Graduate Spotlight
This month we wanted to honor our second MSH graduate Heather B.. We had hoped to have our first official MSH graduation this May, but had to postpone due to COVID-19. We still want to celebrate Heather and all of her accomplishments with an update on how she is doing since graduating from our program. A HUGE thank you to our volunteers, donors, and Board Members for helping her successfully transition into her home. We could not have done this without each of you and are forever grateful for your generous support!
Here is an update on how Heather is doing post-graduation:
“Before coming to Magdalene Serenity House my life was a mess. In and out of jail over the last 6 years and on my way to prison for the 2nd time. Losing everything each time and coming out to nothing was a vicious cycle that left me feeling hopeless. Magdalene gave me a chance at a better life. Allowing me to start over. Reuniting me with my kids and supporting me every step of the way. I have 3 1/2 yrs sober. I’ve moved back into my home and will soon regain full custody of my kids. I have a great job helping others just like me. But most importantly I have a life long support system unlike any other with the staff at MSH.”
Heather was able to reunite with all four of her children and became a grandma while at MSH. The pictures below are from her home and with each of her children. Heather’s oldest son Brandon is currently serving in the marines and Heather was able to attend his graduation from training. Heather’s daughter Adrianna gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and Heather was able to be present at the birth. Heather’s youngest children (twins) visited MSH often during her stay in our program and she will regain full custody of the twins in the fall.
Resident Achievements
- We have a full-house of folks staying strong in their recovery! We are proud of each of our residents for how they have persevered during this difficult time!
- Did you see MSH in the news? Two of our brave residents shared their story of recovery during COVID-19. You can read it here!
- One of our residents celebrated ONE YEAR clean and sober!
- One of our residents celebrated SEVEN MONTHS clean and sober!
- One of our residents saved enough money to qualify for our matched savings program. We are proud of her dedication to financial stability.
- One of our residents will start cosmetology school in June!
Thank You for Your Generous Gift!
Thank you Arkansas Community Foundation and the Jane Hunt Meade Fund for your generous gift of $25,000 to support MSH during the COVID-19 crisis.
Resident Success Stories
“Since being at MSH house I have overcome many obstacles and achieved many goals. I am going on 6 months residency and will be attending cosmetology school in June. I am so excited! This is something I think would have been very hard to achieve had I not had the full loving support from everyone here at MSH. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for all your support throughout my journey thus far!”
“I celebrated one year clean and sober on April 1. Although COVID-19 has set me back in some areas, like keeping my job and getting a vehicle, the staff and interns and volunteers here have helped me so much by keeping me on track through all of this. I am not sure where I would be if it wasn’t for each and every one of the people involved in this program. I will forever be grateful.”
“I’ve been here at MSH for nearly 11 months now. It has exceeded anything I ever needed or wanted in a recovery program. Our staff: Ashley, April, Sophia, and Liz are all the most professional, kind, patient, non-judgmental, helpful, and supportive people I know. I am so blessed to be here and feel like there’s no way I could possibly ever return to the old life I lived.
“I am just truly grateful to be a part of such a great community and knowing that there are people that genuinely care about all of us at MSH. Love this place! And love all you guys!”
Intern Spotlight
Hello! My name is Jaqulyn Clover and I am a third-year occupational therapy doctorate student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. I was born and raised in Jonesboro and received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from A-State in 2017. I am newly married and love spending time outdoors with my husband and our two dogs! I recently moved to the northwest Arkansas area and am completing my doctoral fieldwork experience here at Magdalene. During my time here I hope to advance my program development skills and support the needs of the residents and staff to the best of my ability. I’m excited to be here!
Thank You Volunteers!
We have all heard the latest buzzword “essential worker.” Here at MSH we also find volunteers to be essential. We have said many times that MSH could not thrive without the help from our volunteers and this proves to be even more true during a time of uncertainty. It is fair to state that everyone’s mental health has been challenged but with vulnerable populations the challenges may seem greater. Luckily the residents have a safe place to stay and an abundance of support from staff and volunteers.
Volunteers have donated meals from local restaurants including an Easter meal from Honeybaked Ham! Thank you Bret and Stacey Park, Suzanne Stoner, Michele and David McMath, and Kristi and Trent Palmer for lifting our residents spirits with good food! We have also had household items donated which is vital to maintain a sanitary home. A huge thank you to Tina Moore, Kimly and Andy Brownback, Jo Ann Wardein, Christine Klinger, Jane Gearhart, Suzanne Stoner, Kristi and Trent Palmer, and the Smith Finer family for purchasing needed items for our residents! Some volunteers have written letters, donated fishing poles, and stopped by to take a walk with the women, as well as text messages and e-mails inquiring about the well-being of the house. Joan Beyette made masks to keep both our residents and staff safe! We are so grateful!
These selfless acts of compassion not only boost the morale of the home, but also leave us indebted to our volunteers and community supporters who take the time during a world-wide crisis to make sure the residents of MSH are cared for.
So to each one of you, thank you!
– Liz Sims, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
How to Help
Want to make our residents day? Please consider sending them a letter of encouragement. The residents are always excited to receive letters of support from the community. One resident was presented with a card this week and was touched that it was for her and the rest of the house! She could not believe that someone took time out of their day to wish her and the rest of the group a Happy Easter and support of their continued recovery. Write to us at PO Box 3394, Fayetteville, AR 72702. We hope to hear from you! Questions on how to give? Contact ashley@lovehealsnwa.org.