SHO Newsletter

Summer 2011 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Family of SHO,

We would like to begin our newsletter by acknowledging one of the original contributors to our organization, Mr. Sam Wheeler. Sam, who passed away last month at age 85 was a strong advocate and annual supporter of Serenity Homes and without him we would not be where we are today. Sam had the courage not only to recover from his alcoholism, but also to talk honestly and publicly about the damage it did to his life. In 2000, our friend Sam received the DePaul Freedom Award for his strong advocacy for alcohol treatment. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we decided to "trade up" and left our smallest Water House for a beautifully serene and much larger home located on the West Slope. This home allows for additional residents and is very conveniently located between downtown Portland and Beaverton. As a result of this new change, we are able to provide 25% more capacity and now can support up to 25 residents in recovery.

The first half of the year has also been successful for our organization financially. From January through June, our fundraising efforts have brought in $96,200. While this is a fantastic start, traditionally the second half of the year is a time where additional funds are greatly needed. It is our hope that we will be able to open one more home and reach our ultimate goal of sustainability. To help with this, we are planning on reapplying to the Maybelle Clark McDonald fund for a matching incentive. Please help us maximize this opportunity by getting your gift matched today!

Serenity Homes would also like to share that we have had a number of people who have moved on successfully from our organization. Not only have these former residents integrated back into society but have stayed close to us and continue to share their experience, strength and hope with our new residents at our Sunday 12 step meetings.

We would like to extend an invitation to all of our residents, board members past and current, donors and supporters to our Summer Bowling event at the new Big Al's (14950 SW Barrows Road, Tigard OR 97007) later this summer. Keep checking our website for the event date.

God Bless,

William and Gregg

Other News

Driven to Drink
Story printed in the February 20th, 2009 issue of Just Out

Roofer Free of Alcohol Abuse
Story printed in the Business Journal September 12th, 2008

SHO Resident Testimonials

To begin, I was not asked to write this. I am writing to share my experience, strength, and hope with another alcoholic and addict about what living in Serenity Homes has done for me. I have been to treatment countless times, and every time I got out I wasn’t willing to do what was suggested. I had burned every bridge imaginable, and damaged relationships of all my friends and family members.

I was standing on the bus stop waiting to go to work and I called my father. I told him that I couldn’t live the way I was living, I was a failure. He said, “I appreciate you calling, but I am not sure why you are telling me this. I have done everything I can to help you, it never works. You know what you need to do.” He hung up the phone and I felt fearful for my life, and luckily found a moment of clarity to have the willingness to call Serenity Homes. William and Gregg told me I had to go back to treatment, if they even would consider me for Serenity Homes. I went back willingly and moved in after thirty days to the Nevada House. I was greeted by Ken M., a long time resident of Serenity Homes. He showed me what to do, as well as other members of the house. It was suggested that I follow all the rules at SHO. In addition, it was suggested by Ken and AA that I take action. Go to meetings, get a sponsor, a home group, a service commitment, and work the steps with your sponsor. I was told that my life wouldn’t get better, it would get different. I was told that I needed to find a higher power. I was told that having a relationship with my higher power would be a sufficient substitute against taking that first drink or drug. Through taking action the obsession to drink and use has been lifted, and I have began to learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol.

Serenity Homes of Oregon saved my life and I hope that other men can find what I have found through living in the houses and doing what is suggested. If William and Gregg had not picked up the phone and told me what I needed to do, I would be homeless, in jail, or dead. Thank you Serenity Homes of Oregon.

Drew B.

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