When I joined CooperRiis, I had some idea as to what to expect, but not the full picture. Almost four years later, I am proud to report the full picture of this Healing Community is one based on a culture of excellence and of hope. Excellence from every staff member, whether they are preparing the community’s meals, diving deep into therapy to heal a wound of the past, or writing the checks to keep our lights on. Hope in recovery, the hope of healing, and the hope of moving forward in this world. Time and time again, this culture of CooperRiis makes me realize how proud I am to lead this organization.
Please join me in celebrating 20 years of this culture, 20 years of
excellence, and 20 years of hope at CooperRiis.
Warmly,
Eric A. Levine, Ed.D
President & CEO
Stories of Recovery from our Alumni Community
“I want to thank CooperRiis because I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today without them. I would probably be in my parent’s house debating whether life is worth living. I was in such a bad place (previous program and mentally). Without CooperRiis, I wouldn’t have the motivation to go on. Thank you, Lisbeth Riis Cooper and her husband Don, for creating CooperRiis and helping me through my toughest moments ever. 5/5 stars. If you or a loved one have a mental illness, I highly recommend them.” Eva C, Columbia, MD
Top Mental Health Coping Skills
Post-holiday life can be stressful. At the start of this new year, with its fresh beginning, we wanted to share some time-tested and proven coping skills that can help in learning to better manage our emotions. Each month, we will highlight one strategy that we hope will help you find more peace and balance in your own life.
The featured coping skill for January is Acceptance
Acceptance is a powerful coping tool because it puts you at ease with whatever situation you are encounter. If you can’t change a situation, stressing out over it is no real point. It is what it is.
To practice Acceptance, one must identify what is within their control and what is not. Any situation you are not in control of or cannot gain control of is unlikely to be improved through worry. It is true that you may need to deal with the situation and the developments it brings, but after some time and practice, you can choose how to feel about it and, hopefully, have more insight regarding how best to proceed.
Favorite Memories
This memory comes to us from co-founder Lisbeth Riis Cooper. It is the ribbon cutting on the Farm in Mill Spring. Lisbeth is fondly looking on as her beloved grandson Alyk and former board member Jim Cockman’s granddaughter Allie cut the ribbon and formally opened CooperRiis Healing Community welcoming new residents.
Employee Highlight
Years of Service: I’ve been at CooperRiis for 14 years.
Current role: “My current job title is ‘Facilities & Transportation’ at CooperRiis at Asheville. I also have another very satisfying role; I am one of a handful of CooperRiis’ Non-Violent Communication (NVC) ambassadors. These days I help to facilitate two NVC groups a week at CooperRiis at Asheville.”
Special memory of your time at CooperRiis: ‘I have so many special memories of my time at CR. A particularly funny one is when I first came on as a full-time employee, I only had fancy stage clothes in my wardrobe, so I remember wearing a velvet suit to work, and it was ok!’
‘I also remember when we were setting up the building at 85 Zillicoa Street and getting ready to start the 85Z program. It felt special to me to put the resident rooms together, paint the hallways, and watch Lisbeth work her decorating magic! I have also enjoyed watching the “hit parade” of amazingly talented and caring professionals who have come through the program as staff members.’
Favorite Recipes
Mulled Apple Cider
1 gallon apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
2 teaspoons allspice berries
3 star anise pods
1 small navel orange, sliced
Directions
Add all ingredients to a large Dutch oven or soup pot over high heat. Bring to a bubble, then turn heat to low. Gently simmer (apple cider should not be boiling – just barely bubbling,) for 15 minutes. Scoop into mugs and serve.
