On Monday, September 17, 2018 over 300 Alma College students, staff and Gratiot Community Residents gathered at Alma College's Hogan Center to hear the story of Corey Warner, a recovering heroin addict and alcoholic and Jacque Liebner, his mother. This event, "RISE above the Stigma," was organized as a collaborative effort between Child Advocacy's Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition(GCSAC), Gratiot Integrated Health Network (GIHN), Alma College, and Mid State Health Network. The goal of the event according to GCSAC's Coalition Coordinator Emily Whipple was to "raise awareness in the community about the different stigmas that surround substance use and abuse and how anyone can overcome these challenges if they have the appropriate tools."

Together Corey and Jacque shared their story- this unique and inspiring speaking event was told from the viewpoint of both the addict and his family. They shared their personal journey through addictions, the heartache that it has caused and ways in which they have worked to heal, find health and peace. After the main speaking event, a panel discussion followed. This was moderated by Patty Seymour from GIHN. The goal of the panel discussion was to provide further insight into the struggles and stigma that is associated with those in recovery and to provide information on local resources available to those struggling with addiction. The panel members included Matt Stack P.A.-C from MidMichigan Health, Vic Guajardo - Mindful Therapy, Bryan MacDonald-District Committee Member for the local AA, Rick Marcum- GIHN Recovery Coach, Corey Warner-  WAI-IAM, Jacque Liebner-WAI-IAM.

For additional information on Corey Warner and Jacque Liebner's personal story, please visit www.rrclansing.org . For additional information on services offered by GIHN visit www.gihn-mi.org .

If you are interested in learning more about the Gratiot County Substance abuse Coalition, please join us for our monthly meetings, which are open to the public and held the second Monday of the month at 1pm. The next meeting will be held October 8, 2018 at 1pm at the Gratiot Isabella RESD in Ithaca. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Whipple, Coalition Coordinator at emily@linkforfamilies.org or 989-463-1422.

Who: Non-biological caregivers (foster, adoptive, kinship, etc.) and their children.

Where: East Superior Christian Church (605 E. Superior St. Alma, MI)

When: Tuesday, October 9th 6:00-8:00 p.m. (the second Tuesday of every month)

Why: Because parenting is one of the most difficult jobs, and having support from others is crucial. Did we mention free childcare and snacks?!

Please call our office t o RS VP at (989)4 63-1422 or email m organ@linkforfamilies.org.

 

Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition Meeting

Monday, October 8

Please call Emily at 989-463-1422 with any questions. 

Nurturing Parenting Program

For Parents of Teenagers

October 1,8,15,29,November 5, & 12

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wilcox Non-Profit Center Room 112 - Alma

Certificates will be provided upon completion of the class.

To register or for more information please contact Morgan Rooy at (989)463-1422.

 

The Baby Pantry

Every Wednesday

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wilcox Non-Profit Building - Alma

For more information about the Baby Pantry please contact Morgan Rooy at (989)463-1422.