Dion Lovallo: A Partner for Recovery

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

In Room 103 at 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road, at least one dozen men and women are discussing their feelings and emotions – everything from finding purpose and a place in life to self-love and emotional stability. This might be a support group for any number of possible ailments, vices or afflictions, however, the 12-step program on the wall provides a clue. This is the Carolina Center for Recovery and these participants are in substance abuse recovery.

On this day, leader, Jim, is using gentle humor with pointed observations and comments focusing on those individuals who appear to need the most support and guidance. It is a comfortable group clearly aware that there is safety and security in knowing that others are going through (and have gone through) similar struggles. However many other facets this institution might provide, the single most important goal is to help participants find sobriety and remain sober.

This is the lifeblood of co-owner, Matthews resident, Dion Lovallo, 28. Dion, along with three others (his father, his sponsor, and his best friend) opened this center just under a year ago. Recovery is a topic Dion knows well – having struggled with substance abuse, himself from the ages of 13 to 22, been in and out of treatment, and then hired as an admissions coordinator at his last treatment center.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“I found that this is something that I enjoyed,” he said. “It’s something I’m passionate about.” Among his 24/7 duties include handling emergencies, new admissions, and general problems either with staff or clients. He sees his program as “more family oriented – giving them a purpose.” Dion goes to the gym with the group, offers outside activities like barbecues and attends church with interested members. “Helping others helps me stay sober,” he says matter-of-factly.

At this moment, approximately two dozen people are enrolled in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Having been assigned a specific counselor, they attend several support groups/week and are encouraged to use the Brace Y to work out daily. “Something to get them out of their comfort zone,” says Dion. Prior to entering the program, at least 50% of the participants require detox.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“Everyone knows somebody who is struggling [with substances],” said Dion, mentioning the ongoing funerals he attends of those whose lives have ended tragically or far too soon.

To Dion, success is “somebody who stays sober.”

“Somebody gave me a chance,” he said. “I just like to give people a chance.”  As a chance was given to him, it is also Dion’s future goal to hire some of his clients-in-recovery to assist him at the facility.

“Helping others helps me stay sober”

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Outreach in Bella Sera

Earlier this year, when a Bella Sera Villas (Bella Sera Way) elderly resident showed signs of impairment and began walking the subdivision alone, alarmed residents took action.

Forming the “Neighbor-to-Neighbor Outreach Connection (network),” Jody Brewer, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Lorrie Klemons, RN, MSN & Senior Patient Advocate, marshaled their resources, drew from their professional careers and experiences and set out to blanket the 158-unit complex, in an effort to reach out and touch any/all of the mostly over-55+ residents to determine whether they were in need of a “check-in.”

“There’s already a lot of connecting going on,” said Brewer, “especially in the cul-de-sacs.” However, Brewer added, that with an aging population going in and out of the complex and some “elder-orphans” (phraseology for those who are alone by design, death of a spouse or living far from relatives/friends), the necessity to stay-in-touch becomes paramount.

To date, the duo have gathered approximately 30 recipients/residents (adoptees) and approximately 15 volunteers/residents (adopters) who are now participating in this program.

To blanket the complex and do an accounting of the needs/desires of those residents choosing to opt in/out of the program, Brewer and Klemons (residents and co-chairs) used a spreadsheet, created flyers (since many older people don’t use computers) and met with the volunteer-residents to discuss a good way to approach often wary neighbors.

“There needs to be a trust factor,” said Brewer.

“(The intention was to show) How to be a volunteer, set boundaries, (learn) the best way to approach the residents, how to provide additional information,” said Klemons. “Very low-level stuff, not major.”

According to the group’s brochure, the network has been created to address “social isolation, loneliness, no near-by family.” The intention is to reach out to others on a “semi-regular basis” to “make sure all is well.”

According to the group’s brochure, the network has been created to address “social isolation, loneliness, no near-by family.” The intention is to reach out to others on a “semi-regular basis” to “make sure all is well.”

“This (network) was intended to create neighborliness and to make sure that no one was sitting home alone, unattended to,” said Brewer.

Their flyer states that they have “decided to re-energize the “Wellness Check” program of the past. The  volunteer duties are to phone, text, email or knock on the door of a fellow resident” to determine the (ongoing) “wellness” of that individual.

All participants are given a senior resource directory and a “Vial of Life” kit for emergency situations.

Plans for the future include more meetings, more reach-outs and the possibility of sharing this program with other subdivisions in the area.

Outdoor Bootcamp for Modern-Day Gladiators

Driving past Stumptown Park, drivers may catch a glimpse of men and women working out in a variety of ways. Called “Camp Gladiator,” they’re seeing individuals participating in an outdoor-only fitness boot camp, which offers classes three times/week;  three times a day to nearly 60 clients.

Based on increasing interest, Stumptown Park is one of two workout locations for Camp Gladiator franchise owner and born and raised Matthews resident/personal trainer, Jeff Kelly, 27. He hopes to double that number by early next year.

While average age is 25-45, this year-round camp is intended for “all fitness levels. It’s a go-at-your-pace boot camp,” said Kelly, adding that he’s “here to push you….(It’s for those who) want to maintain their health and fitness or they want to get back to where they (once) were.”

“Our campers can bring their kids – several bring babies in strollers and (their) children,” he said.  “One camper uses her child as a weight,” he added, laughing.

Gladiator offers 10 five-week camps each year;  themes are structured around endurance training, strength and agility, metabolic training, peak and a wrap-up week.

Kelly said he’s thrilled to be bringing a sport he loves to a town he loves even more.