23-25 April, 2010, Sfîntu Gheorghe

In April the Aftercare Conference was the outstanding event for the Therapy Centre residents and for the staff members too. It was organized in Sfîntu Gheorghe (200 km from Ozd), and for the residents it was a joy to move a little bit away from the TC and that they could meet others, including former residents. Meeting newly recovered clients always bring them hope. Csaba, who arrived at the Therapy Centre after a long period of alcohol abuse and an unsuccessful suicide attempt, explained that it gave him strength when he saw that even those much older than him could restart their lives. He asked himself why he shouldn’t do similarly, since he is only 40 years old and he has a lot to give to his son. There were some who met “by chance” somebody with whom they had an unresolved relationship and so had a good occasion to clarify it. Others were examining themselves with curiosity, the way they reacted, what they felt like when they were surrounded by alcoholics… And their condition wasn’t pleasant.

As a staff member, it was a pleasure for me to see the combination of devotion, the word of God and the content of the subjects that were introduced. It is our responsibility to recognize and sort out our feelings, so that our thoughts get peace in God and He can fill the emptiness inside us. A family member confessed that she had been already attending the support group for one year and couldn’t open her mouth until now; there had been a lump in her throat which kept her from talking. This was the first occasion when she dared to tell about their life and this gave her a great release.

It was a distinctive pleasure that the Conference was organized in Sfîntu Gheorghe through the initiative of a former client. This was also a good occasion to give strong encouragement to the newly formed support and family member groups.

On the occasion of the City Days Festival, BPF was given a tent where participants from the Conference could present the Foundation, distribute brochures, and answer the questions of passers-by.

Éva Bartha, psychologist

Related article:
Report on the Aftercare Conference Organized in Sfîntu Gheorghe