by Kellie Gormly | Sep 8, 2022 | Do, September 2022
Had Matthew Umstead had access to a recovery high school—where teens struggling with substance abuse who are committed to recovery can learn in a safe environment—he might have survived, says his mother Michelle Umstead.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 10, at the third annual Be the Light 5K event, Triangle residents can walk or run to raise funds for Wake Monarch Academy, the region’s only recovery high school, and one of only two in NC (the other, Emerald School of Excellence, is in Charlotte). The event is held in memory of Umstead, who died by suicide after struggling with substance misuse.
At Wake Monarch, located in Apex, adolescents recovering from substance abuse pursue academic, personal and professional goals in a safe environment with like-minded peers. It’s an alternative to the short-term treatment programs, where many teens get sober but then return to their partying friends at their regular high school and don’t stick with it.
“Matthew’s stint in and out of rehab showed us how powerless short-term care can be. Recovery is a lifelong process,” says Michelle, who also serves as a WMA board member. “It’s extremely hard to heal in the environment in which you became ill. Giving them a safe school environment is a key in the recovery process.”
Leah Wright, founder and executive director of Wake Monarch Academy, agrees:“We meet the students where they are and provide a safe and supportive environment where they can successfully pursue academic, professional and personal goals. We are transforming hearts and minds for a better tomorrow.”
Wake Monarch has strict standards for admission. In order to enroll at the school, teens must have at least 30 days of recovery from a substance-use disorder, be actively working on and committed to a recovery program, be willing to participate in random and frequent drug screening, be willing to work with a sponsor or peer in recovery, and be complying with a medical professional’s treatment.
This weekend, you can be the light by signing up for the race—or, if you’re unable to attend, consider making a donation to Wake Monarch Academy. You might just save a life…
by Kellie Gormly | Aug 2, 2022 | Do, July 2022/August 2022, Web Exclusive
Put the pedal to the metal to break the cycle of trauma, abuse and homelessness in the Triangle.
Need an excuse to get your bike out? Blow up those tires and hit the pavement for The Women’s Center’s Break the Cycle fundraising ride on Sept. 25 benefiting homeless women in the community. You, ahem, can’t say you’re two-tired to pedal to the metal when it’s for a good cause (!).
After a successful inaugural event in 2021 that drew 203 bike riders, The Women’s Center—which works with Raleigh’s most at-risk, vulnerable women who face severe and persistent mental illness, sexual assault, trauma and violence—is excited to bring back Break the Cycle for a bigger and better sophomore year, says Brace Boone III, executive director of the West Street nonprofit.
“We were so happy with the turnout; everyone had a great time,” says Boone of the first annual Break the Cycle ride.
This year, the shelter hopes to raise $50,000 for its programs, which include providing emergency shelter, meals, medical care, crisis assessment, enrichment classes and more to homeless women in Raleigh.
Riders can take part in three different rides during the Sunday morning event: a 30-mile ride, a 5-mile ride or a virtual ride. (Note to serious cycle-paths who love to ride long distances: The first 350 30-mile riders will get a medal!) Everyone who registers will support the shelter with the $55 registration fee, which also includes a T-shirt, and participants can earn more donations for their ride by sharing it across social.
“The purpose of Break the Cycle was to raise awareness and support, and garner partnerships for The Women’s Center and the critical work that we do,” says Boone. “It was also designed for our partners to have an enjoyable, positive experience while getting a little bit of exercise and having some community fellowship, again, to raise awareness about the very serious and unending need for the services that The Women’s Center provides.”
Post-ride, enjoy food and festivities at Transfer Co. Food Hall. So even if biking isn’t your thing, you can still come out and support the riders and throw back a cold one during the afterparty festivities. Talk about a wheelie good time!
