A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope Frankfort celebrated its third year of operations in Frankfort on Thursday, Nov. 9 with 124 community members in attendance.
– Photo courtesy of Mary Kay Baker
The Brianna’s Hope chapter began as an organization in Frankfort when St. Matthew United Methodist Church and Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition teamed up to uplift the recovery community and raise awareness of the resources available for those seeking to enter a life of recovery. Mary Kay Baker, Brianna’s Hope team leader, approached Healthy Communities in 2019 with the idea to form the chapter as a means of establishing a private and individualized peer support group in Clinton County.
While Frankfort is one of over 40 chapters of Brianna’s Hope throughout the Midwest, the Frankfort chapter has begun to receive recognition for exceeding expectations and providing opportunities unlike any other chapter, which was reaffirmed by Randy Davis, Executive Director of A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope, as he visited the community in July to explore the recovery resources available in Clinton County.
Brianna’s Hope holds itself to its mission of “providing hope through Christ to individuals and communities battling addiction using support, encouragement and collaboration” through testimonials, community bonding events, milestone celebrations and weekly meals.
Baker was one of the focal points of the celebration due to her dedication to the program and the recovery community throughout the past three years. The Brianna’s Hope community presented Baker with numerous gifts during the celebration, including a shirt that said “you are my sunshine,” a sentiment that caused Baker to shed tears due to her personal connection with the song.
“The night was not supposed to be about me, but I am grateful for all the love that I was surrounded with,” Baker wrote. “My Brianna’s Hope family loved on me with all these gifts. Did I cry? Of course I did. I am truly blessed to have this extended family that loves me.”
Jennifer Bovee, A dedicated member of Brianna’s Hope and leader in the recovery community, shared feelings from the celebration and personal anecdotes of how Brianna’s Hope can change lives. Bovee also thanked Baker for her continued dedication to the cause.
“Thank you so much for not ignoring what God placed on your heart but instead following His guidance and starting the Frankfort chapter of Brianna’s Hope,” Bovee wrote. “What you give to not just those of us in recovery but to the entire community, well is priceless.”
The ceremony was accompanied by music from Sheltered Reality in Frankfort, which is the only site in Indiana. Healthy Communities released a statement regarding the celebration, stating that the choice 3.5 years ago kicked off the road to the celebration and the welcoming of over 120 community members into an atmosphere of recovery, and it all began with a dream placed in Baker’s heart.
“The atmosphere of celebration was there, and we are very grateful to be part of Brianna’s Hope and be able to continue to support,” Healthy Communities wrote. “Happy birthday, Brianna’s Hope, and thank you.”
During the night of celebration, 82 meals were served of ham loaf, cheesy potatoes, green beans and birthday cupcakes. The nursery crew entertained 15 children throughout the night as their parents attended the Brianna’s Hope program and celebration.
Brianna’s Hope hosts its festivities every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church at 1951 Wilshire Dr. in Frankfort.
Photo courtesy of ABLBH