ARTC Newsletter September 2025

AVERY ROAD MONTHLY

Welcome to this months edition of The ARM The Avery Road Monthly, created to celebrate the work, spirit, and resilience of the Avery Road Treatment Center

An arm is more than just a limb it’s how the body reaches, lifts, carries, and connects It’s a symbol of support, action, and strength That’s exactly what ARTC is within our larger campus community: a part of the whole that helps move the mission forward

While each program on our campus plays its own role in the collective care we offer, this

newsletter centers on ARTCs part in that story our people, our progress, and our place in the movement toward recovery

Consider this newsletter a stretch, a hand extended, a high-five, and a helping lift all at once Let it remind you that what happens here matters, and that your role is essential to the wellness of the whole

Thank you for being part of the work that changes lives every day

–The ARM (ARTC)

Features this month:

Message from The ARM Department Spotlight

Coming Soon (Event News)

Staff on the Spot

Staff Milestones

September Calendar: Holidays & Causes Brain Games

Department Spotlight: Outreach and Peer Services

Featured this month is the Outreach and Peer Services department. They champion treatment and recovery, and engage with community stakeholders and programs throughout the MTC continuum to foster connections, provide support, and make referrals As a newly established department, they are assembling a team of peer specialists dedicated to supporting our services and clients

Q&A with Amy Bormel, Director of Outreach and Peer Services

What’s something most staff don’t realize that your team does behind the scenes?

“We don’t spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. Most days, we’re out in the field--visiting hospitals and other treatment centers Making nnections and spreading the word about TC are two of our biggest priorities”

hat role does your team play in the eatment process?

We help connect individuals to the care they eed We screen clients, place referrals, offer eer support, and help people navigate or move barriers that might keep them from eatment We also meet with clients to develop ntinuing care plans so they have ongoing pport after initial treatment Our role is to elp clients find their pathway to recovery”

hat’s one thing you’re proud of about your team?

“Our daily problem-solving ability really surprises me and that’s something I take pride in I’m also really grateful for the support we receive from senior leadership”

ERVICES BY THE NUMBERS

7 DAYS A WEEK RING CALLS

25 SCREENINGS A DAY ON AVERAGE SPENT IN THE CAR DAILY

New Study Launching This September

Recruitment begins this month at ARTC and MMTC

Baltimore for a study led by Dr Kevin Wenzel, Psychologist & Director of Research at Maryland Treatment Centers, in partnership with UMBC’s Human Services Psychology Doctoral Program

The project will evaluate Written Exposure Therapy (WET) an evidence-based PTSD treatment in residential settings for individuals with opioid and substance use disorders WET helps patients process trauma through structured writing, offering a focused approach to healing

�� Read more about this work in UMBC’s feature: Inspiring Careers to Serve People with Opioid Use Disorders and PTSD

Contact: Kevin Wenzel, PhD | kwenzel@marylandtreatmentorg

Sept 19 2025

Upcoming Event

music, games, inspiring speakers, and delicious food as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month together

This celebration is a chance to enjoy community, culture, and recovery in a fun and meaningful way

Date: September 19, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Location: ARTC

Come ready to celebrate, connect, and enjoy an afternoon of culture and community!

n the Spot

�� Quickfire Q&A

What’s your work emotional support item?

“My candy stash ”

Would you rather uncontrollably break into song, or unexpectedly lose your voice?

“I think it would be unexpectedly lose my voice I don’t break into song anymore ”

If you could time travel, when and where would you go?

“I’d go back to the western days, when there were cowboy outlaws And I’d wear those big puffy skirts, sweating like a beehive!”

MeetLindaLayne

For 35 years, Linda Layne, our Executive Administrative Assistant, has been the go-to person for just about everything at ARTC She keeps things moving, keeps us organized, and somehow knows exactly what’s needed before anyone asks Behind her no-nonsense vibe is a kind heart, a sharp wit, and a treasure trove of stories Linda is not only an incredible asset she’s a legend, and we’re lucky to have her

Did you know?

Linda is a proud mom of three daughters, including a set of twins and yes, one of them is a key ARTC team member (If you know, you know ��)

Who would play you in a Netflix series about ARTC?

“Jamie Lee Curtis ”

What’s your No. 1 karaoke song?

“The Halloween Song... It goes: ‘Thanksgiving day is coming, so Mr Turkey said, “How very careful I must be or off will come my head!” The pumpkin heard the turkey and whispered, “Oh my! They’ll mix me up with sugar and spice, and I’ll be pumpkin pie!”’ (Editor’s note: Mrs Layne has a very pleasant singing voice )

What’s a talent you have that almost no one knows about?

“I’m an excellent dancer That’s what I do around the office all day”

If the ARTC building were haunted, who would the ghost bother most?

“Brittany would be bothered because ” Linda’s voice dropped to a whisper as she stared off dramatically, as if the ghost were already in the room

Staff on the Spot

�� Quickfire Q&A

What’s your work emotional support item?

“My computer ”

Would you rather uncontrollably break into song, or unexpectedly lose your voice?

“Easy I choose uncontrollably breaking into song ”

If you could time travel, when and where would you go?

“I’d travel to next year and I’d go somewhere like Mars. Or... out of this world.”

MeetAlfredFrancois

Alfred is a charismatic and dedicated Counselor at ARTC. He’s been working with the clients here since 2014 If you’re looking for some comedic relief during the day, head to his office or try to catch him when he’s making his rounds!

Did you know?

Alfred is a native New Yorker

Who would play you in a Netflix series about ARTC?

“Will Smith ”

What’s your No. 1 karaoke song?

"Happy Feelings” by Earth Wind and Fire

What’s a talent you have that almost no one knows about?

“I rap When I was in New York I rapped all the time I can freestyle ”

If the ARTC building were haunted, who would the ghost bother most?

“Kyra. No, actually Lloyd or Yaakov.”

Staff Milestones

We’re cheering on our teammates all month! If you spot them, unleash a confetti storm of birthday cheers, congrats, and sweet compliments!

BIRTHDAYS

Marie Etienne 9/27

Donnie Fairley 9/29

Ella Gang 9/14

Anthony Lopez 9/14

Betty Louis-Charles 9/13

WORKAVERSARIES

ttie Reed 20 years

chelis Ayuk 3 years

phen Mankoh 4 years

ty Louis-Charles 4 years

uino Fabricio 1 year

Florence Mensah 1 year

MOMENTS

Flore 9/18

Jasmine Turner 1 year

Elena Marin Velasquez 1 year

Maria Hernandez 1 year

Mindful

If you have the power to make someone happy, do it The world needs more of that.

You are not responsible for the version of you that exists in people’s minds. The calmer you are, the clearer you think. Let your decisions come from a place of peace, not reaction

HOLIDAYS

9/1: Labor Day

ALL MONTH

National Recovery Month

National Suicide Prevention Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

National Fruits & Veggies Month

National Self-Care Awareness Month Happy Cat Month

WEEKS

9/8–9/14: National Suicide Prevention Week

9/14–9/20: National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

DAYS

9/18: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

9/28: National Self Awareness Day

9/29: World Heart Day

This Month’s Holidays & Awareness Highlights

NationalRecoveryMonth,takes placeeachSeptembertoraise awarenessandsupportforevidencebasedtreatmentandrecovery practices.Italsohonorsthestrength oftherecoverycommunityandthe commitmentofserviceprovidersand localcommunitiesthathelpmake recoveryachievable.

SubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration (2024, September5) NationalRecoveryMonth2024 US Departmentof HealthandHumanServices RetrievedfromSAMHSAwebsite

SeptemberisNationalSuicide PreventionMonth atimetoraise awareness,fosterhope,and encourageopenconversationsabout mentalhealth.Thisisachanceto “StartaConversation.Bethe Difference.”Ifsomeoneisincrisis, theycancallortext988orvisit 988lifelineorgforsupport Jointhe movementbysharingmessageswith #SuicidePreventionMonthandmark #988DayonSeptember8thtohelp spreadhopeandresources

NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (2025) SuicidePrevention Month2025–Resources&Awareness NAMI Retrieved August19,2025,fromhttps://wwwnamiorg/getinvolved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/

HispanicHeritageMonthisatimeto celebratetherichhistories,cultures, andcontributionsofHispanicand Latinocommunities Fromartand musictoscience,education,and publicservice,thismonthhonorsthe lastingimpactofgenerationswho haveshapedournation’sstory It’s alsoaremindertolearn,share,and upliftdiversevoicesinour communities.

“Recovery Is Real” Celebrating National Recovery Month

A Month to Honor Courage, Connection, and Healing

Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been a time to celebrate the power of recovery, honor those walking the path, and elevate the tireless efforts of professionals, peers, and families who make healing possible

What Recovery Looks Like

Recovery is not a straight line it’s a journey filled with growth, setbacks, breakthroughs, and second chances.

At ARTC and across the Avery Road campus, we see recovery every day: In the courage of clients who walk through our doors.

In the dedication of staff who never give up on someone.

In the community we build one story, one connection at a time.

Voices of Recovery

“Remember it only works if you work it ❤. ” – ARTC Client

“Recovery takes work and real change comes with a shift in mindset.”

– Avery Road Staff

“As a peer, I like to say to our clients: ‘If nothing changes, nothing changes.’”

– ARTC Staff Member

How You Can Support Recovery This Month

✅ Wear purple every Friday to show your support

✅ Stop by the admissions office to add a recovery affirmation to our Reflection Spot

✅ Acknowledge someone’s progress even small wins matter

✅ Take a moment to thank a colleague you never know what they’re carrying

CHLOE

LUCIFER

HAPPY CAT MONTH

September is Happy Cat Month! ���� Created by the CATalyst Council, this month-long celebration is all about promoting feline well-being and strengthening the bond between cats and their humans. It’s the perfect time to show our feline friends extra love whether through play, enrichment, proper vet care, or simply more cuddle time. Happy Cat Month reminds us that a happy cat means a healthier, more harmonious home.

Brain Games

What belongs to you but is used more by others?

S O D O K U

ACROSS DOWN

Month of the autumn equinox

1 Treatment center in Rockville, Maryland, known for recovery and rehabilitation programs 5. Annual September observance promoting treatment and support for addiction and mental health recovery

2. The process of healing and rebuilding a healthier, substance-free life 6 Evidence-based PTSD treatment where patients process trauma through structured writing

3 Collective effort to raise awareness, provide resources, and save lives during a dedicated September observance 10 Amy Bormel's sidekick pictured on page 2 (last name) 4 Federal agency that leads public health efforts on substance use and mental health (acronym) 12. Efforts to champion treatment, recovery, and mental health in the community

A purr-fectly content feline

13 What peers, families, and communities provide to those in treatment and recovery 8 A professional with lived experience who supports others in treatment and recovery

14 The name of our Director of Outreach and Peer Services (hint: see page 2) 9 Guidance connecting clients to additional programs, services, or resources

15. A nonprofit offering advocacy, education, and support for mental health (acronym)

11. The act of extending services and resources to communities in need