On a beautiful spring-like Sunday in October, the Livengrin Foundation and its Alumni Association held its annual “Back to Livengrin Day” where staff, patients and their loved ones could hang out and party soberly.
Livengrin is a decades-old, Philadelphia-area nonprofit dedicated to focused, personalized rehabilitation treatment and detox center for those struggling with addiction. And its Back to Livengrin Day fall classic celebrated the success of programs, while embracing the close-knit community it serves.
“Our events are about bringing the entire community together. Letting everyone know that there is no shame, ever, in asking for help of any kind, and that there are people, here, who care and are willing to help. Events like these make you realize that what you do matters,” said Alex Bloomer, admissions manager at Livengrin’s Hulmeville Road facility.
As a one-time Livengrin patient who went through a successful treatment program in 2017, Bloomer was hired “on the spot” and has been part of Livengrin’s professional family ever since, through several administrative positions.
“It’s a pretty big deal for my mom, my dad and my sister that I’m doing this now,” said Bloomer. “My family feels as if they can take a deep breath as they no longer have to worry about me. I’m able to give back to the community that has helped me so much.
“It’s been super helpful for me and my job because I can use my life’s experiences, and my family’s experience, to help people new to recovery,” Bloomer added. “To be able to help people calm their nerves. I can use my lived-in past in order to let everyone know that there is hope; that if I can do it, they can do it.”
Last week’s Back to Livengrin Day celebrated its alumni association with food trucks and DJs, Trunk or Treat, and fun games like fingerprinting and welcoming activities relevant to Livengrin’s first responder program courtesy of the Bensalem Police Department and Bucks County Sheriff Department.
According to Alumni Association President Lorraine Cooper — a woman who 22-years-ago, became deeply acquainted with Livengrin as a participant in rehabilitation — there is “life after you leave the facility, and fun things to do all the time.”
“If you’re bored in recovery, just follow me around for a month and you’ll see just how busy and rewarding your life can be,” Cooper told Metro Philadelphia. “Most people think that when they get out of treatment, there’ll just stay home watching ‘Jeopardy’. But it is like we say it in recovery – the clarity of it all means a life beyond your wildest dreams, with so much to offer.”
Ultimately, the purpose of Livengrin and its Alumni Association events are about making sure its patients will have fun and fulfilling lives going forward.
“I have made real friends and deep meaningful relationships throughout my sobriety with whom I can do enjoyable things. These are people who are there for me and want nothing in return,” said Bloomer. “When I was drinking and using, I only had friends who wanted to talk to me if I had money and if I wanted to use – had something to offer them. Livengrin made me realize I can have completely altruistic relationships where each of us can succeed.
“That’s what I love at Back to Livengrin Day — you can see that all in action. We offer hope. People who struggle with addiction are like anyone else with any other sickness. Livengrin is someplace local that treats an illness, and that we always love to help and heal those in need.”
Sponsored content produced in partnership with Livengrin Foundation
