Tags
addiction, Calgary, caring, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, dignity, dreams, family, health, home, Hump Day Chronicles, joy, laughter, life, living in the moment, non-profit, Oxford House, Purpose, recovery, Relationships, sobriety
As most of you know, I started working at Oxford House Foundation of Canada as their Development Coordinator in May.
Essentially, I am the fundraiser, community engager, the Talker as one of my co-workers recently declared, and whatever else is required to help out when needed.
And I am happy to do it!
It would be somewhat of an understatement if I were to say I love it there, but I’m not quite sure how to say it differently.
All I know is that the people I work with were quick to welcome me to the Oxford family, and their passion and commitment for the organization and the work they do is inspiring.
They make me want to do a really, really good job!
For those of you who do not know, Oxford House is a network of 30 houses in Calgary and Edmonton that provide homes for over 140 men and women who are in recovery from addictions.
The concept is simple. Contribute your share of the household’s expenses and chores. Stay clean and sober. Join the workforce and take your life back.
Recovery is possible in an Oxford Home. And men and women in recovery benefit greatly from the peer-to-peer support they find in each other and the support they receive from dedicated staff who have lived experience, most of whom are also alumni of an Oxford home!
Speaking of home. It’s been the talk around our proverbial water cooler lately.
Our Oxford family has really embraced the word home.
Because we know that a house is just four walls. It keeps out the weather.
It provides security from the outside world. It gives you a place to be when there’s nowhere else to go.
But a home…
that’s where friends and family gather.
A home is where you can put your feet up and relax.
Home is where you sit around the table, eat a meal together, share your hopes and your dreams, ask for advice. Cry until you laugh. Laugh until you cry.
Home is where you can challenge others to be their best and also be challenged yourself toward the same end.
Yeah, sure, sometimes it hurts, but it comes from people who care and that makes it a precious gift.
Yes, home has become a theme; in our houses and at the office. Whenever we talk about programs or events or gatherings, we think about how to create a sense of home.
What images are conjured up when you think of home? What’s your favourite childhood memory of home? Does it seem like I’m picking your brain for more images of home? So what? We’re all friends here, right? ❤
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
What does home mean to you?
elizabeth2560 said:
How suited you are for that job Diana. You are a gift!.
To me, home is where I feel safe and where I can be myself.
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s a very common theme Elizabeth! Thanks for your encouragement. ❤
Diana
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Minuscule Moments said:
Diana it must be rewarding to help others like this. I remember a wealthy friend of my mother’s who lived in a mansion she said to my sister one day. That she lived in a house and we lived in a home, because we had a loving big family with two amazing parents. Always remembered that when I looked at that old fibro house. Home is definitely where your loved ones hang out.
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dianasschwenk said:
I couldn’t agree more Kath. ❤
Diana xo
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Vicki Flaherty said:
Where love resides and holds you like a hug…
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dianasschwenk said:
Love that Vicki! ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Diana,
Congrats and God’s blessings for the wonderful work you do.
Home for all, I’m sure, and especially for your clients means “certainty.” No much of which is found in the modern world.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
Certainty, security – a basic human need. Thanks Alan! ❤
Diana xo
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Patty B said:
For me home is simply a place of rest, a shelter – a safe haven, a place that becomes a part of us. Growing up we moved around alot so when we bought this house – it became my home, my safe haven, a place I shared my life with my family. Probably one reason I keep finding excuses not to sell for something smaller.
A while ago I found this saying, “Home is where the Army sends you” so in a way that is home to me too – the Army life. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Patty you stay in that house for however long you want, no matter what anyone says!
Ahh the Army life – blessings to you my friend. ❤
Diana xo
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Patty B said:
that is my plan – as long as I can keep it up and my daughter is with me I am staying put. Happy Memories that is for sure.
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cyclingrandma said:
You do amazing work!
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dianasschwenk said:
It’s a real team effort Lisa – thanks so much! ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
My favorite memories of home as a child were the people in it. My current favorite thing about home – the people in it. And the people who come (or came to) to visit because to them it is welcoming and comfortable.
You sound like a perfect fit for this job!!!!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yeah, there’s something about sharing food and being together. Yes Colleen, I’m loving it here! ❤
Diana xo
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jmgoyder said:
What a gift you must be to the Oxford home project (not sure if that is the right word – project.) For me, home is here on the farm but it is also transferable to the nursing home in a strange way that I can’t yet describe. You are such a tonic to me, Diana, and to many others xxxx
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww thanks Julie, and I’m glad! ❤
Diana xo
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Ty said:
Home is a strong topic that has followed me through all my ways of service in life, I agree it is way more than simply a roof or 4 walls. It is where you can be you, where I know I am accepted and loved in all my wonkiness, where my memories reside, and some key momentos are. Home is the most powerful word in the English language.
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dianasschwenk said:
If not most, pretty close TY! ❤
Diana xo
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earthriderjudyberman said:
WordPress would not let me comment directly from Facebook – until after I signed on WP.
Here’s my thoughts about home: Home is my refuge from life’s storms and I’m with those I love. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Love it Judy, I’m definitely seeing a theme here! ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Home is the place I can feel at ease and not have to worry what others are thinking of me, it is the place I can wear horrible daggy clothes and not be judged for it
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dianasschwenk said:
So the place where you don’t have to impress anybody – I like it Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
I’m delighted that you’re doing something you love that’s important and with people you love to do it, Diana! I especially enjoyed, “Cry until you laugh. Laugh until you cry.”
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Russ. When’s the last time you did that?? Been a while for me… ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
It is a wonderful job you have Diana, you touch the hearts of those there and they touch yours. Home is having my family around me, sharing a meal, talking about our day, hugs and lots of love.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Karen, they’re a great bunch. Your home sounds live a very loving one. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
I love your definition of home Diana – and the contribution of others.
Its a cliche … but home really is where the heart is, and where we come together with shared values and appreciation of each other. xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Cliché but true Val – thanks for reminding me of it! ❤
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Home is escape from a world that troubles and challenges me!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes! A sanctuary, right Smitty?
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Wyrd Smythe said:
You betcha!
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Graham With Hats said:
Safe and free of others rules. A bit different from a community home where there has to be some regulation, as there must be in a society, to ensure that everybody gets a fair shake. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes there is a bit of difference there Graham, one could argue the same would be true with families living under the same roof, i.e., curfews, chores, rules about homework and how they interact with each other, etc. What do you think? ❤
Diana xo
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Graham With Hats said:
Exactly so, there is a lot of similarity. Within that grouping, if every person can have a little domain of there own then all the better. 🙂
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Tracy Lee Karner said:
Home is where I’m safe.
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dianasschwenk said:
Safe seems to be a common theme Tracy – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Home to me is many things, but mostly it is a sanctuary where I can do the things I love, welcome friends and loved ones, and totally be myself. I think my favourite memories are around the dinner table with family.
Diana, the Oxford family is blessed to have you! ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
I like that Jennifer, doing the things you love; a creative space. Thanks for your kind words. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
You are part of such an important program, Diana, so happy for you, and I’m so sure you do it well. ☺ I’ve thought a lot about homes/housing recently. It really is all about where you find the people you love. Our parents kept their homes for a lifetime; we moved often, but created a home wherever we found ourselves. Great post. ❤️🏡❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Van. I’ve loved your posts about home and family and doing the right thing. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
☺
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Don said:
Home to me is all those things you mentioned Diana. To be at home in a place, with others, in a place of work, with a particular philosophy etc is one of the great gifts of life. I always remember that poignant moment when ET pointed to the heavens with that little finger of his and said so longingly the word, Hommmme!
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dianasschwenk said:
I love that Don. Home is the place we long for. ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Home is where you feel safe and sound and know that you belong, Diana. That’s my definition of the Little Bitty. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Love that image Mark, thanks! ❤
Diana xo
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