M A RCH 2011
keys of
Change
Our Mission
offering A Chance To Change For Those Whose
Lives Are Affected By Addictions And Related Behavioral Disorders
a publication of A Chance To Change Foundation
NEW WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA______
A Chance to SUCCEED
A Chance to Change has updated our website! Please check it out and let us know what you think! We have also joined the social network. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, LinkedIn and Blogger. We would love for you to join our networks.
The following is a testimonial shared from
After talking to the adolescent,
A Chance to Change Case Manager Rose Braun:
referrals were given for an appropriate
www.achancetochange.org @achance2change facebook.com/achancetochange ACTCrecovery.blogspot.com
problem gambling help‌ As many as 4% of the general population in the United States meets criteria for pathological gambling disorder at some point in their lives, those who are concerned about their gambling
Recently we offered a parent education
adolescent treatment center. The
night to all the schools where we are
grandmother called later to say they had
presenting the Succeed Program. One
gone to visit the facility and were filling
grandmother came who was concerned
out the paperwork. The adolescent is
about a grandchild living with her. She
scheduled to go for treatment as soon as
shared her worries and was given drug
a bed is available.
and alcohol information. Before she left
Being able to offer this family education
that night, she was invited to call if she
and support and helping the adolescent
needed anything further.
get into treatment make this a
Several weeks later she did call and
success story. Treatment provides an
asked to schedule an appointment to
opportunity for this young person to
come in with other family members.
change the direction of his life and find
The adolescent had been suspended
the help and healing he needs. And it all
from school for drug use. When the
started with SUCCEED.
family came in, they were each given an
For more information on A Chance to
opportunity to share their story. Another
SUCCEED or our other services, please visit
appointment was scheduled for them to
our website at www.achancetochange.org
come back with the adolescent.
or call us at 840-9000.
can call A Chance to Change to make an appointment for a confidential evaluation.
Want to go green? Just send your e-mail address to swageck@achancetochange.org and we’ll send you our Keys To Change e-publication instead.
A Chance to Change receives funding in part from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the United Way of Central Oklahoma, fees and insurance, and generous donations from individuals, corporations, and private foundations.
(From left to right) Board Member Susan Edwards, Carl Edwards, Honoree Marty Kavanaugh-Williams, & ACTC Chairman Tony Say at the 2011 Woman of the Year Tribute. Read more on page 2.
O
n February 22nd, 2011, Marty Kavanaugh-Williams received
the Jim McGuinness Award at the Woman of the Year Tribute. It was an inspirational night for everyone involved. The evening began with a reception where the Putnam City Silver Strings played beautiful background music. After a welcome and a beautiful invocation was a delicious dinner. Then the program truly began. Susie H. spoke of her history with A Chance to Change, explaining how she overcame many tribulations in the processes of becoming the vibrant woman she is today. Susie was followed by Elizabeth
(From left to right) ACTC Executive Director Jo Ann Pearce, Honoree Marty Kavanaugh-Williams, and ACTC Board Member Dan Batchelor.
McGuinness, who told of the ups and downs of her husband Jim’s life, whom the McGuinness Award was named after. And a video made by Astec Charter School was aired, which brought both somber and joyous emotions to the crowd. Then there was our honoree…
Woman of the Year Tribute
Marty told her story, speaking of numerous tragedies, many of which resulted from the people she loved having substance addictions and her battle with codependency. But in everything Marty shared with the crowd, her true message was one of recovery and happiness. We would like to thank everyone who was involved with the event. We had a wonderful turnout and it was truly an inspiring evening. We are working hard to make a difference in the lives of families in our community, but we could not do it without the support of others. For more information on A Chance to Change’s services or on how to donate, please visit our website at www.achancetochange.org or call us at 840-9000.
(From left to right) Board Member Jamie Reineke, Debbie Pitman, Honoree Marty Kavanaugh-Williams, and ACTC Vice Chairman Marsh Pitman.
New Tobacco Cessation Services
ADDICTION
Within 10 seconds of the first inhale of
acts as an appetite depressant.
a cigarette, the body starts producing
This is why many smokers consider
adrenaline. The nicotine from the cigarette
smoking a hunger reducer.
is absorbed directly into the blood stream
Smoking is the leading preventable cause
and almost immediately begins speeding
of death in the United States. More than
up the heart.
440,000 Americans die
The National
from tobacco-related
Institute on
causes each year,
Drug Abuse’s
most of whom began
tobacco study
using tobacco before
says, “Nicotine
the age of 18.
activates the same
A Chance to
reward pathways
Change is now
in the brain that
offering Tobacco
other drugs such
Cessation services.
as cocaine or
This behavioral
amphetamines
program will help
do...research has
smokers understand
also shown that
and change their
nicotine increases the level of dopamine in
behavior. Statistics show those who use
the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that
both medical and behavioral treatment
is responsible for the feelings of pleasure
programs to quit smoking are more likely
and well-being.”
to succeed.
Because of this, many smokers use tobacco
If you or someone you know has a smoking
to numb their emotions.
addiction, please call A Chance to Change
The study goes on to show that when
at 840-9000 or the Oklahoma Tobacco
nicotine enters the body, the pancreas
Helpline at 1-800-784-8669. Quitting
releases insulin, putting the smoker in a
means less chance of stroke, cancers, and
partial state of hyperglycemia. In turn, the
heart disease, and a chance for a long and
body puts extra sugar in the blood, which
healthy life.
E ducation S eries Have questions concerning drugs, alcohol and how to get help for the entire family?
Get answers at … A Chance to Change
Community Addiction Education Series Each Monday, 6:30pm–8pm Boy Scouts of America Bldg 3031 NW 64th St, OKC This six-part series consists of the following topics: • Understanding Chemical Dependency • How Addiction Affects Families • Enabling — The Helping That Hurts • Codependency — Hidden Fears, Hidden Tears • Intervention, Treatment and Recovery — Hope for Tomorrow • Understanding Addictive Behaviors
announcing…
A CHANCE TO RECOVER A Chance to Change would like to announce a change in the name of our Family Assistance Program (FAP). The new title for this program will be A Chance to Recover. We want to be sure that everyone, whether individual or family, understands this program is designed for those who qualify to receive low cost services for an initial assessment and individual, group and family counseling. For more information on A Chance to Recover or our other services, please visit our website at www.achancetochange.org or call us at 840-9000.
Free to the Public No pre-registration required No late admittance Written verification of attendance is available for a $5 fee Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
For more information and specific date for each topic, visit
www.achancetochange.org or call 405-840-9000.
5228 Classen Cir. • Oklahoma City, OK 73118-4429 www.achancetochange.org
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1647 Oklahoma City, OK 731
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!
www.achancetochange.org
A Chance to Change Foundation Staff Jo Ann Pearce, Executive Director
Julie Myers, Counselor
Hal Vorse, MD, Medical Director
Karla Reitz, Intake Coordinator
Rose Braun, Case Manager
Mary Robbins, Counselor
Rita Crockett, Clinical Director
Cynthia Sherbon, Counselor
Travis Ernst, Counselor
Amy Stradone, Work Study
Beth Filson, Records Coordinator
David Swope, Director of E.A.P. Services/ Compliance Director
Melissa Gorman, Counselor Peggy Grady, Counselor Trent Hancock, Counselor Susie Harrigan, Counselor Mary Ann Heard, Office Assistant Stephany Jones, Accounting Assistant Cynthia Laxton, Compliance Coordinator Danette McCorkle, Counselor
Sherri L. Wageck, Administrative Assistant Joe Westerheide, Director of Training and Supervision Emily White, Public Relations Coordinator Valorie Wilson, Work Study
Vice Chairman: Marsh Pitman Treasurer: David Durrett Secretary: Mike Hensley Asst. Treasurer: Jidge Verity Past Chairman: Ron Carr
April 18 is coming fast … The special IRS tax exemption on Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rollovers to charitable organizations was extended through 2011. This provision allows people ages 70 1/2 and older to transfer up to $100,000 per year from
officers and board of directors
Chairman: Tony Say
Tell us what topics or programs you’d like to hear more about.
Tilden Tillotson, Business Manager
Veronica Middleton, Accounting Assistant
Executive Committee
We would like to hear from you!
Board of Directors Dan Batchelor William Bozalis Hank Bradley Spence Carson Sara Cunningham Susan Edwards J. Don Harris Mark Harsha Lorrie Jacobs Mark Lynn, MD Mark McCubbin Allen Paine Mark Potts Jennifer Puckett Jamie Reineke Hugh Rice Becky Shaffer Frank Turner Jim Webb
an IRA to an organization without incurring income tax now or estate taxes later.