SSF Fall Luncheon Spotlights “Recovery Out Loud”

You know people are enjoying your event when it takes a blaring alarm and all-out evacuation to get them out the door. Fortunately at Stout Street Foundation’s annual fall luncheon, it happened after guests had a chance to mingle, enjoy tasty food, hear some truly inspiring speakers, bid on an array of items and even win some great giveaways. The annual event is such a happy occasion that guests reluctantly exited only when urged on by employees.

SSF’s VP of development Teri Smith (left), with Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet

On Friday, Oct. 20, more than 200 supporters gathered at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel to celebrate another year of Stout Street’s successes. Guests had a chance to grab some light appetizers and beverages, put in some strategic bids at the silent auction and catch up with old friends. Emcee Greg Nieto, news reporter for Channel 2 and Fox31, presided over a lunch program that centered around a “Recovery Out Loud” theme. More than a catchy phrase, the motto is a call to action for Stout Street residents and graduates to reach out to others with their stories, as well as give back to the organization.

President/CEO Christopher Conway’s talk was noted for his hashtag-worthy “resident to president” quote. Program graduate Amber King spoke about her experiences at Stout Street, and Congressman Ed Perlmutter also addressed the crowd and introduced keynote speaker Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet.

Jenet, whose book “It Takes a Little Crazy to Make a Difference” chronicles the people she met in her travels to every state in America in a year, had the crowd riveted. From her own personal struggles to triumphs—no doubt something touched everyone in the room. She ended her talk with a reminder that everyone can help someone else.

Artist Darrell Anderson (left) and Denver Broncos Ring of Fame member Billy Thompson

With the help of artist Darrell Anderson, Teri Smith, VP of development, auctioned off a stunning Anderson creation with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Stout Street. She was in the middle of giveaways when there was a slight interruption that inevitably ended another successful luncheon.

For 41 years Stout Street Foundation (SSF) has been a service leader in and around the Denver community. From humble beginnings at a house on Stout Street in Denver to completely refurbishing a 168-room hotel in Commerce City, SSF has grown by leaps and bounds, and continues to be one of the most successful therapeutic communities in Colorado. Stout Street Foundation has helped thousands of individuals over the years and continues to treat more than 300 individuals a year.

Longtime sponsors Weifield Group

Stout Street’s 28-day intensive residential program Serenity is unique in that it provides traditional groups and classes, as well as many holistic approaches that aid in the recovery process. Included: a weekly psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group sessions, acupuncture, yoga and an introduction to the 12 steps. While most addiction treatment programs last for just a few months and sober living programs last for about a year, SSF welcomes residents to join its vocational recovery program for as long as needed, up to two or three years. During their time in residency, individuals help to maintain the facility and its grounds in much the same way that they’ll be maintaining their own homes and living environments upon graduating from vocational recovery. For more information about Stout Street Foundation, please visit www.stoutstreet.org, or call 1-866-722-7040.