Stories about recovery from substance abuse

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Episode #11:
Reverend Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director from SpiritWorks Foundation Center for the Soul in Virginia, has not used drugs or alcohol or drugs since January 1, 1987. Her addiction began with alcohol, while sneaking “ledge” drinks as a youth to getting an honorable military discharge in order to deal with her addiction. Now she serves as an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Face and Voices of Recovery, and co-chair of the Addiction and Recovery Commission for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. In 2014 she was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse.

Recommended Resources:

  • SpiritWorks Foundation Center for the Soul is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) based in Williamsburg, VA. Founded in 2005, we are pioneers in a growing field of peer led addiction recovery and wellness organizations.  SpiritWorks Foundation is comprised of, and led primarily by, people who live in recovery from addiction. We deliver peer to peer programs and services for children, youth, and adults living in recovery from the disease of addiction. Our programs and services build resilience in children, inspire youth to live drug free, and support, educate and empower adults who live in recovery.
  • SpiritWorks Institute: Our mission is to create a knowledge base that will guide individuals, families, allies, communities, and others as they work to build or rebuild thriving communities that have been sickened by addiction.
  • Provisions for the Journey: The purpose of this website is to offer provisions for the journey – the sacred journey from a life of brokenness to a life of healing and wholeness.  

Episode Song: 
Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best

Prepare yourself you know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He’s gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
That’s where you’re gonna go when you die
When you die and they lay you to rest
You’re gonna go to the place that’s the best

Never been a sinner I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He’s gonna set me up with
The spirit in the sky
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I’m gonna go to the place that’s the best
Go to the place that’s the best