SummerQuest Carnival day makes a splash!

On Friday, July 15th, Summerquest, Amethyst's summer day camp, held their first carnival! Amethyst employees and volunteers didn’t skip out on anything between the dunk tank, snow cone machine and moon bounce. All ages could enjoy fun activities like corn hole, cookie decorating, basketball, face painting and many more. Each game or activity won the kids various amounts of tickets to cash in at a prize table. The water guns and sticky hands seemed to be the best sellers, while the coveted beanie babies disappeared fast! Although the prize table brought lots of smiles, many would say the relay races were the highlight of the day. Camp members, moms, and volunteers formed two teams that competed in a series of challenging races; some involved hula hoops while others involved running with water! After the races, everyone chowed down on tasty Papa Johns pizza and racked up there last few tickets to cash in for prizes. Needless to say memories were made at SummerQuest’s first carnival, and as one camper stated as the day came to an end, “we can’t wait for next year!”

The carnival would not have been possible without the generous help of volunteers from Zonta, The Women’s Fund, Oxford Consulting, Columbia Gas and Nationwide. Special thanks to Amethyst board members Vicki Abbott, Judi French, Michelle Kerr and Terri Forgy who also gave their time to volunteer at the carnival. Amethyst sincerely thanks every volunteer for making the carnival a success.

Director of Drug Control Policy Visits Amethyst

On July 11th, Amethyst welcomed Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown and White House Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske to the Jefferson Housing Unit. The visit consisted of a press conference in which Director Kirlikowskie presented 2011 National Drug Policy from the Office of the President. "We are very supportive of family-based treatment," Kerlikowske said in the news conference. "It keeps families intact." 
After the press conference, the Senator and Director were able to take a tour of the housing unit as well as speak with other Amethyst clients about their experiences with addiction and Amethyst recovery programs. The event as a whole was an inspiring tribute to Amethyst, but also a boost of encouragement to all involved in the fight against addiction because we know such great politicians are on our side.


Director Kerlikowske explained that Amethyst was a quintessential place to present this policy because Amethyst is a unique treatment facility and makes a profound impact in progress of recovery. Senator Sherrod Brown then shared details on his new Medicaid bill he is hoping to pass which would severely limit the abuse of prescription drugs. Before the conclusion of the press conference, Amethyst clients Tara and Cindy both were able to share their stories and how Amethyst has positively affected their lives.


Watch news coverage at http://www.amethyst-inc.org/index.php/News-Media

Kroger Makes an Impact!

This month, Amethyst opened a new apartment building, allowing us to expand treatment and residential services to more women each year. This amazing opportunity also came with the challenge of stocking and furnishing 17 apartments. Kroger jumped into action, donating 15 new couches, valued at $5,000.
 
Kroger supports Amethyst via multiple efforts throughout the year. Amethyst receives funds from the Kroger Community Rewards program, discounted and donated furnishing, donations of food for events and more!
 
On behalf of all the women and children of Amethyst, thank you Kroger for your continued support!

Zonta Hosts Cooking Class!

On May 27^th, the women of Zonta Columbus put on a cooking class led by talented cook and Zontian, Carol Jenkins. Zonta, an organization dedicated to women empowerment, has been a sponsor of Amethyst for many years and has partnered with Amethyst in their endeavors to support women’s recovery. The cooking class was a delightful evening for all, but also very valuable to the twenty-five Amethyst clients that attended. The women learned how to make meatloaf, coleslaw, corn casserole and jello salad, all with healthy and cost-savvy ingredients.

        “We wanted to give them confidence in the kitchen,” says Zontian Alice Tyler, “and we had a blast cooking and learning together!” So not only did Zonta provide a free, delicious meal, they provided skills the Amethyst clients can use to benefit themselves and their families. Amethyst thanks Zonta for their donations and services, but most of all the fun memories made!

Written by: Megan Tyler

Nationwide Transforms Amethyst Properties!

This May, volunteers from Nationwide Insurance donated time, resources and sweat to help beautify the outside of multiple Amethyst apartment buildings.

Volunteers showed up early in the morning, excited and ready to help create a better space for families dedicated to recovery. They spent the day mulching, planting and painting. When the Amethyst women saw the new landscaping, they were overwhelmed. One client shared "the flowers bring a smile to my face every day."

As if this wasn't enough, Nationwide volunteers returned a few days later, in partnership with United Way of Central Ohio, to install a playground at another Amethyst property, that previously did not have many safe places for the children to play outdoors.

If your organization would like to get involved, contact Nanon Morrison, Development Director.