Personal Stories of Tragedies and Triumphs Shared at the Sold-Out Auxiliary of Nexus Mother’s May Brunch
Celebrating 51 Years of Changing Lives
(Featured photo: Louise Hallam Collins, Brunch Chair; Oliver Collins. Harriet Jeffers and Laura Jeffers, Honorary Chairs.)*
Excitement filled the room as supporters of the Auxiliary of Nexus Recovery Center gathered at the sold-out Mother’s May Brunch at the Dallas Country Club to celebrate mothers, grandmothers and all the women in our lives. Proceeds support the mission of Nexus Recovery Center and ensure that mothers with substance use disorder can receive needed services to rebuild their lives and heal alongside their families.
Louise Hallam Collins, Brunch chair, welcomed the crowd and reminded everyone to purchase their raffle tickets as she introduced a video of Nexus’ children singing a tribute. Dr. Kenneth Rhodes, Senior Pastor from New Day Outreach Ministries gave the invocation as brunch was served.
Heather Ormand, Nexus CEO, said she was honored to join with everyone in support of Nexus’ unique programs and mission, saying that she is beyond grateful and that in long term sobriety, no one does it alone. The video celebrating Nexus’ 50th Anniversary last year gave insight into the nonprofit’s history and inspiring outlook on its future.
After brunch, Heather returned to the podium and introduced Nexus alumni Jade Rose, a 32-year-old mother of three, who two years ago, she and two of her children were clients at Nexus. Her eight-year-old son, Tyler, also joined her on stage. Jade revealed her struggles through meth addiction, the tragic and emotional real-life experiences she had to bear while coming from a broken family. Fighting back tears, Jade said that Nexus welcomed her with her children and through its programs, not only saved her life, but taught her children structure and how to enjoy being children and her to be a better mother. She said that Nexus gave her the opportunity to love and be loved. She said she is two years sober and thanked everyone for their donations that really do make a difference and save people’s lives. Tyler spoke up, saying that he loves his Mom and she really is a good mother. He thanked Nexus for helping his mother as the entire audience stood, giving a rousing round of applause.
Auxiliary president, Lauren Gilette, took the podium saying, “This is why I do this,” and that she has been involved with Nexus for 13 years and is in her 20th year of recovery, as applause filled the room once again. She explained what the Auxiliary does, their programs, events, and what membership means to the organization, encouraging everyone who is not a member to join today. She also asked the crowd to dig into their pockets because the honorary chairs, Laura Jeffers and her mother, Harriet Jeffers, have made a $10,000 challenge gift, as everyone picked up their phones and filled in the forms to donate.
Laura Jeffers said that Nexus has given so much to her, more than she could ever give back. She shared that she is four years sober and is always inspired by the courage and the power of the nonprofit and its accomplishments. She also encouraged membership in the Auxiliary, saying the events shared by the members and clients are what brings the whole story full circle and the mission to life.
After choosing the raffle winners, Heather thanked everyone for their ongoing support and commitment to Nexus Recovery Center. “Nexus Recovery Center is incredibly grateful to our powerful and impactful Auxiliary as they continue to advocate for our clients as they pursue their recovery journey alongside their families,” she said. “An essential part of the recovery journey is feeling supported and championed by those around you. The Auxiliary plays this key role in the support of so many courageous women in our community.”
Sponsors include: Anonymous, Bank of Texas, Ben E. Keith Foundation, Valerie Bracchi, Kimber and James Clonts, DuraServ, Shelly Emmanuel, Kristy and Raymond Faus, Bart Hamlin II, Harriet Jeffers and Laura Jeffers, Lone Star Monarchs, Billy Murray, Katherine Phillips, Rebecca Royall, Laura G. Sahliyeh, Trudy Steen, Texas Opioid Plaintiff Steering Committee, Carolyn Waghorne, and Kim Wyly & Susan Shannon.
Since 1971, Nexus Recovery Center has walked alongside thousands of women and their children on the path to recovery from substance use disorders. Nexus’ mission is to serve as a community of hope and sobriety for all women and their families who strive to live healthy, resilient lives. Nexus treats the whole woman by offering an array of comprehensive services, including specialized substance use disorder treatment services, as well as therapeutic treatment and care for their accompanying children in order to restore health and encourage resilience, regardless of a woman’s ability to pay. Accredited by the Joint Commission since 2006, it is the only treatment center in North Texas that accepts women in the late stages of pregnancy and also allows children to accompany their mothers into treatment. This year, the Dallas-based nonprofit celebrates 51 years of changing lives.
To learn more about the Auxiliary of Nexus, their special events, membership and how you can become involved, visit www.nexusrecovery.org/auxiliary
About the Auxiliary of Nexus:
The Auxiliary of Nexus supports women and their children who are on their recovery journey with Nexus Recovery Center. Our membership is a force for good in our community.
The mission of the Auxiliary of Nexus is to support and promote the interests of Nexus Recovery Center. Members of the Auxiliary make our community a better place by putting in countless volunteer hours each year, planning, and implementing special events to raise money for Nexus. The Auxiliary carries out its mission using the following methods:
– By building a strong and active membership
– By stimulating public awareness
– By helping in the financial support of Nexus’ services and projects.
Learn more by visiting the website at https://nexusrecovery.org/auxiliary/
About Nexus Recovery Center:
Founded in 1971 and based in Dallas, Texas, Nexus Recovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that treats the whole woman by offering an array of comprehensive services, including specialized substance use disorder treatment services, as well as therapeutic treatment and care for their accompanying children in order to restore health and encourage resilience – regardless of a woman’s ability to pay. Accredited by the Joint Commission since 2006, it is the only treatment center in North Texas that accepts women in the late stages of pregnancy and also allows children to accompany their mothers into treatment. Serving solely women on their journey to recovery, Nexus’ mission is to serve as a community of hope and sobriety for all women and their families who strive to live healthy, resilient lives. Nexus achieves its mission through the help of a dedicated board, volunteers, staff, partners, and donors. Together, Nexus Recovery Center changes families’ lives, whatever their income, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. For more information, visit www.nexusrecovery.org .
*Photos by Shana Anderson
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Auxiliary of Nexus Recovery Center and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
