In 1996, Don and Jeanne Blackburn realized that there was a need in Louisville for a new, additional residential facility for recovering alcoholics and addicts. As a result, they set about to raise (with the help of many other wonderful people) $1,000,000 and built the Beacon House on Second Street in Downtown Louisville. They are required to have employment, pay weekly rent, stay clean and sober, participate in classes on recovery held on the premises and regularly attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1998, I was invited to join the Beacon House board of directors. Since that time, I have watched Beacon House grow, mature and, at times, struggle mightily to stay in existence. Just recently, I accepted the task of serving as the president of the board and am looking forward to that challenge. There is no doubt that the residents are miracles in process. The Beacon House model is, I believe, a sound one. The treatment program utilized there, Recovery Dynamics, is one that has been used very successfully, and implemented at the Beacon House, by former members of the Healing Place Peer Mentor staff. Our financial model is also sound, I believe, because the rent that the residents pay largely, but not completely, covers the cost of operating and maintaining the Beacon House facility. However, we also need the financial support of people like you to keep the Beacon House open and offering the miracle of recovery to individuals who suffer from an incurable, progressive, potentially fatal illness. We hope that you will join us in our efforts to help these men become free of the pain and destruction of active alcoholism and addiction. You can do that by spreading the good word of our organization and also, if you are willing and able, by making a donation in the enclosed envelope. Sincerely, Mark Robinson |