You'll find a lot to LOVE in our February newsletter! - Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative

♥️You'll find a lot to LOVE in our February newsletter!

Seized money from local criminal enterprises gets donated to Emerge

Prosecutor Hayes was on-site at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative on Monday for a tour and a check presentation to the local faith-based nonprofit, which recently opened the first treatment center of its kind in the world.

Read the Rest of the Story

Reflections from Rachel

January was a pivotal period for the Emerge Recovery and Trade Initiative. We started providing clinical services at Bridges of Hope, a local homeless shelter; we brought in some new team members, and have been working through many different projects.

I have compared coming on board to this startup to a train going 130mph. We have been jumping on and picking up the pieces needed to keep the train moving at that speed. This last month, the pieces we are putting back on the train are staying on and moving in the same direction! There is no other reason for this than God's grace and mercy. We are a team of imperfect people, but we are all here for the same mission and purpose.

With any organization, especially a start-up, one of the most challenging things to deal with is change management. Change, whether positive or negative, impacts people in some fashion. So, what protects those pressure points? Having a bonded and unified team. I am so thankful for the people God has placed here and am reminded that our strength alone is not enough, we must depend on Christ's strength. Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

Welcome to the Team!

Kenton Durham, our Human Resources Manager, joined our team in January 2024. He helps further the mission of Emerge by overseeing all personnel-related processes and details including payroll, benefits, and policies. His past experience includes working in Administration & Human Resources for almost 5 years in the non-profit and addiction treatment fields.

Kenton is currently working on his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (hoping to graduate in December of 2025), has obtained his CDCA certification, and his Society for Human Resources Certified Professional certification.

He has been married to his wife, Kristianna, for over 3 years and has two boys: Solomon (age 2) and Oliver (born January 2024). They are actively involved in their church in Cedarville, OH, avid runners/Cross Country fans, and coach an elementary running club each Spring.

Kenton is a passionate HR professional who is motivated by his love for Jesus and his desire to reflect His love in organizational systems, processes, and policies. He loves caring well for people and is very driven to care well for those who care well for others through providing social services and support. The lifeblood of Kenton's work, both in HR and Counseling, is the steadfast hope found only in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6:19-20). Through intentional and compassionate functioning in his role, he hopes to direct people to the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ and holistic fulfillment found only in Him.

Emerge Into Hope

God is using this partnership to change lives at Bridges of Hope

Dustin Fields knows what it’s like to be participating in a similar program. After his own experience with addiction, he now helps others as a program team lead. “I lived that life for quite a long time. And the Lord gave me a new heart and a new mind,” Fields said.

Partnership to bring new services to local homeless shelter

Allison Gens with WDTN Channel 2 interviewed members of the Emerge and Bridges of Hope team to highlight their new partnership. The collaboration is called “Emerge into Hope,” with the goal to help people experiencing homelessness in Greene County with resources that weren’t there before.

Men's Housing Update

“We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.” Many of our residents have admitted their powerlessness over their addiction and how their lives became unmanageable as a result. As they continue to surrender daily and ask for guidance from “their” Higher Power they are discovering all of the blessings that are being bestowed upon them as a result of their recovery process. Currently we have 45 residents in our Men’s Recovery Housing program. A multitude of them are reentering society as successful employees and reengaging with their family members in a positive manner. Miracles occur each day here at Emerge and it is truly a blessing to be a witness to them all.

Jeff Moore - Men's Housing Manager

From Homelessness to Finding Hope

Living homeless on the streets for years with multiple trips to jail, prison, and rehab — Adrian Owens said the new life he has today at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative is the difference between night and day compared to all those years he spent lost in the hopelessness of active addiction.

Read Adrian's Story

Peer Support Team Milestones

These are just a few of the many milestone moments celebrated by the Peer Support Team! They appreciate your prayers and support. As this program expands, they seek creative ways to build skills and confidence in the men and women they support.

One year sobriety milestone by one of our residents was celebrated by our team!

A graduation from Supportive Outpatient Program and a completed case plan for Children Services. He is also working on the next step in housing.

One young woman is graduating sober living soon and just got her driver's license and a car. She will be getting her child back from foster care.

A graduation from the Partial Hospitalization Program, assessment at Clark State to get a job, and moved into housing.

Enrollment into Clark State to become a Peer Recovery Specialist.

Moving from the SOS Ministries house to a place of her own.

Resident passed his HVAC test!

Donate from their Wish List

(Pictured from left to right: Kip Morris, Co-founder, Debbie Lieberman, Doug Van Dyke, Co-founder, Chris Adams, Co-founder, Doris Edelmann, Director of Emancipation)

Tour Takeaways

Commissioner Lieberman visited the Emerge campus in January and was able to learn about our impact for this region from the Emerge Co-founders and our Director of Emancipation.

“The work that Emerge is doing to empower individuals will be impactful to those in recovery and aging out of foster care. I look forward to hearing more about their work with emancipated youth. I am impressed with their training, the vision of their founders and the transformational pathways they provide.”

Deborah Lieberman, Montgomery County Commissioner

The Emerge Team Had the Opportunity to Present at Christian Life Center

A Generous Gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Supports Men's Recovery at Emerge

Elaine Bonner speaks to UD students on the impact of Social media in community

GIVING CHALLENGE

Five Star Employee Donations to Emerge at an All-Time High

HR manager at Five Star shares her story of dealing with addiction and explains why she and others donate to Emerge every week.

Read Dana's Story

Local couple sees how their investment is changing lives

After experiencing the commitment and passion of the founders and their core team I was compelled to help.

Read Art's Testimony

We are excited to announce that this year's Signature event will be held on Campus at the Emerge Event Center. Mark your calendars now and look for more information coming soon!

Add this to your calendar