What is the Blanchet House of Hospitality? Article by Bob Wack
That is a question that many might ask. Does the Blanchet just feed and house the homeless and less fortunate. The answer would be a modified 'yes', because they have fulfilled that function for the past 53 years. However, during this time they have provided something just as important. And that pertains to the management of the three Blanchet programs. For all 53 years of its existence, the Blanchet programs have been managed by the men who originally came for a meal and a place to stay. Remember that these men were trying to recover from either drug or alcohol related problems. They were looking for a chance to get back on their feet and return to society... and sometimes to return to their families. New to the Blanchet family, I was amazed the four founders remaining of the original group could put so much trust and belief in these recovering addicts. Few companies would have given these men this opportunity. I wanted to see for myself, so I planned on interviewing all the managers and assistant managers. I had other reasons. What I was searching for was how this trust that the Blanchet was placing on all these men, was in turn, changing these men. How did it make them feel about themselves? How did it affect their self-esteems? In talking to all these men, it was very gratifying to discover that all were very self-assured. The responsibility asked of them and the trust placed in them was very helpful in how they felt about themselves.
| Random Thoughts from the Blanchet House Management Team Working at something that possibly is a hobby - and get paid for it... It is hard to explain my gratitude to the Blanchet House. The only way that I can show it is by my continued willingness to do what I am asked to do... The world hasn't changed, I've changed; I've never had a real problem finding a job -- even though times are bad now. My problem has been keeping the job. In the past, after a period of time, I would get back into my heavy drinking. Then I would quit before I got fired... It is amazing how many of those interviewed, expressed a desire to get into some phase of drugs or alcohol counseling... I feel that the Blanchet offers each and every person the opportunity to better himself if they so choose. Has the Blanchet House stay increased your self-esteem and how you think about yourself? Yes, enabled my recovery. Service work is important for recovery... Yes sir, very important in my recovery... Definitely -- a must, and it might be advisable to have a 'recovery coordinator' for the 3 blanchet facilities... Blanchet provided a real big benefit... Yes, it was very low when I first came here... Completely, when I came to the Blanchet Farm 7 months ago, I was suicidal -- that has all changed and negated any thoughts to ending my life... The Blanchet has given back my complete self-esteem and shown me a way to build a foundation for a complete recovery, through the 12-step program... yes, enabled my recovery; service work is so important for recovery... It definitely has made me feel much better about myself, and ability to return to a normal life.
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The Holy Spirit acts in many ways... Randy R, manager of Mr. Riley's Place, was relating a story about how he got started on his recovery from his drinking problems. "I was living on the streets, sleeping wherever I could... I had been kicked out of my home and family, and was at rock bottom. One day, when I needed more sleep, I was resting on a bench in Portland's Kenilworth Park, praying and talking to God to help me. Then the wind came up suddenly, and a piece of paper blew against my face. I pulled the paper away and read the words staring at me.. which were the poem printed below. I felt I had received my answer from God. The message in the poem was very compelling. I decided to enter Hooper's Detox program, and here I am today, clean for 6 years, thanks to my answer from God." Prayer of Trust "My Lord God" I have
no idea where I am going. -Thomas Merton
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