December 2011 News Updates

Taking the step into Primary Care treatment, is daunting for any addict. While the prospect of recovery may be something every addict longs for, it involves leaping heart-first into the unknown and this in itself is frightening. While addiction is devastating and crippling, it certainly holds familiarity and therein many find comfort. Change comes when freedom screams louder than fear and when having faith and moving forward are the only things left to do. Engaging in a treatment programme takes courage, it requires support and it calls for commitment – but it starts with just a decision; once that decision is made, there is no turning back.
The Healing Wings programme ignites a journey which encourages transformation of thinking and behavioural patterns through a holistic treatment regime. Counseling and therapy is provided on a one on one level, through interactive groups, skills development programmes, creative therapies and recreational activities. Read on for some updates on the Healing Wings programme.

Student Programme

Engaging in a primary care treatment programme while simultaneously working a full school syllabus, is a feat taken on only by the courageous and determined! The students of Healing Wings Purpose College have taken on this feat, diligently pushing through 2011 and have completed the year with their heads-held high.
2011 has been a challenging year for those doing their studies, distance learning, at Healing Wings. Following a strict timetable and ensuring good preparation throughout the year, year-end exams were tackled with confidence and the student now wait expectantly for their results.
The hard work culminated in a wonderful year-end dinner, held in the Healing Wings “Red Hall”. After photo’s and beverages in the open-air lounge, students were seated to a delicious 3 course dinner served by members of the Healing Wings Culinary Course. What an evening!
To round-off the 2011 school-year, families were invited to the student’s certificate and farewell ceremony. Students and tutors gave heart-felt messages. Healing Wings would like to thank the “class of 2011” for diligently persevering to finish what was started, it is in doing this that fruits will show in their lives.

Government

What an honor it is to work hand in hand with the bench-markers of our country. Healing Wings South Africa has completed our second running year of compliance with the Department of Social Developments’ Minimum Norms and Standards for In Patient Treatment Centre’s. Department standards are high and remaining compliant is as testing as obtaining our initial registration; knowing that we provide residents with what we know to be the best possible treatment and care, is a privilege worth the hard-work. Regular monitoring assessments are conducted by the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development to ensure that in every aspect, Healing Wings abides by the standards under which we are registered, hereby maintaining continuity of care to each and every resident.
2011 has proven eventful with regards Department dealings and we are committed to maintaining a steadfast relationship within the Department. As far as possible members of our Multi Professional team are in attendance at Substance Abuse forums and provincial meetings with relevant stakeholders. Our participation in the plight against substance abuse on a level outside of the treatment centre continues to broaden our scope.
Healing Wings was a participating stakeholder in the recent drafting of the new National Drug Master Plan; while still in its draft state, this manual contains guidelines and protocols integral to the development of a nation against drug abuse.

Youth Centre

2012 brings with it exciting plans with opening of the Healing Wings Youth Centre and School. With the vision in place, a passion to see the lives of young people transformed and the strength of the Lord, registration for the centre has been handed in to the Department of Social Development. Advances further involve developing the youth centre site and infrastructure.
Doing our part in meeting the current exorbitant demand of treatment for young people, is of utmost importance to us; it is heart-wrenching to have to turn applications away because of non-compliance to age. Please keep an eye on our updates for further news with regards to the Youth Centre.

Support Groups

Primary Care rehabilitation is a slice in the pie of recovery and living a life of freedom. Without the other slices, there is no stability, there is no whole. Support groups form an integral part of this process affording families and loved ones the platform to receive healing and become empowered with regards to addiction. For the resident leaving treatment, a smooth transition and continuity of care is a safeguard to ensure that the individuals’ walks into a stable environment, in which he/she is accountable for decisions and actions made. It is our recommendation that families and loved ones get involved in a support group structure.

Residents

Being a resident at Healing Wings, involves responsibility … responsibility to commitment made to completing what has been started. Responsibility to being open and honest, responsibility to remaining accountable, responsibility to persevering and pushing past barriers and of course … responsibility to letting ones hair down and having fun! We believe that while life is serious, it doesn’t always have to be taken seriously and to this end we encourage residents to participate in planned recreational events.
The male residents “Explorers Adventure Weekend” was a blast! 50 residents trekked the Sudwala Forest mountains into a weekend of sleeping in bungalow’s with bugs as big as their fists, hiking up mountains for hours and returning with bodies aching with glee! Abseiling down cliffs, swimming in the forest streams, breathing in the mountain air and enjoying amazing brotherhood and fellowship.
The benefits of being a female resident at Healing Wings means that having a good time doesn’t necessarily mean getting ones hands dirty – quite the contrary, the female residents recently enjoyed a day of pampering. Beauty therapists from Nelspruit came through with massage beds, face steamers and Mani/Pedi kits, to spoil the ladies with a day of relaxation and pampering!

Outreach

Keeping close to heart the creed that one keeps what one has, by giving it away, outreach is a joy to partake in at Healing Wings:






Mozambique: Residents, who have been here for a significant period of time, are given the opportunity to take part in outreaches to the Healing Wings facility in the district of Bela Vista, Mozambique. Healing Wings Mozambique facilitates a number of community empowerment projects focused on skills development and job creation. The mindset is one of healthy lifestyle sustainability. From agriculture and fish farming to home ware and jewelry making, the members of this community carry an enthusiasm for life which shines in the fruits of their labor! It is a privilege for Healing Wings residents to partake in this enthusiasm first hand – how humbling it is to witness individuals emerging out of the clutches of poverty, with heads held high. It is an unrelenting faith burning inside the individual, which sparks a district like Bela Vista and when this catches flame, there is no stopping the changing of a nation! For Healing Wings staff and residents, we want more than just an end to drug addiction, we want a hand in changing nations.


Sudwala: Right here in Sudwala, live the members of the Mankele Community. In the 2 years that Healing Wings South Africa has been open, we have seen little of these individuals … tucked deep in forests are their humble dwellings. They have extremely limited resources. Many have arrived here in pursuit of employment on the surrounding wood mills or slate quarries; having to leave behind their families just in order to provide for them. Mandela day 2011 provided an excellent opportunity for Healing Wings staff and residents to “break the ice” with the Mankele Community. The Rivers Edge resort provided a perfect platform for a day of music, food, gifts and fellowship. It was an honor to host the Mandela/Mankele day on the 6th June 2011! We have recently had our second Mankele community party, hosted as well at Rivers Edge on the 20th November 2011.
Thank you for visiting the Healing Wings website, please keep visiting us for more updates- we welcome your comments and feedback.

God Bless

The Healing Wings team