· CARE

· HABITAT

· STEWPOT

· HONDURAS

· HONDURAN CHILDREN

· SAINT FRANCIS

· KAIROS

· VICTIMS ASSISTANCE

· HURRICANE

· HOPE CREDIT UNION

Chapel Committee for Addicted and Recovering Episcopalians (CARE)

Those persons struggling with addictions and those who have achieved recovery know well the importance of a caring community. For some, the greatest need at a point in time might simply be "to be there when they are not there," while others may have more specific and urgent needs. The Chapel Committee for Addicted and Recovering Episcopalians (CARE) was formed to address the wide spectrum of needs.

The person responsible for organizing and directing this ministry is the Reverend Eilene Warwick, Deacon, whose focus is serving addicted and recovering Episcopalians within the community. She is a leader by example with 14 years of personal recovery as well as experience as a professional alcohol and drug counselor.

The following is the Mission Statement of CARE:
The Committee for Addicted and Recovering Episcopalians of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church is a local membership organization with a mission to those who, through addiction, have lost their health and freedom. Our mission seeks to:

• Help the addicted and those who love them connect with spiritual resources and find lasting recovery through the Twelve-Step Program.
• Witness to Christ's unfailing grace and mercy by welcoming unchurched members of all Twelve-Step programs into an Episcopal faith community.
• Raise the awareness of other clergy and leaders about the disease of addiction and the redemption and grace found in recovery.
• Strengthen recovering Episcopalians in the work of their recovery and help proclaim the Gospel in the world and carry their recovery into the church.

CARE's mission of work includes all addictions. It is first and foremost a resource of the clergy, who are most often the first contact for those in need. It functions in a non-assertive, non-judgmental, trusting, caring and loving manner for those who request assistance. Confidentiality and anonymity are of utmost importance and are honored in all undertakings and meetings.

CARE has enjoyed a productive and spiritual beginning and is expected to continue as a viable organization in the recovery community. Some of CARE's activities include:

• An Intervention Committee has been established to be available to families and loved ones of addicted parishioners who request this assistance. When called upon, individuals from this committee will work under the auspices of trained interventionists. Formal intervention training is being given to all participating members by a trained interventionist.
• The Chapel has a Twelve-Step Eucharist at 5:00 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month. Efforts are underway to make this service a more visible forum for building awareness and reaching out to those persons in need as well as to their family and friends.
• Awareness of the Twelve-Step program is being provided to a wider general audience by periodically weaving it into Sunday School classes as a tool and guide for a way of life.
• Providing educational programs on addictions and sources of assistance is a major focus.
• In order to reach a younger audience, CARE members visit the Chapel's youth programs and talk about addictions, particularly in the area of prevention. Young recovering adults are invited to tell their "stories" to youth groups.

As it develops, the CARE organization encourages parishioners from other area Episcopal churches to join its ranks. Members are available to present its model to churches that might desire to organize similar recovery groups.

CARE asks for your prayers and counsel as it evolves and discerns its place in the church community.

For more information, contact Rev. Eilene Warwick.

Related Links
National Council on Alcoholism
Recovery Ministries
The Anti-Drug Parenting Tips