This month at Nexus Family Recovery Center, we’re thrilled to announce our recent grant award from Blue Cross Blue Shield. We’ll also spotlight our dedicated Nexus Facilities team, invite volunteers to join us during the holiday season, and share Lindsay’s inspiring journey of recovery and commitment.
Support
Nexus Awarded $200,000 Grant for Substance Use Disorder Continuum of Care
Nexus Family Recovery Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 grant through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Special Beginnings® Maternal and Infant Health Initiative (MIH). This funding will significantly enhance Nexus’s substance use disorder (SUD) continuum of care, aimed at supporting women and their children affected by substance use issues.
As one of the few facilities in Texas that allows pregnant women and mothers to bring their children into treatment, Nexus provides a unique and essential service. The funding will enable Nexus to expand its holistic, gender-specific, trauma-informed treatment programs, which focus on helping women achieve sobriety and improve their parenting skills, regardless of their financial situation.
“Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where women can recover from substance use disorders while also caring for their children,” said Nexus CEO Heather Ormand. “This grant will allow us to serve even more women and children, offering vital resources that promote recovery and resilience.”
The grant will support a variety of services, including medical detox, residential treatment programs, outpatient care, and co-occurring psychiatric services. Additionally, Nexus’s Texas Child Development Center (CDC) will provide developmental activities, behavioral therapy, and essential support to children affected by parental substance use.
Nexus is grateful for the support of the BCBSTX Special Beginnings MIH Initiative and looks forward to making a lasting impact on the lives of women and children facing the challenges of substance use disorder.
Security
From Repairs to Resilience: The Vital Role of the Facilities Team at Nexus Recovery
The Facilities Team at Nexus Recovery plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for everyone. This dedicated group of professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain the facility’s infrastructure, manage repairs, and oversee daily operations. Their commitment to excellence ensures that all spaces are functional and comfortable, allowing the Nexus Recovery community to focus on healing and growth.
The Nexus Facilities team is directed by Charles Betts, Chief Operations Manager. Charles joined Nexus in 2021 to oversee the day-to-day operations of our 24-hour residential facility, which includes the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds of our 11-acre campus; transportation; and campus security and safety. His team includes Director of Operations Chris Buckley, Facilitates Operations Coordinator Michael Brown, and Maintenance Technicians Ei’an Green and Chon Reyes.
Charles shares, “Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, ensuring the grounds are well-kept, or setting up for events, the Facilities Team’s efforts are integral to the smooth running of the center. Their hard work and attention to detail make Nexus Recovery a place where everyone can feel supported and cared for.”
Community
Volunteer Opportunity: Join Us for Holiday Meals at Nexus Family Recovery
Nexus Family Recovery Center is seeking compassionate volunteers to help make this year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals extra special for our clients. Join us in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for women and their families as we celebrate the holidays together.
Event Details:
Thanksgiving Day: November 28th, 11am – 1pm
Christmas Day: December 25th, 11am – 1pm
This year, we will be serving a sit-down meal, allowing us to provide a more personal and intimate dining experience for our clients. Volunteers will play a crucial role in this special event by:
- Setting tables and preparing plates
- Serving meals and drinks to clients
- Providing refills and second helpings upon request
- Clearing plates as clients finish their meals
- Cleaning and resetting tables for the next group
If you’re interested in volunteering for one or both of these meaningful holiday meals, please contact Cynthia Juarez, Director of Community Engagement and Volunteers. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve, helping to spread joy and connection during this special time of year.
Dignity
Lindsay: A Journey of Recovery and Empowerment
Lindsay, a 41-year-old mother from Hughes Springs, Texas, is a testament to resilience and transformation. Nearly six years sober, with her sobriety date set on November 21, 2018, Lindsay reflects on her challenging journey from substance abuse to becoming a counselor at Nexus Family Recovery Center.
Lindsay’s struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) began at 18 with alcohol, transitioning to methamphetamine by the age of 21. “I started using to numb the pain from failed relationships and feelings of unworthiness,” she shares. The turning point in her life occurred when federal authorities raided her home due to her connection with her child’s father, which subsequently led to intervention by Child Protective Services. “I did not want to lose my daughter,” Lindsay recalls. This traumatic experience became her turning point, igniting her desire to reclaim her life and become a better person for her family.
Learning about Nexus through the Give Em Jesus ministry, Lindsay discovered that she could bring her daughter with her during treatment. Her experience in Nexus’ all-women facility was particularly beneficial, fostering a sense of safety and sisterhood among the residents.
During her 85 days in the Pregnant and Parenting Women with Children (PPWC) program, Lindsay not only received counseling but also learned valuable lessons about domestic violence and self-worth. “I learned to show myself grace and came to understand that I was worthy and lovable,” she explains. This newfound perspective allowed her to mend relationships with her family and strengthen her bond with her daughter, who received play therapy during their stay.
Lindsay’s commitment to helping others led her to pursue a degree in substance abuse counseling, motivated by her desire to return to Nexus and be part of the supportive “village” that helped her. Today, she works as a Medication Assisted Treatment Counselor at Nexus, where she manages a caseload of over 40 clients. “I give God the glory because He orchestrated it all,” Lindsay asserts, highlighting her faith in the journey.
Outside of her professional life, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her daughter, delving into scripture, and staying active. Her dreams for the future include owning a home with a backyard for her daughter and perhaps finding a life partner. “I know God will equip me for whatever He has in store,” she expresses with hope.
Lindsay’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and support in recovery. “I am so grateful for a place like Nexus, where women can bring their children and all can heal,” she reflects. Her story stands as an inspiration for those facing similar struggles, showcasing the profound impact of surrendering to the process of healing.
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