction, disease, and depression, and kept the vulnerable of the DTES safe through the night I offer my love, thanks, and friendship.
  
  In my 60 years I have had the honour of being received by, met, and dined with, Presidents and Prime Ministers, Corporate CEO’s, Astronauts, Elite Athletes, Nobel Laureates, and the wealthy and famous from the Arts, Music, Politics, History, Sport, and Industry. Yet among them all I have never met a finer group of individuals than you. I am so very proud to have been a “Firster”. To have had the opportunity to offer a cup of cold water to those who thirst, to bind up open wounds, and after a year of trying, to finally have gotten Mikal Bales to go to the hospital. Mikal told me last Saturday that he knew he needed to go, but he was dragging his feet because he would miss this place. Because it is his home, and it is here that he is loved and appreciated most. I know exactly what Mikal meant.
  
  Here, in this place I have been honoured and humbled to have been asked to pray with the grieving, the conflicted, the ill, and the abused. To have with Amanda’s assistance, saved Cheryl’s life on Christmas Eve. What a special privilege it is to have seen Thomas these 2 and a half months sober, to have been a friend of Irish Mike, Mikal, Dan, Mateyo, Fernando, Tim Whiskey-Oscar-Delta, Tony, Roz, Jodie, Noreen, Elsie, Miles, Brian, Greg, Jimmy Dion, Kelly and far to many more to name. I am so grateful to have known Tina James, to have wept with Rabbi David at Charlene’s passing, to have been prayed over by Rev. Sally and Ross Banister, to have jammed with Stephen Gray, to know Rodney Watson, and to be a colleague of everyone who ever put on the ‘Blue Vest’. To have been embraced, fist pumped, or slapped on the frozen shoulder, and called Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, Pastor, Friend, “Pucking Gar-r-r-r-r-bage Shift Manager”, and so many less flattering names by the wondrous palate of people that make up of the Canvas of the First United Church – The Firsters of the Downtown East Side. So now I take my leave with thanks, admiration, and a tinge of sadness – and the knowledge that I can finally smoke a cigarette without being asked for the kill.
  
  A video gift to you, from Calvin Harrington and Myself, with all my thanks for your help and support, and for the opportunity to have been one of and among you - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIKYXqBfzP8
  
  May the Lord bless you and keep you,
  
  May God’s Face shine upon you
  
  And be gracious unto you
  
  Yes, and may God grant you Peace
  
  This day and ever more . . . . goodbye,

"...a brother in need..."

Vancouver City Workshop at the Dugout

Friday, representatives of the City of Vancouver Community Services Group held a workshop at the Dugout. The purpose was to do some asset mapping and beginning to collect data from the residents of the DTES (Downtown Eastside) about what places and things are important to them. Participants opinions and observations will help the city planners understand the effects of development for the future of the community. This was the first of many workshops to be held in the area and the findings will be published this fall.

Tanya Fink, a Social Policy Planner organized the event. I am very familiar with her compassion and effectiveness as she serves in the Eastside. She started volunteering at the Church a few years ago, and was motivated by these experiences to get her master's degree in social planning at the University of British Columbia.

The group attending all had low income housing in DTES. Tanya had a large map of the area and each person used colored dots to demonstrate the assets of the community that are meaningful to them. The Dugout, First United Church, The Carnegie Centre and a variety of parks were the most common. General agreement was formed on the need for a large recreation center offering athletic, recreational and educational programs.

There were three men at my table who have lived in the DTES ranging from 17 to 33 years. It was my first in-depth chance to visit with residents who had worked regularly but are not now because of disabilities from  work injury or retirement. Two are living in SRO's (Single Room Occupancy) where 8-10 rooms share a bathroom and cooking is impractical in their rooms. They listed a half dozen new housing developments that have taken in homeless but not the existing residents in lesser facilities. One of the men who worked 17 years while living in the Eastside was talking about becoming homeless to gain entry given the advice of his residence manager.He has been applying for 8 years. He was prepared to get a tent and live this way if it would gain him access by being homeless. The other man had worked 32 years as a roofer while living in the area.

My primary interests are addressing addiction, but recovery is not possible unless there are stronger social / cultural / spiritual influences available than the drug culture. Safe low cost housing is essential for this to happen in the DTES.This all is in stark contrast to most of Vancouver which has the highest cost of living in North America.

Tanya will be holding another workshop like this in a variety of settings with the next one on June 26 at First United Church where most of the participants will be homeless. It will be interesting to gain from their perspectives.