A Heartfelt Thank You to the Village Behind Woodhaven
They say it takes a village, and as I reflect on the journey to bring Woodhaven to life, I realize just how true that statement is. Every detail in our residence—each smile that fills the space—is a testament to the dedication, support, and love from so many individuals who came together to make this dream a reality.
Gratitude for Our Builders and Designers
First, I want to express my deep appreciation to Pete, our Facilities Manager. He wasn’t just a contractor; he was a pillar of strength for us. By moving on-site, he ensured that every aspect of our residence was built with care and attention to detail, creating a space that feels like home for the young people who will walk through our doors.
I also want to thank my sister, Leslie, and her talented intern, Kristina, for their countless hours of design work. Leslie's keen eye for aesthetics and functionality has made our space not only beautiful but also incredibly inviting. Together, they helped create an environment where healing can take place.
Additionally, I want to acknowledge the Mulberry guys and all the other contractors and professionals, including those in the recovery community, who generously offered their time and skills. Your support has been invaluable in turning our vision into reality.
Gratitude to My Work Family
I want to extend a special thank you to my colleagues in my school district. You have always been my work family, helping me in countless ways—whether by lending an ear, offering input, or contributing to the development of Woodhaven Academy. You’ve been true friends, taking an interest in the day-to-day progress, supporting me throughout this journey, and sharing in my excitement along the way.
A Special Acknowledgment to Family and Friends
To my husband, Mark, your unwavering support has been an anchor throughout this entire process. Your sacrifices have allowed me to dedicate myself to Woodhaven, even when it meant being away from home more than I liked. Whether it’s fewer home-cooked meals or late-night conversations about our mission, your commitment has been a driving force in bringing our vision to life.
As a co-founder, your role has been essential in negotiating real estate deals, navigating legal and financial matters, and ensuring the stability of our project. Your insights and contributions are invaluable as we shape Woodhaven into a place of hope and recovery.
To my friends and extended family, your willingness to listen to my incessant discussions about Woodhaven has been a true source of strength. I recognize that I have sacrificed time with you as I’ve dedicated myself to this mission, and I want to express my deep gratitude for your understanding and support.
To my friend Deidre, whose professional expertise as a social worker and her personal journey have guided many of my decisions—you are forever a cheerleader in this endeavor.
The Heart of Our Mission
Cassidy, you have been an incredible sounding board for my ideas and have provided fantastic suggestions, including how we can better support the siblings of our residents. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made to help bring Woodhaven to life, especially during the summer and school breaks when I have been less available. Your artistic eye and social media acumen have taught me so much and have been incorporated into our work. I promise to make that chicken dish that seems to take all day.
A heartfelt thank you to Luke, who is not only my son but also my inspiration. His commitment to helping others is a constant reminder that our work here is so important. His involvement in our professional development sessions and interactions with colleagues and special guests have shown me how individuals can evolve and mature over time. Plus, seeing him happily calling me “Ma” as he walks around the residence fills my heart with pride.
A special shoutout to Christina, Mike's fiancée, for your patience and understanding as Mike and I navigated the marathon of Google Meet work sessions and endless phone calls, absences, and distractions. Your assistance with graphic design and creative ideas has made a significant impact on our mission.
And Samantha, my pretend niece, your graphic design prowess and website support have been instrumental in making our online presence as inviting as our residence. Thank you for your endless energy and creativity!
Acknowledging Our Team
A huge thank you to Mike, our co-founder and executive director. If it were not for you, I would not have ventured into Woodhaven. Your vision, passion, and dedication to our mission have been essential in bringing Woodhaven to life. My gratitude for you on both a personal and professional level is immense. Your insights and creativity have shaped our program in countless ways, helping us build a solid foundation for our residents' success.
I also want to recognize Joe, our clinical and recovery liaison. His “whatever it takes” attitude has been invaluable in addressing challenges and ensuring that we meet the needs of our residents.
Moreover, I want to acknowledge our dedicated staff, who rolled up their sleeves and helped in every aspect of this journey. Your hard work and commitment to our mission are greatly appreciated. As our staff member TJ said, “We are Woodhaven.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of our community and the collective effort that drives us forward.
Building a Community
I want to acknowledge the rehabilitation programs that graciously shared their time and knowledge with us. Your guidance has helped shape our program and mission, and we’re thankful for the collaboration.
To all the parents who have been involved—your willingness to share your experiences, support our family programs, organize special events like graduations, and participate in our family days makes a profound difference. I know that you will provide support to families who are new to this journey.
A Collective Mission
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to making Woodhaven a reality. We are not just building a place for recovery; we are creating a family—a community that nurtures, supports, and empowers young people and their families on their journeys.
Mark and Mike would have others to thank as well, and their gratitude reflects the collective effort that has made this project possible.
Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this incredible journey. Together, we will continue to build something that goes beyond what any of us could have done alone. I can’t wait to see the lives we’ll touch and the hope we’ll offer in the future.
