Over the years there have been No More Secrets (NMS) men who have wanted to donate to the recovery cause of others less fortunate. I always thought how great it would be if there was a non-profit 501c3 in place where people could safely give, get a tax break, be assured that the money would be used wisely, and all this without me being the driving force out front or in the background. Well now it has come to pass. Without my instigation or thumb print, a group of NMS men have created a non-profit for this purpose. If you are interested in learning more, the organization’s website is www.scholarshipsforsurvivors.org.
At the holiday party on December 11, 2014 there were 110 of us in attendance, the most ever. Last year we were at 81 and ten years ago at the first NMS Holiday Party we had 61. Truth be told we are bursting out of our annual venue in Seattle; it’s a great problem to have. The creation of the non-profit was announced at the party, and our community immediately responded that night. Enough money was raised to send one of our men to Survivors, a week long treatment workshop at The Meadows, Arizona. The generosity was overwhelming. I just wanted to say thanks and encourage more gifting especially before the New Year.
I asked one of the organizers of the non-profit endeavor to write a little something about the project, and his words are spot on. And as we all know, recovery is a gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for the support and have a very happy holiday and a safe, sane and sober New Year.
Love and hugs to all!
Jay P.
My wife and I have been incredibly blessed by the No More Secrets program and community. Through it we have changed our lives and repaired our marriage. Our words and actions and are now aligned with our values and morals. One welcome change for me was a new career with rewards both spiritually and financially. These are all miracles, pure and simple. Because of this we are compelled to give back.
We both enjoy giving back to our community through sponsorship, volunteering and service work. Now, with our non-profit, we hope to do more. A key component of our recovery and new healthy life together has been through our participation in trauma healing workshops. My wife attended “InnerPath” at Cottonwood in Tucson, AZ and I attended “Survivor’s Week” at The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ. These are amazingly effective programs run by experts in mental health. Unfortunately, because of the widespread damage addiction causes, sometimes the people who need it the most can’t afford treatment.
Scholarships for Survivors was founded to help bridge the gap for those with a financial need to get the healing they so desperately desire. Just as 12 Step recovery isn’t for everyone, our financial aid is intended specifically for those willing “to do whatever it takes” to get well. There are many who wish their lives would change but won’t put in the hard work to make it happen. There are no free rides in recovery.
Our Board of Directors supports men and women in long term recovery who work a solid 12 Step program, participate in a men’s or women’s recovery group, have the backing of a sponsor, and approval of a recovery coach or therapist to attend these treatments programs. We want to make sure this is a “hand up” not a “hand out”.
There are many deserving people in this community who need our help. If you have the desire and ability to support our cause, please visit www.scholarshipsforsurvivors.org. You can make a one-time donation or set up a monthly contribution to make sure that the painful effects of trauma are healed in a safe and supportive environment for those that need it the most.
Since our admin costs are covered by an “Angel Donor” every dollar you donate goes directly to treatment fees. The candidates provide for their own travel and accommodations where necessary. Our first recipient was just awarded a scholarship to attend “Survivor’s Week” in January! Will you help us send the next person?
JM
NO MORE SECRETS 