17 YEARS PEPtalksSummer 2021 - Parents Empowering Parents
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
17 YEARS
PEPtalks
Summer 2021
Parents Empowering Parents
Providing education, innovative programming, support and hope for individuals or families dealing with or concerned about substance abuse/addiction.
Here We Go Again — a parent’s message
I t all feels so familiar. Unwantedly so
familiar. The difference with now, is
that we know what to expect and we
We started attending PEP meetings
regularly through a recommendation from
our doctor and slowly began to get our
would go from hysterically sobbing because
her life was falling apart to rage and verbal
abuse because we would say “NO” to
know what we need to do. Six years ago life back. We learned that our daughter’s insincere apologies for her outburst and
when our journey began, we were thrown journey was her own and we had to walk back around again. In our education of
headfirst into the chaos, fear, lies and our own path to recovery. We slowly began addiction, we were able to know exactly
manipulation of our daughters addiction. to do the things we enjoyed doing again. what was coming next. Of course as a
We felt lost and broken. We eventually got our lives back. It all parent, even with all of our knowledge,
felt wonderful. We were able get healthy we still held on to the chance that maybe
in spite of her addiction. We continued to she’s just going through something. Maybe
enjoy life while holding on to hope for our we’re wrong. Denial. Until the last time that
daughter every single day. At some point we saw her. There was no mistaking our
along the way, she decided to try recover fears. HERE WE GO AGAIN.
in her own way and we supported any step So, where do we go from here? It’s all
in the right direction. We started to work so unwantedly familiar. The difference
on healing our relationship with her again with this time is that we have the tools we
to rebuild trust together. We saw her start need. I started to feel drawn back into the
to get her life back and have passion once chaos but this time I was able to recognize
again. Although she never received any it, regroup and rebalance. We are going
counselling for her trauma, pain and all of back to basics but we’re on much more
the issues that caused her to start using, solid ground this time. Back to basics
she held on tight and kept on going. She means attending PEP meetings regularly
was white knuckling it but that’s the path again. It means calling the support line
she chose. when needed. It means remembering
Until recently. Old behaviours started how to breathe through it all. Putting
creeping in. She lost her job because of one foot in front of the other and being
her “anxiety”. We started to only hear present in the moment. Not getting caught
from her if she needed money. Which was
continued on page 2
becoming more frequent. The stories were
becoming more elaborate. The messages
more incoherent. Everything was everyone
else’s fault. The predictable mood swings. It
FAMILY
SUPPORT
VIRTUAL MEETINGS LINE
Family Recovery Group Meetings & U-Turn
Did you know that PEP has a professionally
(youth/young adults at risk) 16-24 Meetings managed support line available days,
Virtual Meetings will continue until further notice. evenings, and weekends?
For all updates visit www.pepsociety.ca The number is 780.293.0737
toll free 1-877-991-2737
Want to learn more about Boundaries? Attend a PEP Meeting or call the Parent Support Line 780.293.0737. www.pepsociety.ca
Here We Go Again
continued from page 1
MEDD-X Alumni –
the journey of recovery
up in the “what ifs”. Reevaluating and
reenforcing our boundaries. It’s knowing
that no matter what, we’ll be ok. We still
worry about her and think about her every
day. We still hold on to the hope that one
day she will surrender and reach out for
the help that she needs. We pray for her
Roberto’s Story…
to stay safe in the dangerous world of So an update as to how life has unfolded for me…. My life
addiction. Through all of this, we always, has meaning today in so many ways. I’ve been employed with
always love her and miss her like crazy.
People ask us questions like, “What
AHS as a peer support worker for 2 years now. At the end of
do you think will happen to her?”, “How this year, it will also be two years working with PEP’s U-turn
is she getting money to pay for stuff?”, (youth at risk) program as a peer support facilitator. I’ve been
“Where do you think she is?”, “Do you
employed with the Edmonton Drug
think she’ll call you?”. They say things
like, “How do you do it?”, “Aren’t you treatment court program. With all my
worried?”, “I’m so sorry”. The truth is jobs, all my roles, I’m able to use my
that we don’t have any answers to these lived experience to build meaningful
questions. We don’t know what tomorrow
relationships and provide hope with
holds and we probably shouldn’t know
the details of how she is surviving. We do my story. There are so many cool
know that when she is ready, we are going experiences that I’ve been able to have
to be here for her. To walk with her in due to the meaningful work I have.
her recovery. We will provide a safe and
healthy space for her to come “home” to.
As of January 2021, I’ve been enrolled
This journey is filled with so many ups at MacEwan part-time and I finished
and downs. Relapse is a very real part of my Psych 105 class with an –A. I am currently enrolled in
addiction and recovery. It’s ok to stumble
SOCI 224 Deviance and Conformity class. I have been able to
and fall down and then get back up again.
This can happen over and over as long as experience growth in areas of my life I used to feel completely
you have the strength to keep going. So overwhelmed about. I’ve been able to rebuild trust with
you do just that. Each time you get back AnaBelle’s (my daughter) mom and for the last month have
up, you find that you are stronger than
had AnaBelle at my own home under my own care. July 1 I
the last time. Find your strength in hope,
support and love. You are never failing will be moving to a place that is 3 blocks away from AnaBelle.
as long as you keep on trying. We are so My journey of recovery is taking me to new adventures and
blessed to have our PEP family to walk accomplishments. I find myself feeling so blessed and I am
along with us in our journey. This is how
we GO AGAIN.
super grateful to continue to be a part of the PEP family.
Partnership Spotlight
Virtual
Meetings
will
Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) has been Courts. Drug Treatment Court participants
continue
a long standing partner of the Edmonton
Drug Treatment Court Service (a program
are actively engaged in PEP’s restorative
component of their Family Recovery Group.
until further notice
of the Edmonton John Howard Society) This group provides an avenue to help build a
and is looking forward to expanding supportive community and provide hope and For all updates visit
that partnership across Alberta as other
communities are opening Drug Treatment
recovery to families who have been impacted
by addiction.
www.pepsociety.ca
Restorative Justice Works
2 Parents Empowering Parents • Summer 2021
Focus on Today Thank you
to our
by Lerena Greig
supporters
T here is a well known saying in the steps of
recovery, one day at a time or “for today
Education can promote health and recovery.
Through active engagement and support, those
Abrasive Blast & Paint Inc.
THANK YOU
only”. Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed who attend feel heard and empowered.
and tomorrow is not promised yet. There If you or someone you know has a loved one, Apex Contracting inc.
are many teachings out there today on being friend or colleague struggling with substance Roger & Reit Bland Family Fund
mindful in the present. Simply, this means use or addiction and is looking for knowledge
BMO Wealth Management,
you are focused and engaged in the here and and support, reach out. BMO Nesbitt Burns
now. This can be very difficult when you You are not alone, join the PEP family and
have a loved one in active addiction and your be empowered today. Butler Family Foundation
“present” is emotional pain, fear of outcomes Forget the former things, I am doing a new CALLS Community Adult
and stress. If this is your reality today, you thing. Focus on today. Learning & Literacy Society,
might understandably wonder how increasing Fort Saskatchewan &
Strathcona County
your awareness of these experiences can benefit Lerena Greig
you. Committing to being focused on today Executive Director Canadian Progress Club, Silks
is challenging in turbulent times especially if Facilitator Family Recovery Group Canadian Progress Club,
avoidance tends to be a coping strategy. St. Albert
When we acknowledge our fears and stress Claysmore Pure Ltd.
in the moment, we can learn to interrupt these
patterns before they trap us into a spiral of County Clothes-Line Foundation
distress. At first, it might seem uncomfortable Dacro Industries inc.
and not quite right. But over time, you will
Edmonton Community
start to recognize that you are focused on the Foundation
moment and able to cope within that moment
Greig Printing & Stationery ltd.
based on your new learnings. If you notice
your thoughts wandering, gently bring yourself Halkier + Dutton Design
back to the present without judgement or Felix & Pat Kuefler Fund
negative self talk.
This is just an example of a teaching that McCradyRouke Advisory
may happen in our Family Recovery Group. The Medicine Shoppe
Pharmacy, Sherwood Park
Minerva Foundation
Realtors Community
Foundation, Edmonton & Area
PEP Across Alberta Visit with Earl Thiessen, Executive Director of Oxford
House; Working together to empower recovery!
St. Albert Alliance Church
Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Society SITE a Centurion Company
is now a provincial organization. The Strathcona Bugle
PEP reaches Alberta-Wide, removing barriers Strathcona County
of location to support all municipalities across Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church
Alberta and their families. Supported by the Style Lounge Apparel Etc.
Alberta Government, Alberta Health COVID-19 Sunrise Community Church
Community Grant.
TELUS Edmonton
A bi-weekly Permanent Virtual Group started Community Board
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 Volunteer Strathcona
Womanition
Toll Free Family New Educational Also, thank you to our
Support Line regular monthly donors.
PEP now has a professionally managed toll free
Webinars Working together to
Family Support Line 1-877-991-2737 Watch web-site for NEW educational webinars
free registration - last Monday of the month empower families in
Operates days/evening/weekends pre- registration is required by https:// crisis towards health
pepsociety.ca/free-webinars/ or emailing and wellness.
info@pepsociety.ca
visit www.pepsociety.ca for ongoing updates and
special announcements or email info@pepsociety.ca
YES I Want to Help Rebuild Hope for Families
Name
With a one-time gift
Address
q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250
q $500 q $1000 q Other: $ ____________ City Prov.
Postal Code Phone
With a monthly gift
Email
q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250
Charity Number 8432300270RR0001
q $500 q $1000 q Other: $ ____________ Gifts by: q Cheque q VISA q Mastercard
Card Number
q Yes, I would like to subscribe to
Expiry Date Amount
your email notifications
Security Code
Email
Signature
Mail form to: Parents Empowering Parents, 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 or Fax 780-449-1220
PEP Programs
VIRTUAL MEETING VIRTUAL MEETING Rebuilding Hope Through Giving
Family Recovery Group Meeting NEW U-Turn (youth/young
DAY PEP Society relies on individual donations, grants,
PEP meets weekly to provide support, education, adults at risk) 16-24 corporate and community group support. This
strength, and hope to parents and families of youth, U–Turn supports youth & young adults involved in equips us to support more families dealing with the
young adults, and/or adult children. Professionally substance use to explore their situations through effects of substance abuse and allows growth in the
facilitated discussion provides insight and direction casual discussion and education in a no-pressure professionally facilitated programs that we offer.
for parents and families dealing with their child’s environment. Runs concurrently to the Sherwood There are many ways to provide hope:
substance abuse issues. No registration is required Park PEP meetings. See website for schedule. Drop
to attend these ‘virtual’ meetings. in Meeting. No registration required.
MONTHLY GIVING
Visit www.pepsociety.ca and go to donations tab
Weekly Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm Every Second Monday and click on Donate Now button (secure web-site
Bi-Weekly Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm June 14, 28 through Canada Helps)
Bi-Weekly Thursdays 7pm to 9pm July 12, 26 DONATIONS VIA CHEQUE OR NEWSLETTER
Can also be mailed directly to 2001 Sherwood
SEE you “Zoom” Due to ongoing challenges August 9, 23 Drive, Sherwood Park, AB, T8A 3W7
with physically connecting, PEP is joining the
“Zoomers” and having ‘virtual’ Family Recovery YEAR-END DONATION for tax reasons.
Group and U-turn (16-24) meetings. MEDD-X Directed by your request through the United Way
www.pepsociety.ca. See pop up and home page The Motivational Education for Ex-Drug Dealers (Alberta Capital Region)
for times and links for both groups and calendar (MEDD-X) is a recognized program that provides CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
for dates. Check PEP website for when face-to-face convicted drug dealers an opportunity to gain
meetings will resume. an understanding of their impact on individuals, THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISERS
families, and the community, while supporting LEGACY GIFTS
June 1, 2, 8, 10, 15, 16, 22, 24, 28 (Webinar), 29, 30
parents/families with insight into the drug/
Thank you for supporting your community and
July 6, 8, 13, 14, 20, 22, 26 (Webinar), 27, 28 street world. Participants for this program must
be referred and approved by staff via phone rebuilding hope for families. PEP Society is a
August 3, 5, 10, 11, 17, 19, 24, 25, 30 registered charity
780.410.8516 or email info@pepsociety.ca
(Webinar), 31
Parent Mentorship Program For dates confirmed, you can also visit ZOOM Link
This program connects parents with parents. https://pepsociety.ca/calendar/pep-family-
recovery-meeting/ Here is the zoom link for ALL Family Recovery
Mentors selected to listen, relate, share hope, share
Group meetings and U-turn meetings https://
ideas, and provide additional support to parents Make sure you have calendar set to “month” view. pepsociety.ca/covid-19-notice/
new to PEP. Request for this service can be made All meetings are still virtual until further notice.
with the meeting facilitator.
www.pepsociety.ca support line: 780-293-0737 2001 Sherwood Drive
info@pepsociety.ca tel: 780-410-8516 Sherwood Park,
fax: 780-449-1220 AB T8A 3W7
Providing education, innovative programming, support and hope for individuals or families dealing with or concerned about substance abuse/addiction.You can also read
