WINTER 2025
WOODHAVEN WAY
Dear Woodhaven Community,
Welcome to the first edition of Woodhaven Way, our newsletter designed to share the growth and achievements of our remarkable community. As we reflect on these initial months since opening our doors, we are filled with profound gratitude and inspiration. What began as a vision has blossomed into a vibrant, supportive environment where our young men are discovering their strength and path to lasting recovery.
In this inaugural edition, we're excited to share the experiences that have shaped our early days. From milestone celebrations in recovery to engaging academic discussions, from thrilling recreational activities to nurturing family connections, every aspect of life at Woodhaven reflects our commitment to holistic healing and growth.
The pages that follow offer a window into the daily life at Woodhaven. They represent not just what we do, but who we are: a community united in purpose, supporting each other through recovery, learning, and personal development. We are incredibly proud of our residents - their courage, their commitment, and their daily choice to embrace this journey of recovery. Equally inspiring is our exceptional staff, whose unwavering dedication and compassion create the foundation that makes Woodhaven's mission possible. And we are deeply grateful to our families, whose trust, engagement, and partnership in this journey strengthen our community every day.
As you read through this newsletter, we hope you'll feel the warmth, energy, and hope that fills our residence each day. This is just the beginning of our story, and we're honored to share it with you.
With gratitude and hope,
The Woodhaven Team
Recovery
Building a Foundation
Recovery is at the heart of everything we do at Woodhaven. Our specially created curriculum addresses the unique needs of adolescents in recovery. Through daily on-site meetings, our residents have engaged deeply with the Twelve Steps, attending a variety of AA meetings and receiving coins to mark their early milestones. The shared commitment to sobriety has strengthened our sense of accountability and support for one another. We have had the privilege of celebrating anniversaries with our friends at Covenant Meeting and have explored new meeting formats, allowing our residents to find approaches that resonate with them. A road trip to hear speaker Brandon Novak and active participation in group discussions have further enriched our journey. Some of our residents have even begun establishing AA sponsors, taking crucial steps toward sustained recovery.
Beyond meetings, recovery has also been about personal reflection and growth. Discussions have focused on unmanageability and powerlessness, encouraging residents to take an honest look at their lives. We've connected these ideas to the literature we are reading, ensuring recovery is not just a process, but a way of thinking and living.
In mid-December, we welcomed our first resident, and since then, our community has grown into something truly special. More residents have joined, each bringing their own energy, strengths, and personality, helping to shape a supportive and thriving environment. Woodhaven is becoming more than just a place—it is a home built on connection, learning, and shared experiences.
Woodhaven Academy
Curiosity, Confidence, and Connection
Education at Woodhaven Academy is about more than just coursework—it's about critical thinking, self-reflection, and personal growth. We've been exploring core values, assessing whether we live by them, and identifying how they shape our decisions. Our deep dive into Black Mirror's "Nosedive" led to insightful discussions on social validation and addiction, drawing parallels between device dependency and substance use disorder. More recently, we've focused on symbolism in literature, uncovering hidden meanings in texts and relating them to our own lives. The classroom has become a space where curiosity, analysis, and self-awareness flourish, and we are proud of the dedication our residents are showing in their studies.
Upcoming career-focused presentations will provide an opportunity for our residents to begin planning for their futures in meaningful ways. Our innovative Launching Into Adulthood elective serves as a cornerstone of our strategic planning. This comprehensive course covers essential life skills, including:
Professional communication and workplace etiquette
Resume writing and interview preparation
Financial literacy and budgeting
Time management and organizational skills
Stress management and healthy coping strategies
Goal setting and action planning
By equipping our residents with these critical skills, we empower them to build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for success in both their careers and personal lives.
Recreation As A Path Towards Wellness
Engagement in recreation has played a significant role in fostering teamwork and personal growth. We've kept active with basketball and volleyball at Huntington Creek Recovery Center, explored our 37-acre property, and taken trips for bowling, arcade nights, and axe throwing—just for fun! Game nights featuring Risk, Rummikub, pool, and ping pong have provided opportunities to unwind and build connections. We also enjoyed trips to the movies, and our residents have been making great use of Keystone College's gym to stay active and healthy. Additionally, video games have become a fun and social part of our downtime, bringing residents together for relaxation.
One of the highlights of the season was our New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Event, where we celebrated together with the Woodhaven on Mulberry community. We also hosted a Super Bowl party, enjoying wings and pizza together with friends.
Our residents chose to have dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, making for a delicious community meal. We also enjoyed a thrilling day of skiing at Elk Mountain, providing a perfect opportunity for outdoor adventure and winter fun.
We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming trip to Kalahari as a celebration for two of our residents' birthdays. As part of the trip, we will also be having dinner at their newly opened Mac and Cheese restaurant, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
The Importance of Family &
Looking Ahead to Family Days
Family support is central to everything we do. Our Thursday evening family group has been an essential space for learning and reflection, covering topics such as The Three Cs, boundaries and values, sibling relationships, and communication. Readings from The Language of Letting Go have encouraged us to embrace patience and imperfection as part of the journey.
We look forward to our on-site family days. Family plays a vital role in the recovery journey, and we look forward to meaningful days of connection, education, and shared experiences. Recent family visits have been moments of growth and healing, and we're eager to continue fostering strong relationships between our residents and their loved ones.
Clinical Engagement
Our residents are engaged in individual and group therapy, working with clinicians to develop coping strategies and build emotional resilience. We continue to refine our approach to ensure each resident receives the support they need. Plans are in place for in-person outpatient group therapy to begin soon, allowing for greater connection and professional guidance.
Culinary Highlights
Chef Gavin's Creations
One of the cornerstones of community life at Woodhaven is our shared meals, and Chef Gavin has been a driving force in keeping us nourished and satisfied. From his famous cheeseburgers with Big Mac sauce to Middle Eastern specialties and homemade comfort foods, he provides everything in between, ensuring that every meal brings warmth, stability, and a sense of home. Also, our cookie jar does not stay full for long with homemade treats!
Woodhaven On Mulberry
The young men at Woodhaven on Mulberry continue to excel in their academic and professional lives while maintaining strong recovery. Their commitment to community extends to Woodhaven Manor, where they welcome and mentor new residents, offering support, friendship, and sponsorship to those beginning their recovery journey. The impact of their presence is profound, as they demonstrate through example that a fulfilling life in recovery is possible.
Their visits bring energy and enthusiasm to Woodhaven Manor, whether joining recreational activities, sharing meals, or participating in community events. The natural mentorship that develops between residents of both houses creates a powerful support network. Our Woodhaven on Mulberry house managers provide additional staff support, strengthening the connection between both locations. These relationships exemplify the power of peer mentorship in recovery and reinforce our belief in the healing power of community.
Academic Spotlight:
A Woodhaven on Mulberry resident, excelling in his own studies, has been tutoring one of our Woodhaven Manor residents in precalculus - a beautiful example of peers supporting each other's academic success.
With Gratitude
To our Woodhaven families - thank you for entrusting us with your loved ones. Your consistent engagement, dedication to understanding the recovery process, and patience as we grow together has made these first months truly special.
To our staff and Family Facilitators - your compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts create the nurturing environment that makes Woodhaven a home. Your commitment to our mission and to each resident's journey is what makes our vision possible.
To our own family and friends - your love and support has enabled us to do the work we love each day. Your understanding of our commitment to this journey means the world to us.
To our colleagues in the adolescent recovery field - thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and for recommending our program. Your support and guidance have been invaluable in helping us serve our residents and their families.
As we continue to build, learn, and grow, we are grateful for every moment we share. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and we are excited for all that's to come.
