On 2-12-10 we were the lucky recipients of ten Sidney Crosby luxery box tickets at Mellon Arena. Needless to say the evening was enjoyed immensely by all.
We all felt like celebrities for one night. You can’t put a price tag on that. It’s not possible to exactly evaluate how such an experience could change any of these youth; however, as they have all done much to earn this special privilege I think the timing was perfect. There was magic in the air to be sure.
What can you say about being in Sidney Crosby’s personal box? This was an incredible evening for each of the seven juveniles in attendance and also for the three chaperones. 
The Coffee House Nation is a group of young people in recovery from addiction and on Probation. Our purpose is to provide sober fun activities and a chance to informally socialize with each other. This event was easily the highlight of the year for us.
We were given lots of snacks (chips, dips, and even cookies) and a refrigerator full of soda. We ordered Nachos and Cheese off the menu and while we paid for those ourselves- it never ran out all night long. The view from the front five seats was stunning and really the view from any seat was fantastic. These Teens were treated to an intense night of sober fun. We now have the memories to enjoy for the rest of our lives.
The Pens lost in over-time but even that could not damper our spirits; it was such a close game and we felt so very special for being allowed to sit in Crosby’s luxury box. It really is an experience just to view all the photos and decorations on the walls.
Liberty Station Halfway House joined us as they often do at Coffee House Nation events. They transported three deserving youth and also sent one staff along. I and one other Probation Officer attended with four youth from our caseloads. This kind of camaraderie helps build strong relationships that can fuel these young people’s drive to recovery from the disease of addiction.
We all felt like celebrities for one night. You can’t put a price tag on that. It’s not possible to exactly evaluate how such an experience could change any of these youth; however, as they have all done much to earn this special privilege I think the timing was perfect. There was magic in the air to be sure.
As one teen put it, “I just can’t imagine that I would ever sit in Crosby’s box and watch a game. It’s so unlikely that I would say it was impossible. It makes me think that if this could happen what other good things could happen in my life if I just don’t take the first one. You know, I’m starting to think just about anything is possible.”
The Coffee House Nation welcomes PO Ransom and two of her Probationees.
Thank you Tickets for Kids for creating a memorable and powerful experience for us all and especially to reward these young men’s hard work at changing their lives.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thanks to Sidney Crosby, the Pens, and Tickets for Kids!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
New meeting schedule for 2010 (starting 1-2-10)
First Saturday Afternnoon of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the B-Hive Coffee Shop on Pittsburgh Southside. Note: There is a one drink minimum at the B-Hive. If you need help buying a drink-no problem- see Lloyd. Please do not bring in outside drinks to the B-hive. They make their money primarily selling beverages. Thanks.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Meeting: December 5th 2:00 to PM at Bee Hive
Sorry for the short notice but this appears like it will be well-attended anyway.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Go Steelers! Third Year running that CHN takes in Steeler Game! Thanks Steelers.
Special thanks to PSST parents Mary, Beth and Erv for making this game and the tail-gating possible. This is our third year with a 20-ticket package. A few of our people could not make it for the pre-game fun. Erv and Beth got there early and secured us a parking spot and he and Beth supplied the eats.
The seats were awesome! Upper-level but not nose-bleed. There is really not a bad seat at Heinz Stadium anyway but our seats were directly accross from the big screen. When they were in our end-zone we could see em sweating! OK, that's a small exageration but they were great seats!
This was the first steeler game for many of our teenagers. We also are lucky enough to have a few guys in thier twenties coming back to supply inspiration and leadership for our younger guys. Lots of opportunity for people to share phone numbers, hope and inspiration.
The seven-year old with the Steeler face is my grandson. It was his first game too!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Steeler Time again for Coffee House Nation!- August 29th 7:30 PM
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thanks Tickets For Kids for Penguins Hockey on 3-15-09!
Once again Tickets For Kids comes through for us by generously awarding us 8 tickets. What a game! Pittsburgh comes on strong in the third period to win big against the number one team, The Boston Bruins. While some of us were camera shy and we only had a phone camera- we managed to snap a couple shots.
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Coffee House Nation meets again! Update.
Five mostly new group members met at B-Hive 14th and Carson St. on 2-21-09. All are serious about chasing recovery and are busy turning lives around. Several volunteering to speak at Fatal Awareness Conference at Robert Morris College on 4-17-09. This will be our third year providing speakers and it looks mostly a new group of speakers this year.
Our next meeting will be in one month on March 21st. We are trying to meet every two weeks but March 7th is the NA Convention in Cleveland and two of our people are attending.
Two or three are also volunteering to speak at the PSST group (9:00 AM!) on 3-21-09, the morning before our next get together at the B-hive at 1:00 PM.
We also have volunteers to be in or help with the production of two videos that Juvenile Court is planning to make soon. Keep posted for more information. Finally, we are hoping to get some Penquins Tickets from Tickets For Kids. I will be working my Juvenile Court Rep this week. Last year, we had opportunities to go to five or six games but so far this year, we have only attended one game.
We also met two weeks ago but only had to members show; however, we are ready to pump this group up now and really get things going. New cast of young members are hungry for some speaking opportunites and fun activities. I told the group yesterday that I am going to make sure the blog is kept up featuring all of our activities and plans. Call me at 412-861-6757 if you want to get involved with Coffee House Nation.