We are honored to be a part of the work going on at Samaritan Way Recovery in Muskegon. Their all encompassing approach to helping those who are battling addiction in our area is an amazing thing to see both in action and behind the scenes as they share their stories about growth, development and the new lives those who are a part of their program are finding for themselves and their families. There’s no “wrong way” to recovery, but Samaritan Way sure seems to be getting all the bases covered better than most and being asked to help share the stories here, and around West Michigan is our honor.
Back in early December, we paid a visit to the men’s sober living home. Located on Terrace Street in Muskegon, we met with Joe Hekkema and he shared the importance of the place for people who are newly recovering to be surrounded by others who are too. The cliff hanger in that discussion was when the women’s side of things would be ready. Well, Samaritan Way isn’t letting grass grow under their feet. It’s been a non stop all hands on deck endeavor since, and meeting up with Randi Hekkema today to talk about the ladies side of things today was the reason for the visit.
While addiction can’t see gender, race or creed women who fall victim to being judged on a steeper scale. I am speaking from experience. Women “mature quicker’. Women are supposed to be the balance and reason. Well, when addiction comes into play….the level of disgrace both personally and in the eyes of others is more intense. Randi speaks of her own problems a little today in our chat, as did her husband in the last one and so do I. Every chance I get. It’s been almost 24 years for me now since I have had a drop of alcohol, but it’s only one day in the grand scheme of things. To give women a place to be together, form bonds and be away from the judgement of those who seem to have “gotten it all right”. No one gets it “all right”. The strongest move if you or a loved one is addicted is to admit defeat. After all, all you have to change is one thing….everything.
In the women’s sober living facility right now, there is a LOT of space for new residents! Amenities and décor are being added but the necessities are there. As are the resources to begin those first all important steps into a life renewed and freed. It’s separate and secure…recovery is 99.9% of the time isolated by gender for safety. It’ just works best that way. There’s immediate openings on the intake line 231-246-7595 and man or woman…if you need the time to reset in a safe and clean environment….it’s here. Thank God.
If you or someone you love is stuck, CLICK HERE and get involved with Samaritan Way Recovery. The life you find on the other side will be more than you ever imagined possible. Trust me on this one.
