NWL1 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

Striking out Substance Abuse Returns in 2015

Published on July 30, 2015 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release


The 10th annual Striking Out Substance Abuse Night will return to Volcanoes Stadium on Friday, July 31.

Formerly known as Striking Out Meth in Marion and Polk Counties Night, the goal is to provide children and parents with information on how to prevent drug use and substance abuse. The Striking Out Substance Abuse Night will be dedicated to the presentation of positive law enforcement resources and reinforcement efforts. It is also a time to recognize the police officers, firemen, and first responders of Salem, Keizer, and surrounding areas.

This night will feature a variety of groups and organizations that have incredible stories behind their work. One specific organization that has attended for the past three years is Oxford House, Inc. With numerous houses across the country and with over 163 houses in Oregon, Oxford Houses provide democratically self-run, financially self-supporting housing for people in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. Members of the houses are allowed to stay for an unlimited amount of time as long as they stay clean and sober.

As the Outreach Services Representative, Sean Bossen knows the organization inside and out. He has been an employee of Oxford House for over eight years, working with primarily Marion County as well as surrounding counties. His job tasks include opening up new houses, working with community partners, and developing strong houses and chapters.

Bossen, however, has been around Oxford Houses even before he was an employee; he first connected with the organization a week after he personally got clean and sober. His sobriety birthday is May 13, 2005, and he lived at the Oxford House in Portland for six and a half years.

"It was just a safe, affordable place for me to stay and make the changes in my life that I needed to make," Bossen said. "One of the great things about it is that peer support and a brotherhood or sisterhood is formed. We're kind of a large recovery family. We do a lot of events. We do campouts and barbecues during the summer time. We go to state conventions and leadership summits."

With a personal connection to the Oxford Houses, Bossen desired to make an impact for future residents to come, so he decided to work for the organization.

"My goals for the organization are to expand the model of Oxford House across the areas that don't have them, to be a mentor, and to show them that recovery is possible and that we don't have to go back to old ways and old behaviors," Bossen said. "The key thing is that recovery is far greater than the practice of abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It's about the behaviors, obeying laws, and just being a kind person."

The transformation among the residents at Oxford Houses brings Bossen a sense of satisfaction. He appreciates seeing people, who are broken and lost, move into the house and slowly get back into life, whether that may involve education, their careers, and/or their children's lives.

"I truly believe in this organization," Bossen said. "I believe in the model. That's why I do what I do. I have the ability to see people change and make decisions for themselves. This is a great opportunity for them to move into a structured environment with members who are going through similar life crises."

Bossen's story with Oxford House is just one of many that will be featured on Striking Out Substance Abuse Night.

Additionally, the Marion County Sheriff Department will kick off the evening with two K-9 demonstrations. Many public safety vehicles, including the Salem Police Swat-Mobile, the Salem Police Bomb squad, ambulances, and firetrucks, will be in the gravel parking lot on the west side of the stadium for viewing.

A special guest is scheduled to land in center field via helicopter, and the Salem Police Bomb Squad Robot will deliver the game ball from the umpire to the starting pitcher. A fireworks show will also follow the game and conclude the night's festivities.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Volcanoes Stadium at 503-390-2225 or visit www.volcanoesbaseball.com.

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