AdCare Hospital’s “Threads of Hope” Program Clothes Patients in Need 

Addiction is a disease that can take and take until a person has very little left. Many people entering treatment have few possessions, if any, and some are homeless. Michele Berube, lead case manager at AdCare Hospital, saw that patients often arrived in treatment without adequate clothing and decided to take action.

To help, she began organizing “Threads of Hope,” a program that gathers donated clothing for patients who arrive with very little, sometimes with only the clothes on their backs. Michele understands the need for a program like this firsthand. She is in recovery herself and entered treatment while homeless. She knows the difficulty of trying to focus on recovery when basic needs are unmet. The goal of the program is simple: help people feel more comfortable and supported as they move through treatment.

Donations come mainly from AdCare Hospital staff and include new and gently used items. The clothing is sorted and given to patients according to their needs. Staff talk with each patient to learn their clothing size and what kinds of items would be helpful, then offer items from the available donation stock. Commonly provided items include sweaters and jackets, which can be especially useful in cold weather, as well as a few fresh, clean outfits. Patients can take the clothing with them when they leave the facility.

“Threads of Hope” is about more than providing clothing; it’s about helping restore dignity. People living with addiction may already be facing major disruption and uncertainty in their lives. They shouldn’t have to carry the added embarrassment or discomfort of not having warm, clean clothes to wear. By meeting this practical need, the program can offer a small measure of comfort during a difficult time. “Threads of Hope” is one more way AdCare Hospital is committed to supporting its patients.