On Monday, December 13, Pine Grove’s Administrator, Debbie Sanford, was honored with the Difference Maker Award at the Annual Holiday Networking Luncheon and Toy Drive at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, MS. The toy drive benefitted the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi and First Responders’ Children.

Pine Grove’s Director of Business Development, Colleen Munkel, and Candace Hope Barquero, Sanford’s daughter, presented her with the award.

In her remarks about Sanford, Barquero said, “When it comes to work ethic she has taught her family that it doesn't matter where you come from, how much money you have or how smart you are; it's hard work and determination that are the keys to success. Being one of the first people in her family to go to college and then to go on to earn multiple master's degrees, she has proven that perseverance and strength of will can get you far in life.”

Sanford’s family and members of Pine Grove’s professional staff were in attendance for the award celebration.

The Holiday Networking Luncheon and Toy Drive has been taking place in the Greater Jackson area for nearly 20 years. It originated as a holiday social for area healthcare providers and over the years it has grown to be one of the largest such events of its kind in the Southeast, with similar events taking place nationally.

The annual event is focused on giving back to the community during the holiday season and several years ago, the luncheon introduced awards for statewide Difference Makers and Champions in Recovery. Congratulations, Debbie, on being recognized as a difference maker in Mississippi! You have certainly made a difference for all of us here at Pine Grove.

Carolynne Hinton was named Employee of the Year for 2021 at Pine Grove’s Christmas Celebration on December 16, 2021. Hinton has been with Forrest General for over 30 years and currently works on Pine Grove’s Legacy Unit. She is described as a quiet and calm spirit with both patients and staff all while providing a safe and healing environment. According to her coworkers, Hinton is always going above and beyond by filling in to do extra things that are not part of her regular job. She makes time to check in with her coworkers “just because” she truly cares about them on a professional and personal level. Some words used to describe Hinton are: kind, caring, sweet, helpful, modest, humble, and courteous. She always has a smile on her face and truly embodies the We C.A.R.E philosophy. Congratulations to Carolynne Hinton!

On December 7, 2021, Ryan Decker, a talented Outreach Coordinator with Pine Grove’s National Service Center team earned Forrest Health’s We C.A.R.E. Award. The announcement was made at the weekly Executive Huddle at Forrest General Hospital. Ryan was nominated for his dedication to the care of all callers and prospective Pine Grove patients. The entire National Service Center team works hard from the very first call of the day through an on-call schedule in addition to addressing online inquiries to care for Pine Grove’s patients. It is non-stop care all day long, and this team rises to the challenge daily. Ryan has done an exceptional job and has handled some very sensitive and challenging cases this year to provide the highest quality care. Well done, Ryan, for your professionalism and hard work!

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services' alumni, family members, and supporters of our organization often ask how they may be able to contribute to our programs and support our mission. This may be accomplished through our Giving Back initiative, which supports a variety of valuable projects to help Pine Grove’s patients and their recovery. Funds raised through Pine Grove Giving Back are stewarded through the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization.

In 2018, Giving Back established a meditative labyrinth and fire circle to further enhance our patient’s treatment experience. Labyrinths help patients focus on a defined goal, like recovery, by offering a set path with a clear destination. The fire circle provides Pine Grove’s patients with a means to spiritually discard past transgressions and make healthy resolutions. Additionally, Pine Grove plans to further develop the Spiritual Grounds by adding a bell tower and chapel to support the healing process.

Pine Grove's Circle of Healing helps Pine Grove’s patient scholarship fund supplement the cost of residential treatment for those in need. Many patients have been able to attend and complete treatment because of the scholarships we are able to offer. When you give to the Circle of Healing, you are giving hope to the life of someone who may have never received treatment without your generosity. The Circle of Healing helps patients of Pine Grove’s Next Step, Women’s Center, Legacy, Gratitude, and Professional Enhancement Program, known as PEP. The purpose of this scholarship fund is to ensure patients, who qualify for financial aid, have the ability to receive Pine Grove’s care and achieve a life free from the bonds of addiction.

To donate, please visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com/giving-back/