Carbondale-based nonprofit A Way Out will hold its annual fall symposium at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Oct. 3 from 8am to 1pm. The event will offer insights into substance use disorders and mental health and feature a lineup of notable speakers who will address addiction and trauma recovery.
Founded in 2014, A Way Out provides a range of services, including free substance use disorder and mental health assessments, addiction counseling, case-managed aftercare, transitional housing and support groups for families. The organization’s year-long aftercare program is designed to help clients gain life skills, engage in social activities and regain self-sufficiency.
Becky Gordon, A Way Out’s executive director, spoke with The Sopris Sun about her journey with the organization and the upcoming symposium. Gordon, who has been with A Way Out for about two and a half years and took over as executive director in June 2023, brings a personal and professional connection to her role. “I’ve been in recovery for about 13 years, and I’ve been in the industry almost that whole time,” she said. “I was honored to take the role of leading this organization because it’s been a place that I have trusted and referred to throughout my career in substance abuse and recovery.”
Gordon emphasized the importance of the symposium, noting, “The point of this symposium is to educate clinicians, families and individuals struggling with substance abuse. We aim to provide new information and learning takeaways. Our speakers are chosen for their ability to share valuable insights rather than for promoting themselves or their programs,” she said.
The symposium will feature three distinguished speakers focusing on substance abuse and trauma. Claudia Black, a prominent figure in the adult-child movement, is known for her work on family systems and addiction. Black’s session will address “adult children of alcoholics” and the impact of growing up in dysfunctional families.
Terra Holbrook, an educator and trauma therapist, will discuss polyvagal theory (how the body’s vagus nerve affects emotional and physiological responses) and how trauma affects the body. Holbrook cofounded the Family Recovery Center in Idaho and recently established TerraVista, a retreat center for trauma-focused therapy.
Dr. Elisa Hallerman, founder of the Recovery Management Agency, will also speak. With a law and talent management background, Hallerman shifted to mental health and addiction consulting. Her book, “Soulbriety: A Plan to Heal Your Trauma, Overcome Addiction, and Reconnect with Your Soul,” highlights her approach to addressing addiction through functional medicine.
“What I like about Dr. Hallerman is her story of overcoming addiction while managing a successful career,” Gordon said. “Her journey illustrates that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of outward appearances.”
A Way Out’s services extend to residents of Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle and Summit counties. The organization is committed to providing access to treatment and recovery support, regardless of one’s ability to pay. Gordon highlighted the importance of their follow-up services: “We stay in touch with clients for a year, helping them reintegrate into local resources and supporting them through sober events. Our success rate for clients who remain in our program for a year or more was 75% in 2023.”
Gordon attributes A Way Out’s success to its comprehensive approach, which includes working with Medicaid and offering scholarships for inpatient care. “It’s not just about treatment but about planning for when clients come home and ensuring they have a support system in place,” she said.
The symposium is free and open to the public, though registration is required due to high demand. Spanish-language interpretation will be available. For more information or to register, contact A Way Out at director@awayout.org
With its continued growth and dedication to addressing the needs of those struggling with addiction, A Way Out remains a vital resource in the community. Gordon concluded, “We’ve built an amazing donor base and are grateful for the support that allows us to make a difference in people’s lives.”