I had the pleasure of visiting Chris’ Haven of Hope last week. At the end of the dirt drive stands a very unassuming building. Inside, however, are signs of hope and promise for those residing in this men’s sober living home. Here they are surrounded by brotherhood and peer-to-peer support, in a safe environment.
I stepped inside the house, and was immediately impressed by the huge kitchen. MaryEllen explained how each resident has his own space for food, which is labeled. Labels are used to distinguish who has access to what. Two refrigerators, two ovens, and a huge Coke cooler (which is not up and working just yet) are in use. The large kitchen area turns into a living area at the opposite end of the room. Here, couches and chairs make up a cozy spot to watch TV or gather. Marc is the manager of the house, and his bedroom is downstairs. Upstairs are rooms which residents share (two beds per room).
The rooms are bright and cheerful, with beautiful handmade quilts on the beds. MaryEllen pointed out item after item which had been donated.
As we walked through the house, Haven the puppy was close behind. Marc mentioned that he really doesn’t have time for a puppy, but, oh well! I had to laugh later on when I saw her quietly trot by with a shoe in her mouth!
There have been numerous articles written about Chris’ Haven of Hope, as well as TV news coverage. Their mission is (taken from their brochure):
At Chris’ Haven of Hope, our mission is to provide men in recovery, with the structure, accountability, and community needed to build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.
We believe that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the steps toward change.
Recovery happens one day at a time, and no one has to walk that path alone.
What they have to offer:
Drug and alcohol free housing
Guidance toward employment and personal growth
Structured sober living environment
Supportive peer community
Laundry on-site
49 acres of land
18 bed newly renovated sober home
4 bathrooms
Large common area with 100”TV
Transportation for unlicensed residents
They are currently in need of transportation, so stay tuned for fund raising information.
Also, the May issue of Bethel Living has a wonderful article about Chris’ Haven of Hope.
If you would like more info, check out the website: www.chrishavenmaine.org
There is also a Facebook page, where you can find out the latest happenings.
Happy May! This week it’s the forsythias in bloom. Apparently they wintered well, and the blossoms are covering the bushes. I’ve noticed buds forming on the lilacs. Grass is finally getting green and I can see the buds on the trees!
This coming weekend is a busy one. On Saturday there will be a cookie walk at the American Legion in Greenwood. I hear they are apt to sell out quickly, so make sure to get there early!
Sunday, of course, is Mother’s Day. One way to celebrate would be to take your mom to the Mahoosuc Community Band spring concert at Gould Academy. The concert is scheduled for 4 PM in the Bingham Auditorium. Donations are accepted at the door to help defray the cost of the music.
First Universalist Church of West Paris- May Worship Services
May 10, When Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, the people ask a simple question: “Who is this?” This sermon will be led by The Rev. Scott Campbell and will explore this same question in the modern context. Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?
May 17, The First Universalist Church of W. Paris will join the congregation of the South Paris Universalist Church on this Sunday. Their service starts at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments following the service.
May 24, led by The Rev. Scott Campbell, the sermon for this Sunday is entitled Ain’t She Sweet? It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper inner truth in the end.
May 31, “Choosing the Land of the Blessed” led by The Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that we all too often find in the world exactly what we are seeking- our expectations, what we see, how we understand it, and how we choose to respond. We will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthen us to meet the moments that break our hearts. Jodi (she/her) organizes Multifaith Justice Maine, building power among people across the spectrum of faith traditions and beliefs. Jodi is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who has been grounding people of faith in the discipline and practice of radical love for more than 25 years, serving in a parish for over two decades before joining MPA to develop Multifaith Justice Maine. Jodi’s organizing is rooted in the principles and analysis she learned serving as Maine’s faith tri-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and shaped by the fierce commitment she experienced within the harm reduction community.
For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143,mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com.
Announcing Western Maine Hikes for All Ages, a new collaboration of several individuals from the region!
This intergenerational program is designed to encourage and support people to get outside and walk or hike on a regular basis.
There is a variety of times, locations, and skill levels offered Monday through Friday. We are looking for more volunteers to be Greeters for a walk/hike.
Note: Be prepared for walking/hiking conditions, including appropriate footwear, clothing, water, and a snack. Participants knowingly assume risks, both known and unknown, associated with hiking.
The schedule will be posted on The Bethel Outing Club (BOC) and Bethel Fun for Kids Facebook Pages.
The BOC FB page will be the first place people should check for any updates and changes.
By all accounts I’ve seen, it was a successful cleanup day on Saturday. I plan to get out soon with some trash bags (plus gloves and a grabber) and do my part cleaning up Rumford Avenue.
Happy 100th to Amy Davis on May 4. Both of my daughters had her for a Kindergarten teacher. That is a huge milestone!
On Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Andy and Louise Frank, and Dave and I decided to partake in some Mexican food at Romero’s in Bethel. As we stood in line, waiting to order, we could see the sky turn black. Eventually, the wind picked up, and holy smokes! I felt like I was in a dust storm—the air was filled with dirt and sand, objects started to take flight, and then the rain came! The temperature dropped significantly and then we were drenched. A huge thank you to Wade and Beth of the Gem, who opened the theater lobby so that folks could eat under cover. The musician who was scheduled to perform moved inside too. Romero’s must have done very well, because by the time we ordered, the menu was quite a bit smaller. We finally got our food, and were able to eat it in a dry place, even though we were all pretty soaked. It was definitely an experience!!
I highly recommend making a stop at The Local Hub to see the canvas photos by Veronica and Brian Penley. They have taken some gorgeous photos and put them on canvas. Most are for sale—their bird photos are exceptional.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.