Circle of Friends

This is the section of our newsletter that we dedicate to you our readers. We invite you to share your thoughts with us in short stories, poems, or inspirational sayings.

If you would like to contribute contact Bill Burns-Lynch at 215-599-4011 or just send your contributions to Bill at the Friends Connection office. We look forward to seeing your words in print!

Personal Stories

Hi, I'm Stephanie. Participating with the Friends Connection I've gotten real personal with my recovery and mental health. I've also learned that I can't do it alone. That's where my peer support counselor Frenzell Campbell comes in. She supports my growth, she encourages me to join the Friends Connection in outside events and activities to have fun, get support, and to make time for my friends. All I can say is that up until now, I never really knew what a real friend was like in my life. But today I keep it green with my new friends that I've found in the Friends Connection and that really helps me to grow in my recovery.

-Stephanie Jordan, Program Participant

My name is Liz and I like the Friends Connection because they keep me occupied doing things in the community and that helps me from being left alone in my head. I like to participate in all of the trips they sponsor. My Peer Support Counselor helps me when I'm down and the weekly outings I attend help me meet people in the community. If I didn't have a peer support counselor I wouldn't make as many AA, DT, and NA meetings as I do now. Participating with the Friends Connection has also helped me get to know people who understand me. The Friends Connection never puts me down they always make me feel like I can do anything as far as achieving the goals that I want, especially if I put my mind to it. I'm glad I have the support from the Friends Connection because if I didn't who knows where I'd be today. I give special thanks to Linda Moore and other peer support counselors who have helped me.

-Elizabeth Otero, Program Participant

Poetry

Life's Journey

I've been on a journey,
I've traveled so far,
I didn't realize the path would be so far.
To discover the treasures that life has in store,
To understand true friendship and what it's meant for.

When finding yourself in a confused and unfamiliar place,
You ask yourself one question:
Is this life?
Because I feel like I'm in outer space.

Then realizing the ups and downs, he fears and insecurities are just another journey that life takes on.
You traveled that journey because you feel you belong.
Belong to yourself and knowing who you are.
You can travel any journey no matter how near or far.
So when you enter a place of unfamiliar beings
Just remember this: you are who you are that unique supreme-being.
Don't get distracted for what life has in store,
Remember when one shuts there is always another open door.

- Frenzell Campbell, Peer Support Specialist