News

40 Years: 40 Stories

It all started in 1968 when local psychologist Dr. Bill Kooistra received a call from a minister who needed help for a heroin addict.  At the time, little help was available because substance use disorders were not considered a behavioral health problem as they are today.  With no viable service options available, Kooistra partnered with physician, Dr. Chet Maternowski to meet the community’s need for addiction treatment services.  

Their collaboration resulted in Project Rehab, the first organization in West Michigan dedicated to providing treatment for addictions.  40 years later, Project Rehab now serves over 5,000 clients each year through its nine residential programs and two outpatient programs.

In recognition of the courage of those served over the past 40 years, Project Rehab is publishing a collection of 40 success stories about former clients.  Anyone who benefited from a residential, outpatient, wellness and prevention, or other Project Rehab program is invited to participate.  Those willing to be interviewed for this project may contact Tina Dee, Director of Community Relations at successstories@projectrehab.org.

Project Rehab is a part of Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance, a collection of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. 

Volunteers Invited to Plan Recovery Palooza 2008

Recovery Palooza is an annual event held in September during National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Awareness Month. This year’s event, held on Saturday the 20th at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids, features live entertainment, fun family activities, food, community resource information, support group meetings, and more.  Planning this event is almost as much fun as attending—would you like to help us?  We’d love to hear your ideas about how Recovery Palooza 2008 can better support the recovery community.  If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts, please contact Susan Smith at Network180 at (616) 336-2460.

Improve a life!

Your support can help ensure that everyone has access to the behavioral health services they need--regardless of ability to pay.  Click here to make a secure online donation to support the program of your choice through Network for Good.  https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=383308516

Native American History Month Observed with Presentation from Activist Author

(Grand Rapids, MI) --- His journey from the FBI's ten most wanted list to respected Ottawa Tribal elder was an adventurous spiritual journey that brought Larry “Pun” Plamondon home.  Plamondon’s adventures, recounted in his book, “Lost from the Ottawa: The Story of the Journey Back”, include establishing the White Panther Party with fellow activist John Sinclair, surviving the Detroit riots, and driving equipment trucks for rock bands including Kiss and Foreigner. 

Plamondon, who is a master storyteller, will share the excerpts from his book and other insights into Native American culture at a November 12 installment of Project Rehab’s Tribute to Recovery.  The Tribute to Recovery Series is presented the second Monday of each month.  In November, the series focuses on Native American History Month and offers Plamondon’s presentation about what Native American cultures can teach about “finding our way”.

“The Tribute to Recovery series celebrates recovery and provides inspiration to anyone whose life has been touched by recovery,” explained Tina Dee, Director of Community Relations.  “We are really pleased to have Pun with us in November to share his fascinating story.  While he’s an excellent role model for those in recovery, having read his book and heard his presentations before, I can also say that he’s an inspiration for anyone wanting to realize their potential.”

Plamondon’s journey began in northern Michigan where he was born to an unwed couple of Ottawa and Ojibwa decent who were forced to place him for adoption.  He was adopted and raised by a white Traverse City couple, but as he grew older feelings of not fitting in caused him to lead a troubled youth and leave home as a teenager.

At the age of 24, he became the first 1960s revolutionary added to the FBI's Most Wanted List.  But the most difficult part of his journey was finding his way back after years of addiction.  After hitting low points in his life with his alcohol and drug abuse, he met someone who introduced him to his Indian heritage.  This meeting helped Plamondon begin to find his way back and he cleaned himself up.

The Tribute to Recovery events are free and open to the public.  They are held the second Monday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at 834 Lake Drive SE in Grand Rapids.

Project Rehab, a not-for-profit organization that has been improving lives since 1968, is part of Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance.

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