SVP Partners Support Hope Haven’s Efforts in Recovery and Nonprofit Support
On September 19th, SVP Partners and guests gathered at The Forum at Hope Haven for the Q3 Partner Meeting. Hope Haven’s CEO, Kristin Blinson, shared the organization’s significant impact on adults in recovery and its commitment to supporting frontline nonprofit professionals.
Since its founding in 1976, Hope Haven has successfully provided residential recovery and wraparound services, boasting impressive outcomes: 89% of clients maintain sobriety, 85% secure employment, and 75% transition to independent living.
Blinson discussed the innovative concept behind The Forum at Hope Haven, which was initially proposed by Barbara Thomas as part of the SEED20 class of 2023. The Forum’s mission is to “help the people who help the people” by providing training and support to frontline nonprofit professionals who are at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. In its first year, The Forum hosted over 80 classes, reaching more than 1,000 professionals. Course topics include Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health 101, and Self-Care days.
Blinson highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse, from 1 in 4 people to 1 in 2, exacerbated by the pandemic, and the concerning increase in fentanyl use. She emphasized the critical role of community members and SVP Partners in combating Substance Abuse Disorder. She suggested four actionable steps:
- Educate yourself: The Forum offers a Substance Use Disorder Basics class open to the public for $25.
- Know how to help: Familiarize yourself with local resources like AA, Al-Anon, and outpatient treatment clinics.
- Eradicate stigma: Normalize recovery by sharing recovery stories on social media, supporting candidates in recovery in hiring decisions, and considering renting to individuals in recovery.
- Administer Narcan: a life-saving over-the-counter nasal spray medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Blinson encouraged attendees to carry Narcan and emphasized that it cannot harm someone even if they are not experiencing an overdose.
SVP is proud to support Hope Haven’s vital work in recovery and nonprofit support. By raising awareness, providing resources, and reducing stigma, we can collectively save lives and assist others with their recovery journies.
