About
About
The Fund is a memorial to honor the recovery journey of Don Howard, Sr. and the many men and women recovering from alcoholism and other drug addictions.
Don’s recovery from alcoholism began at the age of 27, in November 1964, through a 12-step program. His sponsors and work in the program taught him the skills necessary to stay sober. They also helped him to identify his strengths giving him the confidence and desire to help others along this path.
After five years of sobriety, Don decided to pursue a formal education to accomplish his goal of becoming a counselor. Both his sobriety and education bore much good fruit.
His life bears witness to the power of sobriety, the life-giving benefit of a 12- step program, and the confidence gained through education.
Recovery is a life-long process that benefits from growth in all the areas of one’s life. This holistic approach to living a sober life is strengthened by the support of friends, family, 12-step programs, counseling, and other activities that promote life-long learning.
Story Behind The Turtle Logo
Don Howard liked turtles since the early days of his sobriety. He had a poster hanging in his office that said, “A turtle only makes progress when it sticks its neck out.” He believed that we had to stick out our necks to get people and our community to recognize the importance and benefit of providing treatment for people with alcoholism. In the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even now, the general public viewed alcoholism and/or other drug addiction as personal weakness. Treatment and recovery for individuals, families, and providers require courage and sticking your neck out. He stuck his neck out time and again to advance the cause of treatment and recovery for people and their families.
So, Don, turtles, and recovery have a long standing connection. Recovery is slow and steady; stick with the journey of recovery; each day make progress and move forward, even if it seems slow.
In 2010, the Donald Howard Scholarship Fund hosted a Picnic in the Park fundraiser which featured turtle races. After that event, a former board member, Alen Petty, designed our turtle and new letterhead. We chose the phrase “Moving Forward” under the turtle to reflects its meaning. We sincerely hope that you are moving forward in your life. Remember slow and steady wins the race.
We always appreciate your participation by supporting people walking the journey of recovery. We are an all volunteer board and all contributions are tax deductible.