2008 TREE OF HOPE DESIGNEE ANNOUNCED
August 04, 2008. East Brunswick, NJ - NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. celebrates National Recovery Month each September by awarding the “Tree of Hope” to an organization that promotes recovery. Too often, the public’s image of an alcoholic or drug addict is that of someone in, or one step away from, the gutter.
The Tree of Hope aims to change that image by bringing together individuals who have experienced the life-changing transformation that true recovery brings. These individuals are our neighbors, friends, and family members. By recognizing these individuals publicly, they not only help change the perception that addiction is hopeless, but their example can be a powerful inspiration for those just starting on the road to recovery themselves.
This year’s recipient is Crawford House in Skillman. A ceremony to re-dedicate their Tree of Hope, and recognize the facility, will be held September 16th starting at 5pm.
“On behalf of the residents, staff and Board of Trustees, I would like to acknowledge NCADD and the tireless work they do to advance recovery” noted Linda Leyhane, Executive Director at Crawford House. “As an agency, we are proud that we are able to provide a safe and nurturing recovery environment for women from Middlesex County as we continue to help them return to their communities as healthy, productive and happy individuals.”
Crawford House, the first-ever recipient of NCADD’s Tree of Hope in 2002, has been providing transitional housing and addiction treatment service to New Jersey women for 30 years. The facility offers an intensive, comprehensive and highly individualized six-month treatment program. In addition to counseling, educational classes and employment readiness services, the program also emphasizes gaining experience in life skills management, such as budgeting, parenting, nutrition and stress management.
“Each year we recognize a facility that goes the extra mile to provide recovery services to the communities we serve,” said NCADD Executive Director Steven G. Liga, “this year we wanted to re-dedicate the Tree of Hope at a facility that has continued to exemplify the best in the recovery field over the past seven years. And Crawford House is that facility.”
As in previous years, Crawford House and NCADD will host a moving ceremony to re-dedicate the evergreen tree planted six years ago – a symbol of the hope that recovery is always possible. The re-dedication ceremony will culminate day-long festivities slated for Crawford House, including an open house.
To insure wide participation in the ceremony, NCADD will be distributing ornament order forms and flyers for the event. Flyers are available to groups or individuals that wish to encourage participation in the event. Ornaments are sold to commemorate the recovery efforts of individuals, to encourage those still struggling, and to memorialize those who have passed - whether in recovery, or in the depths of their illness.
All proceeds from the sale of ornaments go to benefit the charitable works of NCADD, particularly the confidential Information and Referral Helpline that serves as a starting point for the recovery of over one thousand county residents each year. For more information about the ceremony or if you have any questions, please contact Jane Taylor at NCADD by calling her at (732) 254-3344, ext. 21 or by email at jane@ncadd-middlesex.org. To order ornaments, please click here.
