Building Champions
Support group offers unique approach to recovery process
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LEWISTOWN --A new support group aims to give those who are struggling a new perspective on life.
Formed from Barrville Mennonite Church in Reedsville, the group, Building Champions, is working to help build up individuals who are struggling with issues, ranging from mental health to alcohol and substance abuse.
Michele Mackenzie, the program coordinator, said that while the group incorporates elements of traditional recovery groups like Alcoholic Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery, there is more of a focus on talking through issues with peers who have similar experience.
The group offers confidential, non-judgmental support. It is faith-based, but all are welcome to attend, regardless of denomination.
"It's for broken people," said Mackenzie. "It could be someone who is in a domestic violence situation, suffered abuse, tried to commit suicide, or is battling depression and anxiety."
Mackenzie said the purpose of the group is to restore hope, "because if you don't have hope, you don't have anything…We want to help each other -- be there for each other -- because everybody needs somebody," she said.
The group can also help direct individuals to resources that can help those who are not insured.
Building Champions does not have the same requirements as traditional programs.
"We don't push people into talking about past mistakes," said Mackenzie. "I want to talk about today because today leads to tomorrow. Tomorrow we can fix because that's where we're going. I understand that your past might have something to do with why you're broken, but we're going to start with today."
Mackenzie said she worked with Barrville Mennonite Church Pastor Carl Geissinger to form the group.
"I have alway been very passionate about helping other people recover," she said. "I wanted something that would change the way people see an addict or someone who is struggling with mental health because that's not how they're always going to be."
"I'm a firrm believer that if you help people with depression, anxiety, with suicidal thoughts, the abuse that they go through at home, we can prevent them from going down the road of addiction and alcohol," she said. "My thought was if I can help people change and help them be better, they can unite and make our community better."
The group meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday behind Clear Concepts, at 24 N. Main St., Lewistown. Enter in the parking lot off of Third Street, next to United Fire Company.
For more information, call or text Mackenzie at (717) 994-6701 or Pastor Geissinger at (570) 765-3923.