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I have lived in Flagstaff for several years and have been an active member in the 12 step community for over 3 years. When B2B opened this year in Flagstaff, I initially knew that this would be a great assest to not only Flagstaff but the Recovery community as a whole. I am a full time student and was looking for an opportunity to be more of service to people. Ironically, I was approached this last summer to come on board the B2B Residential staff and help support B2B’s in town Residential activities. My initial dialogue with the Director started inquiring about the program, regarding the different stages, daily routines, rules and regulations of B2B. I also asked about the good stuff, such as 12 step conventions and roundups. The B2B Director of Operations was able to be open and upfront about B2B. He needed a male for residential to cover weekends and my schedule was wide open. We continued the process and I have been here for over six months. In those six months I have been able to witness and participate in the miraculous events that occur with young adults in recovery, on an almost daily basis. I was there for the first Family Week, an in depth workshop when the families and B2B Residents engaged in group therapy, educations, and intimate time with their loved ones. The compassion between all families in recovery was amazing. We also had fellowship, we ate wonderful meals prepared by B2B Residents and staff played games together.
I have also been able to go on several B2B Outdoor Adventure trips with the B2B Residents. Rationed food and living rough is not something I always want to do, however I had the desire to go with them and gained an incredible experience. Being exposed in a raw environment brings the frustrations and fears to the surface. Then as a group we work through them and keep trudging the path. It is a vulnerable atmosphere and growth happens in front of your eyes. I get to stand back and see the B2B Residents from when they first arrive to the present. Recalling the emotional, spiritual, and physical state and the incredible turnaround of all the residents amazes me. They stand there in front of me a completely different person. Personally being engaged with the residents so much, it is a blessing to see their journey, their recovery and their perception alter to a positive course. I participate as much as possible to watch a person’s life change for the better. I get to be a channel of an outside power and help steer and share with the residents.
MJV