NEWPORT BEACH, California (July 24, 2013) /PRNewswire — Rehab centers throughout the country are increasingly stigmatized and viewed as a drain and an eyesore by local communities. Unfortunately, the contributions that many recovery centers make to their communities are often overlooked by those with a “Not In My Backyard” mentality. Beyond the benefits of assisting family, friends, and neighbors achieve recovery, (thus reducing drug-related crime), many rehab centers participate in significant community service. At Morningside Recovery, a mental health and addiction treatment center in Newport Beach, CA, community outreach is hitting new heights, with several volunteer departments across Orange County graciously welcoming their help.
Community Involvement
Clients of Morningside Recovery have always been actively involved in the community, with groups of 5 to 10 volunteering the third Friday of every month at 2nd Harvest Food Bank. They happily sort and prepare food backpacks for Orange County’s less fortunate children and their families.
“It’s about gratefulness,” says Morningside’s Experiential Programs Director Joel Edwards. “When clients volunteer, they realize there are people who are less fortunate than them. Not to mention the emotional return—it feels good to help.”Joel Edwards Executive Director, Morningside Recovery
Keeping in line with their pet-friendly treatment program, Morningside clients also regularly volunteer for the Orange County German Shepherd Rescue and O.C. Humane Society, walking dogs and giving cats much needed human attention.
Morningside clients also participate in local charity golf tournaments, beach cleanups, and other special events including the Orange County Fair Food Drive and the recent National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, where they collected 19,157 pounds of food for those in need.
“We’re encouraging a sense of selflessness rather than selfishness, which is an important part of recovery. By being of service and helping others, clients are not only giving back to the community, but finding purpose and passion in life.”Joel Edwards Executive Director, Morningside Recovery
Morningside Recovery Center eagerly seeks every opportunity to give back, to the benefit of both clients and the community at large.
About Morningside Recovery
Morningside Recovery Center offers open-model mental health and addiction treatment in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA, where they advocate community service and integration.