Scott Vandenburg MA, LPC, LCDC, CART | Executive Director
Most people would agree that 2020 has been filled with unique challenges and situations many of us have never experienced in our lifetimes. There have been a variety of events this year that range from mildly inconvenient to absurdly tragic; events that have tested our sensibilities as human beings and sometimes created great deals of polarization in times when we needed the most cooperation and unity. Earlier this year, we heard a lot of messages about living in “unprecedented times,” but that idea eventually evolved into a different narrative about the “new normal.” At times, it’s felt like this unusual series of events has created disconnection between individuals and entire groups of people.
Circumstances that have historically united people have created distance between them.
While pandemics are not new in human history, one of this magnitude is certainly new to people alive today. Nevertheless, the human spirit is strong and persists, despite adversity and hardship. In the midst of these difficulties, I’ve witnessed people, myself included, connecting with others more meaningfully, and even more frequently than ever before. Despite cancelled trips, vacations, 12-Step meetings, and even casual get-togethers, we’ve found ways to connect with each other in ways that, while unconventional, are meaningful, nonetheless.
It’s as if the fears and uncertainties that divide us can also bring us closer together.
The last year at Origins has certainly been eventful, filled with many “firsts” for many of us. These challenging circumstances have bred opportunity for us to become more cohesive as team, engage in creative problem solving like we’ve never done, and really take inventory of who and what we are as an organization and a team committed to helping others have a new experience in life. In the earlier days of the pandemic and the shelter-in-place orders, the fact that we are a medical facility and considered essential, blessed us with the opportunity to continue providing services to our patients, relatively undisrupted, and continue to provide opportunities for our staff to make positive contributions to the lives of our patients. According to the Essential Services Act of 2013, the definition of an essential employee is someone who performs work involving the safety of human life and protection of property.
Whether or not there is a pandemic, the work we do at Origins is absolutely essential to the lives of our patients and their families.
The ability to live a life with meaning and purpose and recover from a potentially life-threatening illness can be the result of the efforts of our staff tirelessly working to help our patient develop the tools, skills, and resources they need to have amazing lives in recovery. Our team has gone way above and beyond the call of duty this year, and I consider myself blessed to be a part of such an amazing team and amazing organization.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.
