Jaywalker Lodge founder and CEO Bob Ferguson will host a free webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 entitled, “Social Media for Behavioral Health Professionals.”

This interactive, online presentation is designed for addiction treatment and behavioral health professionals working in treatment centers and or in private practice. Says Ferguson: “There are many in our field who are trying to get a handle on Social Media tools like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs. Some are seeking to build buzz among their colleagues, staff and alumni communities; others see Social Media as a way to promote programs and private practice among prospective clients and stakeholders.”

Ferguson said the one-hour webinar session is designed for those looking to gain a foothold in the fast-changing world of social media and online network marketing. “With the advent of online blogs, podcasts, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube,” he notes, “The rules of the marketing and public relations game have changed forever.” Participants will gain a basic understanding of how online communities are organized; as well as practical tips on getting started.

This free event (click here to register) will be co-hosted by Jaywalker Lodge and Addiction Professional Magazine. The webinar (an interactive, real-time, online, multi-media presentation) is scheduled for Wednesday, December 1; 1-2 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Each year, Jaywalker Lodge sponsors a fundraiser golf tournament to benefit The Right Door. This year’s event was held at the Ironbridge Golf Club and featured 88 golfers, abundant sunshine, and raised more than $16,000 for The Right Door.

With a special thanks to our sponsors and our volunteers at this year’s event, here is a short video featuring some of the highlights from the 2010 Jaywalker “Serenity Scramble.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE, CO – Jaywalker Lodge, a leading provider of extended care residential addiction treatment for men, has named Mark McGuiness to the newly created position of Director of Marketing and New Ventures.

Mark McGuiness

In his new role, Mark will be responsible for national outreach for both Jaywalker residential programs – Jaywalker Lodge and Jaywalker Solutions. In addition, Mark will oversee the development and implementation of new programs and projects at the company. Mark will report directly to Jaywalker Lodge founder and CEO Bob Ferguson.

Prior to joining Jaywalker Lodge, Mark served for 10 years at Prescott House, a residential treatment program for men in Prescott, AZ; most recently he served as Administrative Director at Prescott.

“Mark brings over a decade of hands-on clinical, admissions, and administrative experience to this exciting new role on the Jaywalker Lodge team,” said Ferguson. “As a teacher of men, Mark’s experience and his passion for recovery will drive our efforts as Jaywalker continues to innovate our treatment model and grow our services in the future.”

Located in Carbondale, CO, Jaywalker Lodge is a state-licensed, 34-bed residential and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program for men ages 18 and over. The program was founded in 2005, and is widely regarded for combining a solid foundation in the 12 Steps recovery program with innovative service projects and rigorous mountain-based expedition activities.

Dispatch # 7 – the final post – from the Jaywalker service expedition to New Orleans Oct. 17 – 24, 2010.

This photo shows just one of the many bands set up in the French Quarter on Saturday afternoon.

After coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde (see below), Jaywalker counselor Art Kleinschmidt showed us around his old stomping grounds a bit – what a scene. But we soon learned that after working so hard all week, the guys were pretty excited about just watching football and baseball back at the hotel. The next morning (this writer’s 4 year sobriety birthday), we all loaded into our rented van for the last time, and were off to the airport, excited to return to the mountains we love so much.

If there’s one thing about this service expedition that sticks in my mind, it’s this idea that it’s not really very hard to find someone who needs some help. Down in the Bayou, for instance, there are a whole lot of families and communities still in need of assistance to get back on their feet. It’s easy for me to forget that helping people makes me happy. What’s more, when I was as new in my recovery as the bunch we brought down here, I’m not so sure I would have acted with the compassion this group showed all week long.

What a trip!

Editor’s Note: Thanks once more to JWL residential manager Buckley Bailey-Gates for his daily posts and photos – and congrats on your four years!

Dispatch # 6 from Jaywalker’s New Orleans Service Expedition 2010. Thanks to our roaming residential manager Buckley Bailey-Gates for this blog report.

Today was our last day of work. Our site supervisor commented that our group was one of the hardest working she’d ever seen, that she’d be blessed to have more like us. After a quick shower, we were off to Bucktown, a part of the city nearest one of the faulty levies. There we had some true New Orleans cuisine at Deanie’s Seafood (see photo above.)

Slow news day, here, so I thought I’d offer some anecdotal commentary from the past week in the Big Easy…

- The Dorsey Home – the one my group was working on – was featured on a recent CBS News report. This home is not their original home…that home was crushed by a barge. Here is a link to the CBS News feature.

- Apparently, the management at Super 8 did not appreciate our grilling on their pattio. The next morning, the guy at the desk said, “Please don’t do that again, Mr. Dan.”

- Ben, Griff, Larson and Tanner found a litter of kittens at their work site and fed them milk and cat food every day.

- Steve W is very gifted with this type of work and became his groups de facto foreman, often offering guidance to his site supervisor.

- Jaywalker counselor Art Kleinschmidt was bitten by something or other on his foot, and it blew up and turned purple. He showed it to everyone (including the guy at the Super 8 front desk) for their opinions.

Last day in New Orleans tomorrow! We’re all pretty excited to be finished and looking forward to an opportunity to see this very cool city. We’re VERY fortunate to have Art, who has been a terrific guide.

Dispatch # 5 from Jaywalker’s service expedition to New Orleans – thanks once more to Jaywalker residential manager and traveling “blog-ospondent” Buckley Bailey-Gates.

Five years later, reminders of Katrina's devastation linger on.

No, really Geaux Saints (that’s how they spell it down here). After spending only an hour in the 9th Ward this morning – a mission we fit in specifically to accrue some footage – we are now all Saints fans. We passed ruined home after ruined home with the still legible markings left from rescue workers years ago (see photos).

I’m passing through. I get to return to my comfortable, sleepy mountain town, and, when I drive or walk to work, I will pass no tragic reminders of a true disaster. Here’s the thing though; they love it here. They’re proud. Their history is something to celebrate indeed. And to witness their spirit and endurance, I’m left with a few thoughts; 1). What the hell happened down here – will this city ever fully recover? And 2). Geaux Saints!