This week's Someone 2 Know is a specialist at Reno’s Empowerment Center. The nonprofit is a 36-bed treatment center for women recovering from addiction.
As the interim clinical director, Tom Fraze does plenty of office work - and he also knows how to roll up his sleeves when needed. We met up with him in the grassy backyard of the Center on South Virginia Street.
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A well-stocked tool box is vital for the bicycle repairs that keeps Fraze busy, because he knows for the clients at The Empowerment Center in Reno - a bicycle can be a lifeline.
"Gives them a sense of freedom - freedom, a sense of independence and they don't have to wait on us to get somewhere.”
The Empowerment Center is the only state licensed halfway house in northern Nevada - caring for up to 36 women at any given time, who are in treatment for substance abuse.
“The clients come in and the first 30 days they're on black out where they can't leave, but after that we help them find jobs.”
Tom noticed that when the clients were trusted with a bike, it seemed to boost their self-esteem and they, in turn, did better in the program. "And one day I said why don't we just expand it, so I started looking in pawn shops, looking in Goodwill.”
As the interim clinical director at The Empowerment Center, Fraze has duties well beyond the bikes. “We do at least three group therapy sessions per day and I do individual sessions with clients.”
This is where Tom's other toolbox comes into play - his own experience as a recovering addict.
“I got sober in 1984 - but I was on drugs and alcohol for 18 years.”
Tom says addiction infiltrates your whole being and owns you. “It's not about saying this is good, this is bad, or it's wrong - you can't. It's like someone has moved into your spirit and taken over.”
So, he shares his compassion, understanding and patience with the clients. He knows they need the support just as much as he needs to give it. Besides, Fraze says not working would just make him crazy.
"I can't imagine what your supposed to do - except watch Channel 2 News all day,“ he laughs amiably, “I don't know,” Tom chuckles again.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse there are many resources available right here in our northern Nevada communities.
For links –
The Empowerment Center Facebook page and website
https://www.facebook.com/LaunchingPadEmpowermentCenter/?ref=page_internal
https://empowermentcenternv.org/
Crisis Support Services of Nevada
CALL 1-800-450-9530
TEXT IMREADY to 839863
Join Together Northern Nevada
Substance Abuse: 775-825-HELP
