Following the loss of two community members to substance use disorder, the recovery community has gathered to share their sentiments and encourage others struggling to enter a life of recovery.
Numerous community members that are a part of the recovery community in Clinton County have bound together over the holiday season to celebrate the lives of two individuals who lost their lives and invite those struggling with substance use disorder to join the recovery community for help, friendship and more. Chris Ward, Director of Trinity Hope Center, stated in a previous interview that the holiday season commonly serves as a “trigger” for many individuals who struggle with substance use disorder, and he continued to state that the recovery community in Clinton County yearns to help those struggling during this time.
“To those of you in active addiction with breath in your body, you still have a chance,” Ward wrote. “A life after addiction is not only possible, but it’s beautiful and freeing, and it’s a gift that you are worthy of experiencing.”
Ward appeared on the WILO Partyline morning show in October and shared his story of how he became ingrained in the recovery community, stating that he has reached a milestone of 8 years sober. Ward expressed that entering a life of recovery was the best decision he could have made, and he has now taken steps as the Director of the Trinity Hope Center to continue spreading his message. Ward stated that joining the recovery community allows for individuals to form bonds that will keep them on their recovery journey and help them through hardships.
“You cannot do this on your own regardless (of) what you think,” Ward wrote. “Sobriety and recovery are different and we can help you.”
Ward concluded by encouraging community members struggling with substance use disorder to become involved with the community, explore the stories of those that have benefited from the resources and embark on their journey to recovery.
“If you don’t believe that a life after addiction is possible, I encourage you to look around at your peers involved in the Clinton County Recovery Community,” Ward wrote. “You’ll find countless examples of people who have overcome their addiction through hard work and perserverance and went on to live beautiful lives. I want that for you. Please don’t be the next death, I’m begging you. We love you. We recover together.”
Rodney Wann, Clinton County Health Department Administrator, echoed Ward’s sentiments regarding the recovery community and starting a journey to recovery. Wann served as a founding chairperson for the Clinton County Opioid Treatment and Recovery Group, and he stated that the resources are available for those that need help to walk along the path of recovery.
“I wanted to reach out to the Clinton County Recovery Community and express my profound sadness at the recent losses you have suffered–two lives needlessly lost this holiday period to addiction,” Wann wrote. “We have come so far, but yet every day we have so much work to still do. Prayers to all of you who are touched by these lives lost. There is strength in numbers. Stay strong. Keep the faith. Reach out if you need help.”
The Clinton County community is revered across the state for its recovery resources and the activity of the recovery community with resources such as A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope, One80 Recovery Resources, Trinity Hope Center and WeCare Recovery Home.
A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope at 1951 Wilshire Dr. in Frankfort:
Brianna’s Hope is a welcoming organization that sees nearly 100 visitors every week who gather
together, enjoy a meal together, worship together and recover together. Brianna’s Hope meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church at 1951 Wilshire Dr. in Frankfort. Visitors are encouraged to use the southeast entrance S4. Brianna’s Hope may be contacted for more information under the leadership of Mary Kay Baker.
Phone Number: 765-654-5575
Email: bakermarykay@hotmail.com
Facebook: A Better Life Brianna’s Hope Frankfort
One80 Recovery Resources at 187 Roy Scott Parkway W. in Frankfort:
One80 Recovery Resources opened its doors in the spring of 2022 to welcome community members
struggling with substance use disorder into a safe environment for an extended period of time while they walk along the path to recovery. The residents of One80 are treated to numerous activities, recurring meetings, faith-based recovery lessons and workforce help as they stay at the facility. One80 hosts its Life Recovery Meeting every Tuesday and Friday at 6 p.m. One80 may be contacted for more information under the leadership of Operations Director Greg George.
Phone: 765-699-0500
Email: ggeorge@one80recovery.org
Facebook: One80 Recovery Resources
Trinity Hope Center at 806 N. Columbia St. in Frankfort:
Trinity Hope Center was opened earlier this year through a partnership with St. Matthew United
Methodist Church and Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition. Trinity Hope offers community-based programming open to all community members in need of support, such as the Recovery Couples Cafe, the Men’s Cafe, the Women’s Cafe, the Teen Cafe and more alongside the Recover Together Family Nights hosted on the first Monday of every month. Trinity Hope also hosts activities throughout the month, such as the Coffee Corner, the Game Night, Prevention Classes and much more for the comunity to enjoy, bond and recover together. Trinity Hope may be contacted for more information under the leadership of Director Chris Ward.
Phone: 765-250-1845
Email: chris.ward@healthyclintoncounty.org
Facebook: Trinity Hope Center
WeCare Recovery Home at 303 W. Clinton St. in Frankfort:
WeCare Recovery Home celebrated a ribbon cutting for its location on Clinton Street in November of last
year with a focus on a 12-step recovery program that encourages healing and faith. WeCare provides its residents with resources, bonding opportunities, faith-based programming and much more as the residents strive to enter the recovery community upon graduation from the program. WeCare currently hosts a transition house for graduates to slowly enter the Clinton County community once again upon graduation from the program. WeCare may be contacted under the leadership of Director of Operations Jennifer Gardner.
Phone: 765-605-1667
Email: info@wecarerecoveryhome.org
Facebook: WeCare Recovery Home