Author: Gary Gastman

On September 10, 2018, Liz Kidder completed her 2,190 mile hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness around addiction and also to support Link House, Inc., specifically the Maris Center for Women.  She began on April 2, 2018 in Georgia.  Liz spent 161 days walking, hiking and climbing until she reached the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Maine.  During this time, Liz turned 30 years old and got married.  She also raised over $5,000 for Link House, Inc.  Liz’s Go Fund Me page can be accessed here:

GoFundMe

Congratulations to Liz on an amazing accomplishment.  The staff and clients of the Maris Center are truly appreciative of her efforts on behalf of our programs.

 

Link House, Inc., along with representative from the Newburyport Police Department, Anna Jaques Hospital, the Pelican Intervention Fund, and the Pettingill House recently participated in the Addiction in Our Workplaces Forum held on April 30^th at Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport.

The Forum highlighted what services each organization provides to individuals struggling with addiction, or to families concerned about a loved one struggling with addiction.

 

On June 1, 2018 “Stop Thinking Like That No Matter What” will hit the bookshelves.  It is a book written by Jason Hyland, a former Link House client, during his stay the Link House in Newburyport and profiles his experience with addiction.  Please read the Newburyport Daily News article here for more information:

Newburyport Daily News Article

Link House, Inc. is partnering with other local agencies to train volunteer Recovery Coaches who will be available to assist local police departments on an as needed basis.  The training is scheduled for May 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 9:00 am-5:30 pm.  Please click on the link below for more information about the Recovery Coach training and how to sign up to participate:

RECOVERY COACH FLYER 3-21-1

On November 1, Link House, Inc. hosted a training entitled “Understanding Trauma-Informed Care: Practices, Theory and Client-Centered Care” given by Nicole LeBlanc, MSW, LICSW, a Trauma Integration Specialist at the Institute for Health and Recovery in Cambridge.  Many local non-profit agencies were in attendance.  The training included information on trauma and substance use, the impact of trauma on the brain, trauma reactions, trauma and relationships, trauma and parenting, inadvertent re-traumatization, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma, and self regulation/self-care.

On April 2, 2018, Liz Kidder will be taking off to start her journey on the Appalachian Trail! She will attempt to hike the 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine in about six months.  Her mission while doing this is to raise awareness and donations for substance abuse and addiction.  100% of donations will go directly to THE LINK HOUSE to help people in our own community with their recoveries.

Please consider supporting Liz Kidder on her journey by clicking on the link below:

GoFundMe

 

Link House Inc has recently partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital to provide clients at the Link House with access to the Massachusetts General Hospital-based Fatherhood Project. This project is focused on empowering fathers to become more active, engaged and committed parents and has proved to be an invaluable resource to our clients. Please click on this link to learn more about the Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital: The Fatherhood Project – MGH

Please read the blog post here which gives some insight into the experience at the Link House:

father-project

On Sunday, September 25, Fuel Training Studio offered a free outdoor community fitness class to benefit Link House Inc. 100% of donations directly benefited Link House Inc. This was a wonderful experience for our organization and we greatly appreciate the time and energy of all who participated! A big thank you to FUEL for their efforts to support our cause.

This 10-week course will be taught at Pause Yoga in Amesbury beginning on Thursday, October 6th, 7 – 8:30 pm. This course is open to anyone who has a loved one or family member who is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. No yoga experience or flexibility is required! This course will be led by Anne Rundle, Owner of Asteya Yoga in Merrimac, who is also a registered nurse and holistic provider at an addiction treatment facility.

 

Throughout this course participants will:

• Enjoy weekly gentle, relaxing yoga class
• Feel supported and nurtured
• Learn strategies for managing stress in the home
• Learn techniques for self-care
• Learn resources for living with addictive behavior
• Participate in discussion & networking
• Receive a copy of the book “Addict in the Family”

Please share this flyer with those you feel could benefit from this course, and post on your bulletin boards and networks. Contact me to register, either by phone or email. Space is limited to 18 participants.

For more information, please open the flyer:

mission