“The trouble is if you don’t spend your life yourself, other people spend it for you.” ― Peter Shaffer,

RSInewsletter@hotmail.com July 2013 Vol. 5 Issue 7

Everyday Parenting

This series of classes are designed to help parents better understand and relate to their children.Topics Include:

Understanding child development Identifying different learning styles Education and no child left behind Structure, limits and discipline Conflict resolution and problem

solving Violence in the home Recognizing child abuse and

neglect Drug use Feelings and emotions Self-esteem and self-identity Coping with stress

Contact: Amanda Kopacz 884-5216 ext. 418

Recovery Happens Newsletter Meeting

Every Friday at 1:00 p.m.At the Empowerment Academy

If you are a writer, poet or want to tell of your personal successes, we will appreciate your efforts and also would be pleased to consider all original contributions for publication. It is suggested that articles be less than 250 words.

See any staff person at a RSI location for whom to speak with, or email RSInewsletter@Hotmail.com.

Your submission may be published in our print and/or web editions. Anonymous submissions will also be considered.

Skills you may learn range from typing and writing through teamwork.

Contact Jay Gilpatrick or Michelle Scheib for further info.

Restoration SocietyIs a Certified

Ticket to WorkEmployment Network

Whether you are seeking full or part-time employment, we can help.

Employment Services including advisement by certified benefits advisors and career consultation are free of charge!!!!

It only applies if you are on Social Security benefits!!!!

On or off site support, YOUR CHOICE

Please contact:Michelle Hovey (Erie County) 716-884-5216Katie Way (Genesee County) 585-343-9162

RSI Housing Solutions (CTI)• Rapid Housing Assistance Program• SPOA Based Referral Process Please Contact: Jean, Housing Solutions Manager 832-2141 ext. 19 Phyllis- 832-2141 ext. 18 Stacey/Donald- 832-2141 ext. 23

CTI is located at 66 Englewood AveBuffalo, NY 14214

*Janelle Ploetz is the new HousingService Coordinator of Housing

Solutions and Harbor House she can be reached at 832-2141 ext. 33 *

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Community EventsSamuel Capen Walk

Date: July 13, 2013Time: 10:00-4:00pmPlace: 66 Englewood Ave, Buffalo 14214 Contact: Michelle Scheib 716-832-2141 ext.21Information: Please join Restoration Society, Inc in showcasing our beautiful garden in the University Heights neighborhood.

Please look at Englewood Drop-In Services calendar to see when you can help with the garden.

Community Connections & Related Activities

July 1 Healthy Eating at Tops 1:00p, Call 835-1919 for details July 2 Coffee Talk at Perk’s Café & Market, 10:00a, 36 Broadway July 2 Bereavement & Grief Support Group, 3:00p, St.Jude Center July 3 Community Walk, 11:00a, Call 835-1919 for details July 5 M&T First Friday at Albright Knox, 11:00a, 1285 Elmwood AveJuly 9 Coffee Talk at Dunkin Donuts, 10:00a, On Main & Chipewa July 11 Housing Solutions Graduation, 2:00p,

66 Englewood Ave, Please RSVP to Phyllis by July 5832-2141 ext. 18

July 12 PNG Meeting, 1:00p, Self-Discovery Center July 16 Coffee Talk at Tim Horton’s,

10:00a, By Lafayette SquareJuly 16 Kickball at Shoshone Park,

1:30p, Meet by playground on Hertel

July 18 Celebrate National Ice Cream Day, 1:00p, Call 884-5216 for details

July 18 Tour UB Library, 2:00p, Call 835-1919 for details

July 19 Tour of Olmstead Park, 1:00p,Call 884-5216 for details

July 23 Peer Service Recognition, 1:00p, Self-Discovery Center RSVP by July 11 to Robin 816-2492

July 24 Tour Hertel Park Library, 11:00a, 975 Hertel

July 26 ADA Picnic, 10:00a, Sheridan Park Shelter, RSVP by July 12To 836-0822 ext. 146

WorkshopsAt 327 Elm Street

July 1 All About E-Mail, 10:00a July 2 National Literacy Day Book

Club, 1:00pJuly 3 Resume Writing, 10:00aJuly 3 How to prepare for a 4th of July BBQ, 1:00pJuly 5 Dating 101, 10:00aJuly 8 Deal With It! Coping Strategies,

1:00pJuly 9 Celebrate Sugar Cookie Day!,

1:00pJuly 10 Research & Explore Volunteer

Opportunities, 2:00p July 11 Book of Quotes , 10:00aJuly 12 Food Bank Presentation, 1:00pJuly 24 Volunteer at an Animal

Shelter, 2:00pJuly 31 Self-Defense Class, 10:00a

Please Join Us on July 15 to Help Plan August Calendar Call 884-5216 for details

Check Our MonthlyCalendar For More Workshops

Amity Club340 Military Road

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00-10:00pSaturday 9:00-5:00p

Sunday 10:00a-10:00p

July 6 4th Step Workshop, 10:00aJuly 13 Garage Sale, 10:00-2:00pJuly 28 Buffalo Garden Walk, 10:00-4:00p

Every Saturday Night Karaoke10:00-1:00am

Check Our Monthly Calendar For More Activities!!!

MeetingsJuly 9 Board Meeting, 8:00a,

66 Englewood Ave July 9 University Heights Collaborative 7:00pm Gloria Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street July 17 RSI Stipend Program, 10:00a

327 Elm Street Other: July 2 Planned Parenthood Mobile

Unit,11:00-1:00p, 327 Elm Street

July 4 Fouth of July, 10:00-2:00p, 327 Elm Street ( EDS closed

all day) July 11 Planned Parenthood Mobile

Unit,11:00-1:00p, 66 EnglewoodAve

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Donations Wanted!

Farmers Market in Buffalo

1. Clinton Bailey Farmers Market at Clinton & Bailey Avenue Open Year-round, Saturday 7:00-6:00pm2. Blasdell Farmers Market at 3785 South Park Avenue Open May 1 to November 6, Every Wednesday 9:00-2:00pm3. Downtown Country Market at Main Street between Court and Church Street May 19 to October 27, Tuesdays and Thursday 8:00-2:30pm4. Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers’ Market at Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway May to December, Saturdays 8:00-1:00pm 5. University Community Farmers’ Market at UB South Campus near Main Street Late May to October 15, Saturdays 8:00-1:00pm

For more Western New York Farmers’ MarketsVisit www.bestofwny.com/farmersmarket/

RSI IS LOOKING FORYOUR DONATIONS

PLEASE CALL 884-5216 EXT. 3OR 835-1919 EXT. 12

THINGS WE DO NEED:• Food Items• Office Supplies • Household Items • Kitchen Gadgets • Pots & PansTHINGS WE DO NOT NEED� Old Computers that are unable to run Windows XP� Used Mattresses

AMITY CLUB OPEN

Check out our new food menu!

See Calendar in this issue!!

Amity Club340 Military Road

Buffalo, NY(Corner of Hertel Ave.)

Meetings are available every day.

Call 877-9025 for details

AMITY CLUB

Volunteer Fair August 15, 2013 At 327 Elm Street

2:00-4:00 pm Want To Gain Experience Give Back To Your Community?

Come Find Out About Volunteer Opportunities in Buffalo

For More Information Please Call Sarah 884-5216 ext. 407

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Friends?By Brandon Mayes

Friends?By Brandon Mayes

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Customer Voices

Try People: Just StopBy Dennis

Try people is what the problem is. Just stop. That is the problem. Just Stop. It will be easy on you if you do. Just Stop. If you don’t stop it will kill you. Smoking is bad for your health. It is a drug that you don’t want to keep on doing. It can kill in the long run.

A PoemBy Brandon

I know past failures melted youAnd you felt no one could bail you out

You figured these were the cards you were dealtWhat did you have to cry about

It seemed nobody wanted your productNo one needed your service

You prayed to God in your secret closetAnd remained silent in service

You felt worthless, useless, nobody seemed to noticeJobs you’re applying for don’t wanna to give you a shot

But don’t beat yourself up, you’re all that you gotIn time you’ll find your audience

Someone that appreciates what you doNever give up, cheer up, it’s only your season of painGear up, you’re gonna need more bags for your gain

Let the rain bring the sun out of youYou don’t have a choice

You’re wanted; you’re needed, listen to God’s voice

MeBy Darrell

I attend the V. A. Hospital and live at McKinley Square, Buffalo, NY. I’m a born again Christian and attend two churches. One is at the V. A. Hospital and the other is the Church of God in Christ. I love the Bible. God is the answer for all things.

My RecoveryBy Steve

To recover is to have someone who believes in me, someone who can pick me up, not just be a friend. Someone who has a heart as strong as a horse. A lot of people don’t have what it takes, to be a leader, an ex-husband, ex-father and still come out on top. Do your best to show force when needed, to show compassion. The old saying is do unto others as you would like done to you. Trying new things, new strengths, came from inside not outside. In my heart I know I can make people happy. I’m the type of person who if the story is right, I’ll go for what strikes my mind. And if I take the notion to trust, believe and to like or love, I’ll put my best foot forward. I learned to listen to what others have to say and be in their corner. To love after having been hurt takes time to heal for me.

By Geannine

My self-esteem had been highLike little bluebirds fly high in the sky

I get along with myselfAlthough I am never alone

The cell phone had to get the right dial toneMy relationships have been rocky

But I manage to pull through it somehowFor all I have to do is call a friend

Instead of trying to put is at a better end.My love I will send to the one

That really knows meWhen his love wraps around me

Like a bee attracted to honey

A New Look at LifeBy Cindy

I have really changed my behavior in the last year and had a lot of growth on how I react when people are rude to me in the community and my family also. I have learned a lot about why people behave unacceptably. It’s because they never changed their thinking or renewed their minds. I learned hurting people hurt people. I never could understand why people treated me so badly. I learned not to be selfish and not only think of myself, but to think about the needs of my daughter and granddaughter.

I have a limit on how much I help my family members. I had to learn how to live on a budget and not go over the limits I have set and not to feel guilty.

Looking for WorkBy Robert

Last weekend I applied for a position that my job coach gave me a lead on. But I found that it may have been too far. So I’m going to keep my head up and keep looking for an opening that might be closer for me to get

to complete my job search.

Recovery Story Richard

It started at a very early time in my life. My home situation was dysfunctional being raised in a home with twelve other siblings and three different men fathered these children. Also, mother had other men whom she was involved with sexually different times in my life. I had attended nine different schools and moved eighteen different times before I finished high school. In our household alcohol was used regularly my mother gave house parties in order to pay rent. In these parties there were gaming, drug usage and prostitution.During my school years I was places in special education classes, so I missed a lot of lessons that I should have learned during formative years of my life. I was placed in that environment because of different reasons. Outside of school I would drink alcohol. Eventually, I went to college and continued to drink and started using drugs. Once I graduated I joined two fraternal organizations and I became a socialite. In my professional career and home life I continued drinking and drugging. This activity lead to be being divorced and eventually losing my jobs in state government and teaching positions. As a result of this behavior, I was in and out of various institutions namely jail, rehabs and also being homeless. My awakening came to me through my interest in gardening. I love to put my hands in the dirt as I plant vegetables and flowers. This is so rewarding to me, gives me a new lease on life. I came to the point in my life by volunteering with a number of community agencies which allowed me time to think about my addiction. Realizing that I have lot of experiences that could be shared with others to uplift others it drivers me to stay steadfast with my recovery. When I think of my recovery story, I think of the story in the Bible of Joseph as Moses in the trial they both had to endure. Today, I believe that I am the matrix , the one who has arrived to fulfill my destiny…..

The U. S. A.By Steve

I think of the word “accepting” each

other starting with us in the U. S. A.

Others religions, lifestyles and

different countries of origin. You and me. United we stand and a life of good health and happiness for all.

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Customer Voices

A Few ThoughtsBy Brian

People with common names from in-laws to Brian’s programs (i.e. Spectrum). There is too much familiarity when people yell my name to others. I heard a Brian from Spectrum committed suicide by jumping off the skyway. That was a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Also some people (e.g. women) get too familiar or I feel similarly becomes contempt. They make me feel inferior. There are two ways that people act in downtown as compared to the suburbs. Such as different stressors from borrowing versus stealing and being a chauvinistic pig.

Please, do become jealous of me and my family background. For example we had boxers which were stupendous. Also we would cut across peoples’ yards before they put up fences. Yet we still hopped the fences. Also swimming pools were fenced off for children.

Freedom in AmericaBy Duane

Though I have my constitutional freedoms such as the right to assembly, speech, bear arms, freedom of the press and so on, the one freedom here in America that I like the most is that I am “free to be me.” I can freely make choices without circumstance within a legal context. I may come and go as I please. If I want to go to church I can choose my religion. I can freely choose my Doctor. I can freely choose my mental health provider. If I want to walk down the sidewalk and sing, I can. If I wanted to drive a car, I could. Thanks but I’d rather walk or take a bus simply because I can. I could choose who I want a relationship with. For now I choose to put my pen down and twiddle my thumbs. Happy 4th of July.

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Thoughts of LoveBy William

Love is a great dream, once we find a lady to share our worldly possessionsand thought with....Our aspirations become as one, we become brilliant as a bright light, likeon a candle stick that shines so brightly in the dark...On this candle stick we gather the world of wishes together, to wish upon astar that shines so brightly in the darkest of nights, so our love maynever run out...May our rhythm be as one heart beat so we may walk this world together as apartner in true love that can withstand the sands of time...?May these sands last through eternity so that we can make a lastingimpression of love, towards the future generation of lover's that share thesimilar love we hold towards each other...

Beyond SelfBy Brandon

To look beyond selfTo peer at the shelf

Learn about someone elseThe world is something else

Get used to one thingStudy something elseI apply it to myself

And become someone else

Customer Voices

40th AnniversaryGala Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 25, 20135:30pm

Templeton Landing, Buffalo$50.00 Dinner

Guest Speaker & Chinese Basket AuctionCelebrating 40 years of building successful and satisficing lives

one step at a time.For More Information Please

Call 832-2141 ext. 21

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RestorationSocietyIncCheck out our website

www.restoration-societyinc.org

ACE Employment Services Skill Development Classes

Internet Job Search Techniques Mock Interviews Dress for Success..on a Budget

Cell Phone Tutorial Budgeting SkillsAt the Empowerment Academy

327 Elm Street, Buffalo (upstairs)Class Topics Vary Monthly, Call for Times or Further Details

716-884-5216 (press 2)

Help Restoration Society, Inc.

Celebrate 40 Years September 23, 2013

RSI is asking for your email address or mail address so you

do not miss out on all the exciting events that are coming up this year.

Please send them to mscheib@restoration-societyinc.org

Peer Mentoring Training July 17, 2013

At 66 Englewood Ave Buffalo, 14214

Register by July 12, 2013To Michelle 832-2141 ext. 21

Next training will be October 4, 2013

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