April 2024

This month at Nexus Recovery Center, we celebrate National Volunteer Month and thank everyone who has donated their time and talents to Nexus. We also spotlight the new TeamAlert system that we’re using to improve safety on campus, and highlight former client Whitney, who used her time at Nexus to build a solid recovery for her growing family. Finally, we invite you to buy raffle tickets for our 3rd Annual Mothers’ Brunch & Bazaar, and thank all of our bazaar vendors who have donated prizes for the event!

Security

TeamAlert System Improves Safety on Nexus Campus

Nexus is in the process of adding an Emergency Notification System to our network. With clients and staff spread out among half a dozen buildings, the TeamAlert system will keep everyone in the loop by notifying each employee by text or phone with any potential emergency.

The TeamAlert system includes mobile apps for various types of phones and smart watches, so that campus staff can both stay informed of the latest developments, and alert other staff to any issues that occur. Using this mobile notification system, Nexus can better ensure the safety and security of our clients, no matter where they are on campus!

Community

Nexus Celebrates National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month! All this month, Nexus is honoring all of the volunteers in our community as well as encouraging volunteerism. Make sure to save the date for our Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 30 from 6-8pm. This event includes a “sip and doodle,” with snacks, photo op, and a raffle. If you’d like to join us, please email us at development@nexusrecovery.org. We hope to see you there!

The April 30 event is just one of the many ways we thank our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Nexus relies on people like you to take time out of their busy schedules to improve our campus, lead support groups, or help run fundraising events.

In 2023, Nexus welcomed 113 new volunteers, including volunteer groups from Charles Schwab, Chef to the Shelters, Frito-Lay, Southern Methodist University, and Texas A&M School of Dentistry. If you would like to join them, we have many opportunities available, including events, classes, campus beautification, admin, long-term volunteer opportunities and more. Click the link below to get started!

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Dignity

Whitney Builds a Solid Foundation in Recovery

Whitney, 33, has been in recovery since November 15, 2020. Whitney says that her life before Nexus was chaotic, depressing, anxiety-driven, and just flat-out hard. She started using painkillers around age 17 and alcohol at 21. Despite having two beautiful kids with her now-husband, Whitney still battled with substance use disorder (SUD) every day.

“I was so lost as a person and didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do with my life,” Whitney says. “People say that having kids should be enough for you to stop, but they would be wrong. When you are in the belly of the beast, nothing else matters, no matter how much you love your kids.”

Whitney said that it took losing everything to finally want better for herself and her kids. She had first come to Nexus when she was 20, but she wasn’t ready to stop taking pain pills, and left after just two days. However, when she came back in 2019, she knew that this time was different. She wanted to be in recovery, and that would make all the difference.

There were days when Whitney wanted to get up and leave, but she talked with her counselor and fought through the doubt and uncertainty. Putting words to her feelings and figuring out why she felt the way she did was one of the toughest things she ever did. It sounds so simple, but like so many other people who struggle with substance use disorder, it was easier for Whitney to cover up the pain from her past with pills and alcohol than it was to work through her feelings. Thankfully, she could rely on Nexus staff, as well as fellow clients, to be there as she worked through it.

“There aren’t enough words in the world to express how grateful I am for Nexus,” says Whitney. “The counselors and friends I made along the way got me through one of the hardest parts of my life. It changed my life for the better and I’ll never forget how it transformed my life.”

Whitney and her husband got married last September after 11 years and 2 kids together. Today she works as a caregiver for the elderly. With a passion for helping others who can’t help themselves, Whitney is planning on going back to school soon to get her LVN license and further her career. She also found out she was pregnant with her third child in January, and couldn’t be happier. With a growing family and a passion for her career, Whitney is thankful for her life and her family.

“One last piece of advice for anyone who is still struggling. Do it for YOU!” Whitney says. “No one else. Not your family or friends or even your kids. Build your recovery foundation on something solid: yourself. Something might happen to one of those people that you are in recovery for and could send you into a downward spiral. But if you are doing it for yourself, you have a better chance of success and happiness. If I can do it, anyone can. Peace and love!”

Support

Win Fabulous Prizes in the Mothers’ Brunch Raffle!

Nexus’ 3rd Annual Mothers’ Brunch & Bazaar is less than two weeks away, and raffle tickets are now available. This year’s raffle includes three gift baskets full of fabulous prizes, with each basket valued at around $500. All raffle prizes have been donated by our generous bazaar vendors, meaning that 100% of each raffle ticket goes directly to Nexus!

We will be drawing winners at the brunch on Monday, April 15, with online raffle tickers available until 12 noon on Friday, April 13. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Click the link below to get started!

Raffle Prizes

We are very thankful for all of the prizes that have been donated so far, including:

  • A “game day” hand-painted hat from Artesanias Zahra Darwish
  • A gourmet popcorn gift box from Avery’s Savory Popcorn
  • An enamel turquoise necklace from Deborah Gaspar Jewelry Collection
  • A gift certificate for 10 from Infused Oils & Vinegars
  • A $100 gift card from Parigi Restaurant
  • A necklace from Pharao Jewelry
  • A clear box of original almond toffee from Toni’s Toffee
  • A gift certificate for 1 month of unlimited yoga from Uptown Yoga
  • A gift bag from Mr. Wallys Pickles
  • A “head-to-toe” package from Woodhouse Spa