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How to Build a Fulfilling Life During the Recovery Journey

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 17:56:34 GMT

How to Build a Fulfilling Life During the Recovery Journey

Recovery isn’t a finish line. It’s a process of rebuilding life, piece by piece, often from a foundation that feels unsteady at best. But here’s the truth: the recovery journey can also be the most meaningful chapter of your life. It’s a chance to redesign not just what you avoid, but what you embrace. Recovery doesn’t only mean “not using.” It means learning how to live — on purpose, with joy, with structure, with people who see you clearly and still stick around. This is for anyone seeking real traction, not just sobriety milestones.

Start with Mindset and Self-Compassion

A strong foundation starts with how you speak to yourself. Shame and frustration will knock — often daily — but they don’t have to move in. Real change begins when you accept recovery as an ongoing journey . Compassion isn’t softness; it’s the discipline of trying again, even when no one sees the effort. Recognize that relapse isn’t failure — it’s information. It shows where you need reinforcement. A recovery-focused mindset gives you space to pause, recalibrate, and continue rather than spiral back into despair. Each reset is a skill, not a shame mark.

Rebuild Your Support System Intentionally

Isolation will whisper that you're better off alone. Don’t listen. Healing is collective. When you actively develop peer support systems , you borrow strength until you build your own. It doesn’t always have to be a sponsor or a 12-step group, though those work for many. Recovery thrives in places where vulnerability is met with listening, not judgment. Whether it’s a sober softball league, a friend who texts you every morning, or a support forum you visit late at night, surround yourself with people who don’t flinch when you’re honest. Recovery rarely sticks in solitude.

Build Toward a New Professional Identity

As recovery stabilizes, a natural question surfaces: what comes next? For many, pursuing a bachelor's in information technology becomes a way to channel growth into long-term purpose. The self-paced structure of online programs can align beautifully with recovery rhythms — offering challenge without chaos, structure without rigidity. Education isn’t just about the degree; it’s about showing yourself that you can stay committed to something future-facing. Choosing a field like IT means betting on your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and build again — this time on your terms.

Lock in Routine Before You Chase More

Ambition is great. But early in recovery, structure is oxygen. A chaotic day often opens the door to chaotic decisions. When you create structured daily routines , you reduce the cognitive load of constant decision-making. Wake up at the same time. Eat. Move. Rest. Repeat. Boredom and anxiety feed on unpredictability — give them less room. The best routines aren’t complicated. They’re just consistent. Add meaning later. For now, just get things stable. Then, build.

Set Goals, But Shrink Them First

Forget grand plans. A fulfilling life isn’t built from one massive leap; it’s stitched together from small, intentional steps. When youapply small, achievable recovery goals , you’re training your nervous system to trust you. Momentum matters more than magnitude. Keep a simple list: goals for today, this week, and this month. If one doesn’t happen? Cross it off and write a new one. The act of setting and resetting teaches resilience more than any perfect streak ever could.

Redefine Self-Care from the Inside Out

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and green smoothies. It’s boundaries, rest, forgiveness, sweat, and laughter that don’t cost anything. The key is to tailor self-care practices that nourish your specific needs. That might mean saying no to family events that trigger old patterns, or it might mean learning to cook one nourishing meal you actually enjoy. It could mean journaling before sleep or sitting outside for ten minutes without your phone. Find what leaves you more clear than cluttered. Then do it again tomorrow. Not because you’re broken, but because you’re building.

Rejoin the World — On Your Terms

Life doesn’t pause because you’re healing. But you get to choose how you return to it. Don’t wait until you feel “fully ready.” That moment may never arrive. Instead , join active sober community programs that meet you where you are. Volunteer. Hike. Paint. Write. Rebuild your role in the community through contribution, not just consumption. This isn’t about distracting yourself from cravings. It’s about reconnecting with a world that needs your voice, your effort, your presence. Your recovery isn’t just personal — it’s relational. The more you step into life again, the more that life will step toward you.

You’re not just surviving addiction. You’re creating a life with depth, with rhythm, with relationships that aren’t built on apologies or hiding. Recovery is about becoming a person you trust — someone who doesn’t ghost themselves when things get hard. And if today you feel stuck, flat, or ashamed — that’s part of it too. You’re allowed to build slowly. Just don’t do it alone. Anchor yourself in routines, in purpose, in people who remind you who you’re becoming. You’re not failing because it’s hard. You’re growing. And growth is rarely quiet, clean, or linear. But it’s always worth it.

Discover the transformative programs at L-aPs, Inc. and join us in building bridges of support and community for those in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

Here Are Some Unique and Unconventional Paths to Better Mental Health

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 17:26:31 GMT

Here Are Some Unique and Unconventional Paths to Better Mental Health

Mental health care isn’t confined to therapy sessions or medication. In fact, some of the most effective boosts come from creative, sensory, and sometimes unexpected activities. By weaving these practices into your daily life, you can refresh your mindset, calm your nervous system, and nurture resilience. Here are unique ways to improve your mental health, each backed by a specific approach you can try today.

Indoor Nature Connection

You don’t need a forest outside your door to reap the benefits of nature. Even simple interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress levels , improve focus, and create a calming environment in your home or workspace. The act of watering, pruning, and observing your plants’ growth fosters mindfulness, which helps anchor you in the present moment. Researchers have found that touching or tending to greenery indoors can lower blood pressure and elevate mood, offering a natural and accessible mental health boost for those living in urban or high-stress settings.

Virtual Reality Art Therapy

For a modern twist on traditional art therapy, consider exploring a VR-based art therapy environment . These immersive spaces allow you to paint, sculpt, or design in three dimensions without any real-world mess or supply limitations. The combination of creative expression and virtual immersion engages multiple senses and can provide a profound sense of escape from daily stressors. For people who find it hard to “switch off” or who struggle with mobility, VR art therapy can be a gateway to the same therapeutic benefits of hands-on art, but with added novelty and engagement.

Alternative Stress-Reduction Modalities

Exploring a mix of safe, non-invasive approaches can provide fresh ways to manage daily stress without relying on a single technique. Gentle movement practices such as restorative yoga can relax muscles while steadying the breath, and aromatherapy engages the senses to encourage calm. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha have been studied for their ability to help the body adapt to stress over time. For some, the calming potential of THCA diamonds concentrate offers another natural option to support mental balance. When combined, these modalities create a versatile, well-rounded toolkit.

Cozy “Grandma” Hobbies

Hobbies your grandmother might have loved—like knitting, quilting, or embroidery—are more than charming throwbacks . Repetitive, hands-on pastimes create a meditative rhythm that can lower anxiety and help regulate breathing. The tactile feedback from yarn, fabric, or thread engages your sense of touch, which can be grounding in moments of mental unrest. Many people also find that working on a project over time fosters patience and provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, making these traditional crafts surprisingly relevant for modern mental health needs.

Junk Journaling Practice

If you’ve ever felt that “real” journaling is too neat or intimidating, lowering stress and anxiety through junk journaling might be the answer. This approach embraces imperfection—scraps of paper, stickers, doodles, and messy handwriting all have a place. By removing the pressure to be polished, you create a safe space for self-expression and emotional release. Over time, junk journaling can help you process feelings more freely, develop creative confidence, and enjoy the meditative act of making without judgment.

Cold-Water Therapy

Taking a plunge into cold water might sound extreme, but the cold water immersion benefits for mood and mental clarity are gaining attention. Short sessions in cold baths, lakes, or even cold showers can stimulate endorphin release and reduce inflammation, which is linked to improved mental well-being. The physical shock prompts deep breathing and heightened focus, pulling you out of mental fog. While it’s important to approach this practice safely and gradually, many find that cold-water therapy offers a refreshing reset.

Creative Self-Care

Engaging in art isn’t just for professional creatives— art stimulates focus and resilience in anyone willing to give it a try. Painting, drawing, or sculpting can provide a nonverbal outlet for processing emotions and problem-solving. The creative process encourages patience, adaptability, and a sense of play, which can be deeply restorative for mental health. Even setting aside 15 minutes a day for creative activity can shift your mood, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience over time.

Your mental health toolkit doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Whether you’re tending a window herb garden, immersing yourself in a virtual art studio, or braving a cold plunge, these unconventional approaches offer fresh ways to connect with yourself. By exploring diverse practices and finding what resonates, you can build a mental health routine that is both effective and uniquely yours.

Discover the transformative power of community support with L-aPs, Inc. , where we connect lives and provide essential resources to help you thrive through life’s challenges.

How To Know If Your Anxiety Is Hurting Your Kids

site-2KmcMQ — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:25:41 GMT

How To Know If Your Anxiety IS Hurting Your Kids - Picture by Freepik

Sometimes it sneaks in through silence. The way you sigh, the grip on the steering wheel, the blank stare over dinner. Children are quieter than you think when they’re watching, and louder than you expect when they start to carry what you won’t name. You worry because it feels responsible, even righteous. But anxiety doesn’t always stay in one body. It spills, and your child might be wading in it already.

Recognizing the Signs

It starts small. Your child hesitates before school, clings tighter than usual, and asks if you’re okay more than they used to. These may seem like quirks or phases, but they could be signs that our anxiety is affecting them more than we care to admit. They mirror tension like glass reflects light, without distortion. You don’t have to be falling apart for your anxiety to seep into the room. Even managed fear has a scent, and kids have sharp noses for unspoken stress.

The Ripple Effect

Research doesn’t mince words. Persistent parental anxiety has been linked to cognitive and emotional disruptions in childhood development. According to one summary of parental anxiety and child development research , children with anxious caregivers often develop elevated stress responses themselves. It’s not a life sentence, but it can shape their worldview early. Safety becomes a question, not a foundation. Their emotional thermostat starts ticking to someone else’s temperature.

Technology’s Role

Phones are easy shields. You’re not ignoring them, you’re decompressing, you’re reading the news, you’re “just checking something.” But what they see is your face lit by a screen, not curiosity. Studies show that excessive parental use of technology rewires young minds, often in sync with feelings of neglect or disconnection. Even toddlers sense when they’ve been emotionally replaced by a glowing rectangle. You’re not a bad parent, but you’re missing moments that might’ve tethered their nervous systems to calm.

Stress in Kids

They won’t call it stress. They’ll say they feel sick, get headaches, hate school, hate themselves, or lash out. You might miss the clues unless you’re looking for monitoring for signs of stress specifically . And even then, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. After all, aren’t kids supposed to be dramatic? But this isn’t a tantrum—it’s a weather system you helped create. One they’re living in without a raincoat.

Managing Parental Anxiety

You’re allowed to be anxious. The point isn’t to erase it, it’s to learn how to carry it without dropping pieces on the floor for your child to trip over. There are practical tips for coping with parental anxiety that don’t involve pretending you’re fine. Journaling, deep breathing, asking for help before you explode—these aren’t wellness clichés, they’re survival tools. Therapy isn’t indulgent, it’s protective gear. You don’t fix everything, but you model repair.

Career and Anxiety

Sometimes it’s not you, it’s your job. If your current work situation keeps lighting your nervous system on fire, that’s not a personal failure. It might be time to consider a new path. For example, if you work in nursing and want better working conditions, shifts, and pay, working toward earning an advanced practice nursing degree can position you for a more hands-on approach and see improved pay and hours. Regardless of your career track, online degree programs make it easier to handle parenting and work duties more easily. Sometimes healing starts with a professional pivot.

Building Resilience Together

This isn’t about blame, it’s about teamwork. Your child doesn’t need a flawless parent, just a present one. They learn emotional agility by watching you bend without breaking. They’ll believe they’re allowed to be scared if they see you name your fears and still walk forward. There are ways to help your child manage fears and anxieties without overwhelming either of you. Progress is slow, but it adds up fast when you’re consistent.

Your child will pick up the tone of your silence, the pace of your breath, the way your shoulders rise when someone asks, “Are you okay?” So let your recovery be audible. Let them hear you say, “I’m working on it.” Let them watch you try again tomorrow. Because if they see you choose healing, they’ll know it’s possible for themselves too. And that’s a legacy worth handing down.

Discover the transformative power of community support with L-aPs, Inc. , where we connect lives, provide essential resources, and empower individuals to thrive in transitional times. Join us in making a difference today!

The Stress Solution: Techniques for a Balanced Life

site-2KmcMQ — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:50:46 GMT

The Stress Solution: Techniques for a Balanced Life

Life is full of stressors that can affect both our mental and physical health. Identifying the signs and sources of stress is essential for effective management. Approaches to reducing stress can vary from making personal lifestyle changes to adjusting professional habits. In this article, L-aPs, Inc. will discuss practical steps to recognize and address these stressors, improving overall well-being.

Detecting Emotional Signs of Stress

When emotions such as irritability, anxiety, or a constant sense of being overwhelmed start to dominate your days, it's essential to take a step back and assess the situation. These feelings often serve as the body’s alarm system, indicating that stress levels are high. You may notice these emotions in response to minor inconveniences or challenges that wouldn't typically bother you. Understanding that these reactions can be cues to underlying stress helps you to address the issue before it escalates.

Changing Careers to Reduce Stress

Work-related stress is a common affliction for many. If you find that your job is no longer challenging or has become a source of significant stress, considering a career change might be beneficial. Pursuing an online cybersecurity degree can open new career opportunities while fitting into a busy schedule, allowing you to balance work and study effectively. Leveraging online degree programs is a practical way to enhance your qualifications while managing your current responsibilities.

Tracking Stressors Through Journaling

Maintaining a journal can be an enlightening method to pinpoint what triggers your stress. Regular entries about when you feel stressed and what's happening around you can reveal patterns over time. Whether it's a particular person, a type of interaction, or a specific environment, recognizing these triggers allows you to develop strategies to avoid or mitigate their effects. This awareness is a critical step in managing your stress proactively.

Analyzing Environmental Impacts

Your immediate environment plays a significant role in how you feel. Clutter, noise, and a lack of personal space can significantly increase stress levels. By assessing your surroundings, you might find that simple changes, such as organizing your workspace or reducing background noise, can have a profound impact on reducing your stress. Creating a peaceful, orderly environment can help maintain a calmer state of mind.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

Physical signs such as headaches, muscle tension, or chronic fatigue are often manifestations of stress . Paying close attention to these symptoms can provide important clues that your body is under stress. Once you recognize these signs, it becomes easier to take timely actions to reduce stress, such as adjusting your workload, increasing physical activity, or improving your sleep habits. Additionally, addressing stress early can prevent more serious health issues from developing over time.

Embracing Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating relaxation practices into your routine can significantly help manage stress. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises , and yoga not only soothe the mind but also benefit the body. By making relaxation practices a regular part of your life, you can more effectively manage stress and prevent it from affecting your health and well-being. These practices also promote mental clarity and enhance emotional resilience, allowing you to better navigate daily challenges.

Balancing Life's Commitments

A common source of stress is the imbalance between personal life and professional duties . Reflecting on how you allocate your time can help you identify whether disproportionate commitments are causing stress. Achieving a more balanced distribution of energy and time between work and personal life can greatly reduce stress levels and improve overall satisfaction. Prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries are essential steps in maintaining this equilibrium.

Managing stress effectively is essential for maintaining both mental and physical health. By identifying the sources and signs of stress, one can take informed steps to mitigate its impact. Implementing strategies such as environment optimization, relaxation techniques, and professional reassessment can lead to significant improvements. Addressing stress is a continuous process that requires awareness and action to maintain well-being.

L-aPs, Inc. is here to help streamline the donation process so goods can get to the people who need them. Click here to donate—and thank you!

Kickstarting Your Local Business: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Success

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:03:06 GMT

Kickstarting Your Local Business: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Success

Jumping into entrepreneurship by launching a local business can be an exhilarating journey. It's not just an avenue for personal financial growth but also a chance to make a significant imprint on your community. This guide shared by L-aPs, Inc. highlights key considerations and strategies for successfully navigating this entrepreneurial endeavor.

The Heartbeat of the Local Community

When you set up a local business, you do more than just set up a storefront. Oliver POS notes that you're fuelling the local economy by creating jobs, spurring economic development, and providing services catering to your community's unique tastes and needs. Thus, your local business becomes a crucial pillar supporting the prosperity and vitality of your community. Furthermore, as a local business owner, you have a unique opportunity to shape the character and culture of your community, contributing to its distinctive charm and appeal. Your business could even become a local landmark or institution, drawing in customers from afar.

Benefits of Philanthropy

Incorporating charitable activities into your business can have a ripple effect of benefits. It doesn't only elevate your brand image but also fosters deeper connections within the community. Whether it's through donating part of your proceeds, volunteering time, or underwriting local events, acts of giving can boost customer loyalty and propel business expansion. Moreover, philanthropy can give your employees a sense of purpose and satisfaction, enhancing morale and productivity. It also sets a positive example for other businesses, encouraging a culture of generosity and mutual support in the community.

Budget Your Initial Investment

A pivotal step in starting a local business is understanding the outlay required. This includes costs associated with leasing or buying a venue, equipment acquisition, inventory stocking, promotional activities, and staffing. You'll be better equipped to secure the necessary funding and sidestep unforeseen financial hurdles by handling these costs. Navi.com points out that it's also important to factor in some contingency funds for unexpected expenses, which are almost inevitable when starting a new business. Proper budgeting lays the groundwork for financial stability and success.

Cost-Effective Marketing Tactics

Spreading the word about your new business needn't be an expensive affair. There are numerous budget-friendly ways to publicize your local business. Utilizing social media platforms , engaging in community events, building networks with other local businesses, and fostering word-of-mouth recommendations are all low-cost yet potent marketing tactics. Offering special promotions or discounts can attract new customers and generate buzz about your business. Don't underestimate the power of a satisfied customer; they can be your most effective marketers.

Establish a Strong Accounting Foundation

Solid accounting practices form the backbone of any successful business. Accurate record-keeping lets you track revenues and expenditures, prepare tax filings, and make data-driven business decisions. Consider leveraging reliable accounting software or enlisting the services of a professional accountant to ensure your financial house is in order. Regularly reviewing and analyzing your financial data can help you identify trends , spot potential issues, and make proactive decisions to optimize your business's financial performance.

Earn Your Online Business Degree

You should strongly consider going back to school for a business degree if you still have reservations about launching your business right now. Whether you earn a degree in accounting, business, communications, or management, you can learn skills that can help you avoid mistakes in your business. Plus, online degree programs make it easy to run your business while going to school at the same time. Check into bona fide and accredited programs that are highly valuable in today's business landscape .

Go Digital for Document Management

Maintaining important business documents digitized, organized can be a real time-saver and stress reliever. Online PDF tools can be invaluable for digitally converting, modifying, and storing documents. This declutters your workspace and safeguards your business records from physical damage or misplacement. Plus, digital documents are much easier to search and retrieve, saving you time and frustration when finding specific information.

Know The Laws and Regulations

Every business mus t operate within the boundaries of specific laws and regulations . These could pertain to licensing, zoning, taxation, employment, health, and safety. Familiarize yourself with the legal obligations relevant to your business type and locale to ensure you comply fully. Staying abreast of relevant laws and regulations changes can also help you avoid potential legal pitfalls and maintain a good reputation with your customers and the broader community.

Starting a local business can be rewarding, filled with opportunities to drive economic growth, make a difference in your community, and realize your entrepreneurial dreams. Each step is crucial in setting up a successful enterprise, from understanding the initial investment needed and establishing strong accounting practices to leveraging cost-effective marketing tactics and returning to school to sharpen your business skills.

Embracing digital solutions for document management and incorporating philanthropy into your business model can further enhance your business's efficiency and brand image. As you embark on this exciting venture, remember that your local business is more than just a profit-making entity; it's a valuable contributor to your community's prosperity, vitality, and unique character.

L-aPs, Inc. offers support and encouragement to folks "in-between" other services to be self-directed in their recovery from addiction and behavioral health. Reach out today to learn more! 541-571-2417

A Big Leap Forward: Doubling our impact with $20, 000 in Grants!!!

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:33:17 GMT

On-The-Go Housing Enhancement Program

Dear Supporters,

We're thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Thanks to the unwavering support of the Ford Family Foundation and the recent grant of $10,000 from AWS InCommunities Eastern Oregon Fund, our "On-the-Go Housing Enhancement Program" is receiving a significant boost. This means that our total grant amount towards the program has now reached $20,000!

This incredible development presents a remarkable opportunity for us to extend our program from October to January, covering the crucial winter months. We're more determined than ever to cater to the needs of the six new families who have recently applied for our support. Moreover, we anticipate the possibility of several more individuals and families seeking assistance in the coming months.

Since our program's launch on June 1st, we've been passionately engaged in addressing the challenges of On-The-Go Housing within our community. To date, we've successfully supported seven out of ten spots, providing crucial assistance to families and individuals facing housing difficulties. Additionally, we remain committed to seeing through the three ongoing cases to completion.

The AWS InCommunities Eastern Oregon Fund Grant could not have arrived at a more pivotal moment. This funding enables us to extend our support, build a small financial reserve for the deep winter this year, and enhances our capacity to meet future needs effectively.

We've carefully considered how to allocate these funds to address the specific needs of the new families and individuals who've reached out for assistance:

1. **Housing Repair and Maintenance**: A portion of the grant will be directed towards addressing urgent repairs for a couple of mobile RVs. This includes fixing roof leaks, updating water systems, and resolving issues with bathroom and kitchen fixtures. These repairs are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the families residing in these mobile homes.

2. **Winter Housing Solutions**: Recognizing the approaching colder weather, we'll allocate funds to purchase tents and canvas materials. These resources will enable us to provide improved mobile housing solutions for individuals who are currently living in hidden areas within our community. We've also taken into account the specific needs expressed by some during our 2nd Annual Free Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge event at the end of September.

3. **Transitional Support**: The grant will also empower us to offer vital transitional support to individuals transitioning from treatment programs. We'll provide temporary housing materials and solutions until they securely secure recovery housing, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition.

We're confident that the AWS InCommunities Eastern Oregon Fund grant will bring about a significant and transformative impact. It empowers us to provide support to those in transitional phases, offering a sense of belonging and care during the "In-Between" period after the lapse of services (L-aPs, Inc. - Learning, Living, & Loving after/along with Programs).

We are profoundly grateful for your continued partnership in our mission to foster positive change within our community.

We'll keep you updated on our progress and the profound impact your support is creating. Thank you for standing with us in this vital endeavor.

**Sincerely,**

**L-aPs, INC**

Amy Jo Young; BS

President/Founder

ayoung.laps@outlook.com

Making a Difference: L-APS, INC. Programs

site-2KmcMQ — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 02:12:16 GMT

Making a Differenc: L-APS, INC. Programs

Making a Difference: L-APS, INC.'s Programs for All of US

Hey there, awesome community! We're stoked to share what's happening at L-APS, INC. as we hustle to support folks facing different stuff. We're all about reaching out to where people are, and we've got some cool stuff going on.

On-the-Go Housing Enhancement Program

This is a game-changer for folks living in RVs, cars, and tents. We know it's tough out there, especially with COVID, so we're rolling up our sleeves to fix stuff up and make sure everyone has a comfy place.

2. 2nd Annual Free Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge (Starting September 2023 ):

Get ready for an awesome event! We're bringing a free mobile thrift store and a community fridge to share essentials and food. It's about being neighbors and helping each other out.

3. Building a Reflective Peer Supervision Curriculum:

We're cooking up something special for the leaders - the folks who guide Peer Support Specialists, Family and Youth Support Specialists, and Certified Recovery Mentors. We're making sure they've got the tools to make a real impact.

4. Developing a Peer Workforce:

We're all about supporting people get on track in life - whether it's dealing with tough times, addictions, or just life stuff. We're here to support each other and support folks grow.

At L-APS, INC., we're more than a group; we're a bunch of friends who look out for each other. If you wanna join in, pitch in, or know more, we're here and ready to roll.

We'll be sharing cool stories, progress updates, and chances to jump in and help. Big thanks for being part of our community. Let's keep going, hand in hand, and make a better future for everyone.

For details, hit us up at l-aps@outlook.com . We're in this together!

Thank you :)

Amy Jo Young-BS

PSS/ THW/ QMHA 1/ Skills Trainer

President/Founder of L-APS, INC.

May 2023

Sun, 21 May 2023 21:51:37 GMT

Spring Has Sprung: A Journey of Healing, Growth, and New Beginnings

Hi friends,

I'm sorry for not sharing updates lately. Since September, I've been feeling very sad because my dad passed away, and it's been tough for me. But now, I'm trying to reset and get back on track with my recovery. I celebrated 16 years of being clean and healthy on February 26th, and in January, I went back to the basics by going to 90 meetings in 90 days. I finished it successfully, and now I'm working on accepting a great grant.

The grant is from the Oregon Health Authority, and it will help us build our Peer Workforce. We're also teaming up with an amazing mentor named Robyn Priest Live Your Truth. Together, we'll create a Reflective Peer Supervision Certificate program. This will make our team stronger and better. We're going to hire four people part-time as Freelancers who are already certified as Peer Support Workers to help our company grow.

Recently, we had the opportunity to partner with Brown's Brunch Box, Bryolan Reality, and community members to bring joy to five families. We supported them by providing Easter Dinner, Baskets, coloring kits, and eggs. The families were so excited and pleased!

We're proud of the programs and events we have planned, and we're following our timeline to make them happen. Thank you for supporting us and showing us love. Keep an eye on our posts because we have exciting adventures coming up this year!

Sending you lots of gratitude,

Amy Jo Young- BS

President/ Founder

Alot has occurred since August 2022

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:46:03 GMT

Alot has happened good and sad....

September 2022 to Present we have partnered with four community partners and have been able to support estimated 450 folks with food, support, clothes, phones services, rides, brakes on their care, care, and love. We have enjoyed this first years project and hope to grow our Free Mobile Thrift/ Community Fridge in the coming Years. Please visit the 2022 Community Partnerships and see all that we have done this year.

September 30th, 2022 we lost Amy's wonderful Dad and life changed. Determination and love thrives within us, to one day have our Working Recovery Farm "If a Guy could..." in honor of Amy's Dad-Gary Wayne Kowalski.

Amy Jo Young-BS, President/Founder of L-aPs, Inc., was happy to receive an announcement and recognition from this year's 2022 Peer Alternatives Conference—on behalf of this award, Amy explains that she owes this honor and award to her peers and community, which she is honored to support, and will continue to expand the organization for, one step at a time. Please click on the following link to read her acceptance: Alternatives 2022 Awards Recipients — Alternatives Conference (alternatives-conference.org)

SALLY ZINMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the peer recovery/liberation movement throughout the course of their career.

Letter from the President

site-2KmcMQ — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:39:12 GMT

From the Desk of the President:

Hello;

My name is Amy Jo Young-BS. It has been a journey since May 14th, 2021, when my husband and I decided to establish a non-profit, L- aPs, Inc. (Learning, Living, and Loving after/along with Programs), that will serve and benefit Morrow and Umatilla County by providing a bridge from lapse support when people are coming out of, going into, in-between, and deciding to try other services for their addiction, life, and/or behavioral health recovery.

This is a non-traditional organization that is enthusiastic about developing program/s that will allow folks to "Belong" while also focusing on building abilities in a new self-directed recovery atmosphere. With a history of numerous Peer Support Certifications (Family Support, Adult Addiction Support, Adult Mental Health Support, and Employment Support) since October 2014, employed at Lifeways, Inc., Eastern Oregon Recovery Center (EORC), and currently at Maple Star Oregon, as well as my own lived experiences living in recovery for the past 15 years, I am uniquely qualified to support, encourage, empathize, and advocate for others in their self-directed recovery.

I am certified through Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) and hold a Qualified Mental Health Assistant 1 Certification through the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACCBO).

My husband and I have both lived experiences with houselessness, addiction, and life recovery from the justice system. We are creating an organization to encourage individuals and community partners to collaborate for the betterment of all those who require the services being explored to support their self-directed recovery. Developing a person-first approach that meets people where they are at and what they need, rather than what one assumes they should work on first. Recognizing that an individual is more knowledgeable about their circumstances than anyone else. Providing options that aid in the progression of the circumstances and knowing that by supporting is powerful. Developing our Mission so that people can "Belong" (noun) to be seen, understood, and be loved without having to change themselves."

We have a vision for this organization for the next ten years. That vision includes the following:

2022-2023 Free Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge

Our organization decided to develop a project that would help the people of Umatilla/Morrow County, who are now experiencing difficulties even getting what they need, let alone something they want. We all have wanted to buy at yard sales and thrift stores, and visit local fruit stands and farmer markets, yet due to financial limitations at this moment in our economy, those excursions might not be happening. As a brand-new peer-driven organization, we want to engage with the communities, we want to serve and gather goods that can be distributed to those who need what they need for themselves and their homes, whether it be furniture, food, clothing, or assistance finding and comprehending the numerous community resources that can be accessible for supportive services.

2023-2024 Online Peer Support Platform

Online platform for connecting to supportive listening and connecting with other humans who have lived through similar experiences. Our organization has the chance to collaborate with an already established and recognized online platform Hey Peers! which believes peer support should be simple, safe, personalized, and affordable. Hey Peers! is on a mission to assist more people in bettering their lives by combining innovative technologies and evidence-based peer support programs. L -aPs, Inc., wishes to provide this incredible online capability that will be created to be supportive and tailored to Umatilla and Morrow County needs, allowing users to connect to personalized peer support and access groups to join, being convenient and experiencing the ability to connect from your own home, being anonymous or known and sharing what is comfortable to share, and ultimately offering flexible access for those who have difficulty attending site-based support sessions.

2024-2025 Community Peer Drop-In Center

A friendly setting that provides peer support, case management, a community resource center for social activities, job support, and referrals to other agencies. Games, drinks, and the ability to do laundry, take a shower, relax, and revitalize oneself, among other things, are available. Creating that sense of "Belonging" that everyone needs and desires.

2025-2027 Working Recovery Farm (1) and Halfway House (2)

(1) Offering a short-term to long-term living environment for individuals who are recovering from alcohol and addiction. Working and providing a safe environment for people to self-direct their recovery. This will be a non-traditional program where people can find a place to belong and focus on acquiring new skills in their new recovery. Individuals will garden, care for animals, participate in meetings and workshops, build work skills, explore career prospects and community service connections, and participate in self-evaluations to guide their recovery. With both programs, the person is getting time and support to strengthen their recovery choices from the beginning thoughts to the achievement of time within recovery. (

2) Offering a place to rest, renew, and re-integrate self to obtain skills and support to go forward.

Within ten to fifteen years the hope of having our organization within other rural communities tailored to their needs for their communities would be priceless for all that self-direct their recovery from addiction, life, and behavioral health.

Respectfully,

Amy Jo Young-BS

PSS/THW/QMHA 1

President/Founder L- aPs, Inc.

Gearing up to start giving back September-November 2022

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 03:32:41 GMT

Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge September-November 2022

L-aPs, Inc. would like to thank the fantastic support from the following organizations:

1. Ford Family FoundationGrant

Technical Assistance

2. Wildhorse Casino & Resort Grant

Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge Project

3. Hermiston Walmart Community Grant

Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge Project

With the support that we have received, we will be able to give back to our communities in Umatilla/Morrow County.

L-aPs, Inc. Mobile Thrift/ Community Fridge Pop-ups will be brought out to several communities throughout Umatilla/Morrow County September-November 2022. More information to come :)

Amy Jo Young-BS

President/Founder

OOOOH! Its been too long...

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:55:31 GMT

Hello...from my desk of wonders :)

It's been about a month and a half since I last spoke with you about the expansion of this organization. We're putting the finishing touches on our Mobile Thrift/Community Fridge Project, which will launch at the beginning of August. For Technical Assistance in Foundation Growth, our organization is collaborating with Eastern Oregon Business Source in Pendleton, OR. It's amazing to see what it takes to build and grow a successful business that will be around for many years to support others in self-directing a recovery in Addiction and Behavioral Health.

More to come, I will work harder to keep updates coming. Our next Project is an Online Peer Support/ Groups Website for services and connections with one another.

Please connect with us on our Facebook page for current events, inspirational sayings, and interactive support.

http://www.facebook.com/LaPsBelongingIsKey/

It is just the beginning and our minds will only be the limiter.

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 15:29:53 GMT

Thoughts from the desk of the Founder/President

Oceans and lakes seem like they have endless possibilities to dream into the blueness and at the same time could swallow you whole without any mercy. Yesterday, I spent a good part of my time creating a website I had no idea doing. Same with us building a Non-profit. We have the dreams, the skills, the will, the love, the passion. Pray for the foundation and pray God will put the right folks in our path for donations, financials, and volunteers. This is exciting and scary at the same time. Been a bit intimidated this past year to put out there what we have been working on. Now, it is truly real with sharing our organization and its possibilities with you and the world. What we are going to ask of you is a comment. Share what you feel our communities are lagging for you and your family. This is not a bashing area. It is an area to put a request for a future need that can be addressed and support to make happen. We know what we want to offer, yet is it what you want to be offered. We look forward to collaboration and sharing ideas to read and conversate about. Have a great weekend. It is a Free Fishing weekend. Enjoy catching some fish if you go. Have a walk, relax and know that you all are loved and "Belong" here with us at L- aPs, Inc.--Amy Jo

Starting a conversation

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 03:06:35 GMT

Look what we have been up to! :)

L- aPs, Inc. is a Non-Profit established in May 2021. We are building from the Ground UP!, wanting to serve our community with love and difference.

To offer support, encouragement, and advocation to folks "In-Between" other services that support folks to be self-directed in their recovery from Addiction and Behavioral Health.

This is a non-traditional organization that is passionate to build program/s that will provide folks with the opportunity to "Belong" along with giving the opportunity to focus on strengthening abilities in a new self-directed recovery environment.