Davis Direction Foundation 2021 Year in Review

2021 Year in Review

DAVIS DIRECTION FOUNDATION

The mission of The Davis Direction Foundation is to Fight Addiction and Fuel Recovery while serving as a local, state and national role model for Building Communities of Recovery in the midst of a national heroin/opioid epidemic. The Davis Direction Foundation opened the doors to The Zone, a Recovery Support Organization, in 2016.

Letter from the Founders

Missy and Michael Owen

Remaining positive during 2021 was quite difficult as the global pandemic of Covid 19 continued to ravage its way through our Community of Recovery We lost more beautiful people in one year’s time than we had ever lost before Isolation, a devastated economy, and the looming dark cloud of Covid continued to create an unimaginable silver lining for those of us living through it. We lost friends, brother, sisters, Moms and Dads, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, grandchildren and even some that we didn’t know very well We watched as children became orphans and were placed in the custody of the state We offered all that we had available, detox, sober living, clothes, meals, literature, friendship and love, but it wasn’t enough. We made phone calls, checked in with those we were missing and extended grace and acceptance, but it wasn’t enough Unprecedented times created situations and experiences that we just plainly did not know how to deal with, but we trudged on giving it all that we knew

Because of our generous donors and supporters, we survived and provided support in ways that we never dreamed we would be providing to meet the needs of our community during this past year We offered Covid testing, Covid vaccines, Covid Boosters, flu shots, and HIV and Hep C testing We began serving 3 meals per day and providing Homeless Street Outreach We offered laundry services and hot shower; we even kept our doors open during the inclement weather which brought flooding and freezing temperatures We did all we knew how to do, and we would imagine we saved countless lives because of it

People changed their patterns to make their waking hours the hours that THE ZONE was closed at night, because they knew our Day Shelter was a safe haven where they could have their basic needs met each day We NEVER missed a day of being open for business as we were declared early on as essential workers and first responders

2022 is our year to RECOVER RECOVERY! We will not be defeated! YES, there were loved ones and aspects of face to face recovery that Covid took from us during the pandemic, but for those people and those aspects that are Recoverable WE’RE COMING FOR YOU…with outstretched arms.

The Zone

Free Services

The Zone, a Recovery Support Organization, offers day shelter, 29 in person and virtual recovery support meetings weekly, family support meetings, free recovery coaching, virtual peer support, phone support for individuals who have overdosed and been admitted to WellStar, in person follow up visits with first responders to the homes of those who have recently overdosed, referral to detox, referral to treatment, referral to sober living, bus passes, UBER to essential services, "Grocery Grab (a weekly ride to the grocery store), pantry boxes, meals served daily, job readiness, resume assistance, job search, clothing vouchers, Naloxone training and distribution, and chiropractic services The Zone helps individuals who suffer from substance use disorder find, maintain, and sustain recovery by providing resources and evidence based peer support.

In 2021, The Zone provided 145 clothing vouchers to individuals in recovery and The Zone staff facilitated 589 Recovery Coaching Sessions to 109 individuals. The volunteers at The Zone completed 1,914 hours of service and community service workers completed 11,919 hours.

The Zone

Day Shelter & Sober Activities

The Zone is a 21,000 square foot facility and currently welcomes over 5,000 visits each month. Anyone in recovery from substance use disorder may use the amenities at The Zone completely free of charge. The facility includes a full kitchen, gym, recreational room, computer lab, music room, meeting room, family/free phone room, and art room. The Zone provides quarterly sober events which include a speaker meeting, food, drinks, fellowship, board games, pool tournaments, poker tournaments, cake walks, costume parties, dances and more depending on the time of year.

In 2021, The Zone, welcomed 60,458 visits, completed 3,512 recovery support phone calls, and provided 1,545 recovery support meetings.

The Zone

Food Security

The Zone provides multiple daily meals, non-perishable pantry bags, and distributes pantry boxes to individuals, families, and other non profits based on availability. The Zone celebrates holidays and special events with delicious feasts for all participants.

In 2021, The Zone provided 22,868 meals to individuals in recovery from Substance Use Disorder and distributed 3,430 pantry boxes to those in need.

The Zone Service Dog

Oli was a gift to THE ZONE from Southeastern Guide Dogs in the summer of 2016 soon after we opened the Recovery Support Organization. One of our amazing volunteers had been a puppy trainer for them for many years. She wrote a letter telling them about our organization and how she thought a service dog would provide a much needed service for those in Recovery. Oli was trained as a PTSD service dog, a Guided Sight Service Dog and a Facility Therapy Service Dog. After two years, no one had matched up with her, so she was gifted to THE ZONE and we were beyond thrilled. We changed her name to Olive, and we call her Oli. She loves to cuddle during meetings, play chase and hang out in the kitchen hoping some “newbie” might slip her a bite from the table! She works 5 days a week and she takes her job very seriously. When Michael leaves in the morning, he says “Oli, you ready to work?” Oli beats him to the car and couldn’t be happier to head to THE ZONE to love on all of the people who come looking for support. Oli is our Love Lab and we have been blessed beyond belief with her compassion and unconditional love.

Zoned 4 Re-Entry

The Zoned 4 Re Entry Program is a partnership with the District Attorney's Office of Cobb County, individuals with non violent drug/alcohol related offenses with Substance Use Disorders who have agreed to participate in Cobb County Accountability Court and Pre Trial Diversion are eligible to apply for the Zoned 4 Re Entry Internship Program. In addition to the Accountability Courts and Pre Trial Diversion participants, the program is open to local Sober Livings and Treatment Facilities for participants suffering from the deadly disease of Substance Use Disorder will have the opportunity to turn their lives around. The curriculum includes lessons in health and wellness, nutrition, fitness, yoga, job readiness training, job skills training, along with financial management classes. Experiential Learning Groups are taught daily and focus on communication, self care, addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, conflict resolution, coping skills, and much more. Upon completion of the Zoned 4 Re Entry Program, graduates are awarded a certificate of completion end are endorsed by the Cobb County District Attorney's Office as well as The Davis Direction Foundation.

Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery

The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program is an expansion of The Zoned 4 Re Entry Program a partnership with The Cobb County District Attorney's Office and works with participants in The Cobb County Accountability Courts. This Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program is an 8 week program and provides youth with the life skills and recovery tools to become productive, successful members of society. The curriculum includes lessons in health and wellness, nutrition, fitness, yoga, job readiness training, job skills training, along with financial management classes Experiential Learning Groups are taught weekly and focus on communication, self care, addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, conflict resolution, coping skills, and much more. Upon completion of the Zoned 4 Re Entry Program, graduates are awarded a certificate of completion end are endorsed by the Cobb County District Attorney's Office as well as The Davis Direction Foundation. The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Project provides adolescents suffering from the disease of addiction with the tools that they are in desperate need of to change their lives for the better.

CCAR Training at The Zone

The Zone staff are Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery(CCAR) Nationally Designated Recovery Coaches, which are recognized by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and are peers in long term recovery from substance use disorder.

The Recovery Coaching Program at The Zone is a ten week program which includes highly individualized recovery support services and weekly one on one meetings with a Nationally Designated Recovery Coach. The program emphasizes evidence based peer support combined with evidence based motivational interviewing. The Recovery Coaching Program areas of focus include relapse prevention, housing assistance, housing search support, resume assistance, job readiness education, financial management, life skills education, and SMART goals. Each participant creates a comprehensive Individualized Recovery Plan as well as an emergency plan upon completion of the program. In addition to providing participants with this free services, a staff member at The Zone provides CCAR training to those working in the recovery field in the Greater Atlanta Area

Recovery Zone Magazine

The Davis Direction Foundation established the unprecedented Recovery Zone Magazine in 2021, which is available Nationally both in digital form and in print. The Magazine features educational articles, editorials from professionals, and inspiring stories of recovery from people with lived experience. This publication reaches law makers, educators, professionals, civic organizations, law enforcement, hospitals, churches, families, and individuals, reducing stigma by raising awareness. The first issue of Recovery Zone Magazine was published in March of 2021 and is now a quarterly publication with an emphasis on substance use disorder, advocacy, recovery, and cutting edge education including financial health. It is available for free which makes the magazine accessible to all Americans, providing much needed resources to low-to-moderate income individuals and families.

The Recovery Zone Magazine is distributed Nationally.

Homeless Street Outreach

The Zone served 451 homeless individuals in Cobb County in 2021.

The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone, a Recovery Support Organization, provides resources, support, and essential services to homeless individuals with additional direct services to homeless individuals suffering from Substance Use Disorder in Cobb County. The Zoned 4 Street Outreach program provides street outreach and engagement to homeless individuals offering referral to mainstream services, referral to coordinated care, hygiene bags, shoes, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, meals, and referral to shelters. Individuals with Substance Use Disorder are referred to The Zone for evidence based peer support and Recovery Coaching which teaches life skills and provides an Individualized Recovery Plan of action.

The Zone provides homeless street outreach in Cobb County.

Davis Direction Foundation Presentations

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Reducing Stigma by Raising Awareness

Narcan Training and Distribution

Zone provided 51 Narcan Trainings in 2021

The Zone provides a comprehensive training on the signs of addiction, what an overdose looks like, the steps to take as a first responder, and how to administer Narcan. Trainings have been completed for the courts, schools, first responders, and individuals throughout the Greater Atlanta Area. The Zone distributes Narcan for free based on availability of funding.

Narcan is a life saving overdose reversal drug.

Staff Development: CPR and AED Training

The Zone Staff completed CPR and AED Training in 2021.

The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone, a Recovery Support Organization, provides individuals in recovery from Substance Use Disorder in The Greater Atlanta Area with a safe and sober environment including CPR and AED Trained staff.

Staff Development: Suicide Prevention Training

The Zone Staff completed Living Works Suicide Prevention Training in 2021.

The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone provide Recovery Support Services to those in need in the Greater Atlanta Area. According to SAMHSA, approximately 22% of deaths by suicide involved alcohol intoxication and Opiates were present in 20% of deaths by suicide. With the two closely linked, The Davis Direction Foundation took action by increasing the amount of and broadening the type of trainings provided to staff in 2021.

Davis Direction Foundation

Meet our Executives

Missy Owen, CEO

Mrs. Owen has a Master's Degree in School Counseling and Founded The Davis Direction Foundation as well as The Zone. Mrs. Owen establishes and maintains community partnerships, hosts fundraisers, and oversees all aspects of The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone. In addition to being a community leader, Mrs. Owen advocates for recovery on a National level which reduces stigma while raising awareness.

Michael Owen, CFO

Mr. Owen has a Master's Degree in Business Management and Founded The Davis Direction Foundation as well as The Zone. Mr. Owen provides oversight over all sustainability pieces including The Coffee Shop, Re Zoned Thrift Store, Re Zoned Boutique, and Re Zoned Gifts & Apparel, encouraging the staff to develop leadership and jobs skills through experience. Mr. Owen is a recovery advocate on a National level which helps Fight Addiction and Fuel Recovery.

Holly Reynolds, Director of Operations Mrs. Reynolds has a degree in Forensic Accounting and has been with The Davis Direction Foundation since 2018. Mrs. Reynolds provides oversight over The Davis Direction Foundations day to day operations in addition to grant management.

The Zone

Meet our Nationally Designated Recovery Coaches

Sarah Mangold, CES, EAS, ARBS, RCP, Program Director

Ms. Mangold provides Peer Support as well as facilitates The Zoned 4 Re Entry Program and The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program in addition to Grant Writing and Reporting. She has been with The Zone since February 2018.

Chelsea Cronin, RCP, Program Director

Ms. Cronin provides Peer Support as well as facilitates the Homeless Street Outreach Program, The Food Program and assists in facilitating The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program. She has been a staff member at The Zone since March of 2019.

Brenda Evans, CES, RCP, Program Director

Mrs. Evans provides Peer Support as well as facilitates the Homeless Street Outreach Program, The Food Program and assists in facilitating The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program. She has been a staff member at The Zone since May of 2019.

Daniel Spinney, RCP, CCAR Trainer, Program Director

Mr. Spinney provides Peer Support as well as facilitates the CCAR Training Program, the Homeless Street Outreach Program and assists in facilitating The Zoned 4 Youth in Recovery Program. He has been a staff member at The Zone since September of 2019.

Beyond the EndZONE

The Largest Prevention Event in Georgia

On June 26, 2021, “Fight Addiction & Fuel Recovery Day” as proclaimed by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, The Davis Direction Foundation hosted the largest prevention event in Georgia, Beyond the EndZONE. This was the inaugural event and is anticipated to continue annually.!!! NFL Super Stars Darren Waller and Brandon Mitchell gave their inspiring testimonies about their recovery journeys and Chandler Riggs "Carl" from The Walking Dead joined us in support of our mission to Fight Addiction and Fuel Recovery!!!

And the Winner is...

This Tony Award winning musical revue and silent auction supports The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone as an annual fundraising event. In 2021 The Davis Direction Foundation raised total of $250,438.56 as a result of all fundraising efforts combined.

The Davis Direction Foundation presents And the Winner is.. Gala and Silent Auction

The Cardinal's Nest

The Cardinal's Nest

This is an Annual fundraising event for The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone.

The Cardinal’s Nest Ladies Brunch at the Marietta Country Club. Your attendance and support will help to further our mission to “Fight Addiction and Fuel Recovery” for people seeking long term recovery from addiction.

The Cardinal’s Nest Ladies Brunch includes live music, inspirational speaking and fellowship among guests. Twenty six beautiful Holiday themed centerpieces on the dining tables will be included in a silent auction and many more gorgeous table centerpieces created by Marietta florist, Mike Whittle, will be available for purchase to help you get ready for the upcoming holidays!

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provide a 100% give in support of The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone. All Board Members provide different skills sets and experience to help make The Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone the best they can be. In addition to serving on The Davis Direction Foundation Board, all Board Members serve on sub committees including Governance, Finance, and Board Development.