The holidays bring families together, create celebrations, and focus on giving.  Unfortunately, for some, they also tend to bring higher depression and suicide rates, unmet expectations, loneliness, and temptation for those struggling with weight or addiction.  Follow that up with New Year’s resolutions and it can become overwhelming. The truth is, everyone is struggling with something and sharing those burdens lightens the load for everyone.  That is the premise behind Celebrate Recovery.

 

“There is a stigma that Celebrate Recovery in only for those in a crisis,” said Ben Randolph, Director of Celebrate Recovery of Bridgeport. “That is one very important part of the program, but not the whole picture.  Celebrate Recovery offers a safe and caring environment for those wanting to change any part of their life, including common areas like parenting issues, food issues, improving relationships, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction and even reducing time spent on the internet and re-prioritizing life in general.”

 

The program, which started at the Johnson Avenue campus of Bridgeport United Methodist Church last fall, is designed to help people heal from pain, whether it be physical, emotional, mental, or even financial.  For 24 years, the program has helped over three million people to find joy again, using small group step studies, testimonials and encouragement from the network of those who are also seeking help. 

 

“Celebrate Recovery providers a tool kit to strengthen our relationship with God, rebuilding our faith and hope as we gain strength from one another,” said Randolph. “We are seeing new faces every week, each seeking peace and comfort in various areas of their lives.  We currently have people who attend to cope with loved one’s addictions or who simply want to strengthen their relationships in general.  The program provides the accountability and fellowship that helps them reach and keep their goals while finding encouragement from others.”

 

Bridgeport’s Celebrate Recovery recently added a weekly worship band as well as free childcare for children through the fifth grade.  There is a group of teens gathering each week now, and the staff hopes to start a teen ministry group by summer and are currently seeking interested adults to help with the program. 

 

“Typically, meetings start with large group praise and worship and then we break into smaller groups that are issue and gender specific,” said Randolph.  “People are encouraged to share freely.  We take anonymity and confidentiality very seriously.  Celebrate Recovery is free of charge and non-denominational, so we encourage everyone to check it out.” Additional information can be found on the Facebook page “Celebrate Recovery Bridgeport” or on Instagram at “crbridgeport”.