INC is Reversing the Effects of Addiction in Southwest Florida

Over 95,000 deaths from alcohol abuse have occurred in the state of Florida during the last three years.

Almost half of Florida's citizens suffer from alcohol dependency, and the numbers have accelerated drastically, exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdowns. In addition, a recent report revealed that there were 7,579 drug overdose deaths in 2020, making Florida #2 for overdose deaths in the nation, behind California—a 37% increase from 2019.

The “Domino Effect” is a term used to signify a chain reaction where one event initiates a chain of similar, related events. Actions have consequences, and the “domino effect” chain reaction impacts us individually and those around us, fracturing relationships. As with the falling domino analogy, the result will also affect those around it. When our actions are negative, they produce adverse effects. Conversely, our positive actions have positive effects.

INC is committed to meeting and addressing the tremendous need for addiction recovery in Southwest Florida. Each year, INC touches hundreds in the community who battle addiction, mental illness, veterans battling PTSD, and homelessness with the love and hope of Christ.

Stories of Transformation

“Entering rehab was the most difficult choice of my life. The problem with not being a stranger to the dark is that you become a stranger to the light, God’s light. I was scared to be seen as an alcoholic and scared to continue the role of a drunk. God used a humble group of artists, who shared their stories and the love of Christ, to bring about a shift and to draw me closer to Him.”

“This ministry will take people into deeper parts of their being. I was able to see myself and experience healing. Through the creative arts ministry, I could express my feelings and drop the cloak of shame. I witnessed the advance and recovery of other men in the rehab program – lives being transformed as God unlocked the door to healing through the ministry of art. Men from all backgrounds, all types of addictions, homeless, and from prison, were so excited to be creative. It was a beautiful miracle. I was given a voice and hope as I journeyed through healing and my renewed relationship with Christ.” Marc

INC’s Arts for Recovery program is achieving significant outcomes. Since 2015, INC has touched over 7,000 adults who battle addiction and mental illness. Our approach to the arts and recovery is rooted in a Christian faith, combining the arts and faith to foster life transformation and reach the least, the lost, and the last, ultimately achieving a significant, results-oriented impact and connecting people to the faith community. Participants engage in Christ-centered, Bible-based activities of prayer, music, and creative arts expression. They gain confidence hope and healing for their recovery journeys and relationship with God.

Thoughts from the Served Community

“This ministry needs to be available to everyone on the front end of stabilization and the back end of recovery. The combination of a Gospel-centered arts approach is achieving excellent outcomes in the lives of people battling addictions and mental illness. Many lives will be saved and changed through this God-inspired program.”

Dr. Jennifer Walpert

“We are honored to partner with INC since 2015 as they minister to those who come to us so often in their darkest of hours and, through expressive arts programs, find the light of hope needed to overcome the disease of addiction!

The Expressive Art and Music outreach programs that INC facilitates at the David Lawrence Center's Crossroads Residential Program have enriched the lives of many individuals, including veterans and the local community, who are healing from mental health and substance use challenges. Art and music therapy provide a healing pathway, enabling the expression of repressed, hidden feelings that are difficult to articulate. Yet, given these outlets, the inner hurt burst forward into cathartic expression.”

Scott Burgess, President & CEO, David Lawrence Center

A Strategy to Reverse the Domino Effect

INC's Arts for Recovery program offers individuals a chance to share their stories through the creative arts, releasing deep-seated hurts and reaching those often in their darkest hours.

Arts for Recovery offers individuals a chance to share their stories through the creative arts, releasing deep-seated hurts and reaching those often in their darkest hours. Through expressive art, music, and prayer, they find the light of hope needed to overcome their challenges, scars, and brokenness.

Arts for Recovery offers a new and powerful way to express emotions that have been silenced for years. Emotions stifled, numbed, and that had no name, now have a voice – but not with words, with art. Many people struggling with their emotions often find it difficult to verbally express the shadows of thoughts or feelings that may hinder their healing, growth, and the achievement of their full potential. It is cathartic and life-changing, providing a safe passage from a place where emotions are uncertain, unnamed, and unknowable, to a vibrant space where feelings are affirmed, expressed, and shaped through clay, music, or canvas.

HOPE AND HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS.

The International Network of Creatives (INC) is a faith-based, non-profit organization in Southwest Florida with a mission to disciple creatives to reflect and proclaim Christ in their lives and work. INC inspires creatives to share the Hope and love of Christ through its healing and nurturing art and music programs for underprivileged children, families, and adults battling addictions and mental illness.

Programs include visual and performing arts, storytelling, and music. INC partners with David Lawrence Center’s Crossroads Adult Recovery Unit, New Horizons After-School Clubs of SWFL, NAMI Collier, Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, and other organizations.

All donations are tax-deductible. IRS #46-0715738 - Donate here

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