LEXINGTON, Ky. — September is National Recovery Month. The Hope Center and its facilities in Lexington help men and women who are dealing with addiction, homelessness, food insecurity and or mental health needs.
In just one year, Dietrich Stanford became one example of how the Hope Center’s addiction recovery program can make a difference.
Now a peer mentor, Stanford spends his time sharing his story and helping others in the center’s program communicate with others.
He says the program helps people find their voice.
“Go back out into the community and be able to speak about a job or you know put in an application or you know just have that confidence that you are someone”
The University of Kentucky’s Center on Drug and Alcohol Research found that 28% of those entering Kentucky’s recovery centers reported having attended recovery meetings and 72% reported attending meetings at their follow-up appointments.
Director of development Katie Vogel says the community plays a big part in the recovery process for many.
“So not only is community a very very big and important aspect of successful recovery but it’s an essential piece of what we do here at the Hope Center to support our clients and make sure that we have everything we need to serve those who may be coming off the street for a bed or looking for a warm meal,”
Stanford says he will continue to support the Hope Center.
“Representing the Hope Center, we can do exactly what we can to try to stop these things from happening. Is it gonna go away? No. But if I can help, I need to be there to help.”
The center will host several events during recovery month, including a celebration for alumni.
The recovery program opened its first shelter’s door nearly 30 years ago, partnering with the City of Lexington. The center added a pantry and sheltering service for men over 18.
The emergency shelter currently still functions as needed.
In October, the Hope Center will host the “Ball Homes night of Hope” where NFL veteran Randy Grimes, who played over a decade for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his wife Lydia, will speak to guests about his recovery journey.