Linda Ivy To Chair Nexus Recovery Center Annual Appeal

Linda Ivy

Red-haired Linda Ivy knows how to command attention. Whether it’s on the red carpet swirling around in a one-of-a-kind gown and cloak by Nicolas Villalba or just focusing those hazel eyes on a dinner companion, the gal has never been in the same sentence as shy and retiring.

On Saturday, November 3, she’s bringing that zest and zeal to chair the Nexus Recovery Center Annual Appeal for 2012-2013. The goal is to “raise vital funding and awareness about [Nexus] programs and services to serve 1,878 women and 441 children in the coming year.”

Yup, you got it. More than 2,000 fellow Dallasites are going to need help in dealing with addiction including prescriptive drug addiction and alcoholism. To add to the dilemma, these people are from all demographic and socio-economic groups, with growth rapidly seen among 13-17-year-olds and adult women.

According to Nexus Executive Director Becca Crowell, “It’s an epidemic that has been swept under the rug for too long. The stigma attached to the disease of addiction has to change. Just like AIDS or breast cancer was not spoken of in the 1980’s, and finally found a voice in the community, we must find philanthropists, leaders and supporters who are willing to speak out about the rise of addiction to help our community at large, and offer hope to those who need it most.”

The campaign slogan — NEXUS = RECOVERY — says it all. But just in case you need seven reasons to get involved, try these:

• For 41 years, Nexus has been empowering women to break the cycle of addiction.
• Nexus is the only provider in Texas that accepts pregnant or newly parenting teens.
• Nexus is a national leader in welcoming women and their children into residential treatment.
• Nexus offers licensed child care and educational programs to clients and neighbors.
• 20 healthy, drug-free babies have been born to moms at Nexus this year.
• Nexus provides a continuum of care from detoxification to transitional housing.
• 92% of your donation will go directly to recovery program services.

Suggestion: Don’t wait until November to get on board. Betcha Linda and the Nexus team could find a way for early birds to fly in to help.

Photo - Patrick McMullan / PatrickMcMullan.com