Chris Ward had 23 surgeries after an explosion during his military tour in Iraq. Ward was placed on a morphine drip for months during recovery. Chris Ward became addicted to illegal substances, went to prison then released to house arrest.
Now Chris holds the title “Director of Addiction and Recovery Services” with Healthy Communities and is the “Director of Trinity Hope Center” on North Columbia Street in Frankfort.
Chris still refers to himself as a recovering addict and that is precisely why he can relate to, and help the 489 people who visited Trinity Hope Center this May during the first month of Trinity’s existence. Ward also now serves on the very board that helped decide his fate earlier in his recovery journey. “Who’d a thought” said Ward during his talk at the Frankfort Rotary Club at Arborwood Thursday at noon.
Ward works with 6 recovery coaches who help 400 clients in Clinton County. “If you had to recover from addiction anywhere, Clinton County is the place to be.” Ward was referring to the range and depths of services available in Clinton County for recovering addicts. “We help the community” Ward said, citing statistics 88% of recovering addicts volunteer for community service compared to less than 10% of the general population.
Trinity Hope Center is located at 806 North Columbia street in Frankfort. The Center started because of the cramped overflowing, popular recovery meetings could no longer fit into the old police station, making it difficult to even gather for meetings. Carol Price was aware a new place was needed. The old Police Station location was considered but that building needed maintenance beyond the means of the Recovery group. Carol Price suggested the beautiful Trinity United Methodist Church could be used for the recovery activities since the congregation no longer needed the building. St Matthew United Methodist Church and Healthy Communities of Clinton County partnered to connect the dots to secure the Trinity United Methodist Church building at an affordable price and the rest is history.
Now client-directed activities from Rock painting to a walking club group collaborate on community-minded activities.
Word of mouth is kicking in that these recovery services is a good pathway back to restoring health, family, incomes and long term fulfillment in life said Ward.
“Addicts are not the only group needing recovery” said Ward. Families need training to help in the recovery process. Workshops are now available to equip families helping in the recovery process.
Ward said one of the most vital needs in the community is simply “Kindness.”
“We beat ourselves up more by 9 in the morning than you will ever will” said Ward, referring to the fact that recovering addicts deeply appreciate the kindness and support found at Trinity and recover with those who understand addiction is a disease much like cancer. Cancer remission can turn into recurrence if treatment fails. No one wants the cancer to come back to kill, but the parallel of addiction and cancer enables the community to show kindness and better deliver the support and hope to those who need it most. “Frankfort and Clinton County is one of the best places in the state to find this support and many communities seek advice from Clinton County to emulate what we have here,” said Ward.
Carol Price summed it up saying these programs “Change lives and help people get their lives back.”
Frankfort Rotary presented a check to Trinity Hope Center for $215.00 from member contributions during July Meetings. This month similar contributions benefit United Way for Clinton County.
