|
Hi!
I’m an alcoholic who’s been graced with over 13 years of recovery
and gratitude. I’m also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who’s
worked in the field of addiction and mental health since 1967providing
direct treatment, clinical supervision and education, hospital management,
and served in senior management positions in the Commissioner’s
office. I worked with adults in the Department of Mental Health when
addiction treatment services were an integral part of that department.
I later worked with children and families in that department until we
created the Department of Children and Youth Services and transferred
mental health and addiction services for children there.
I’ve
been involved in many organizations and activities over the years having
to do with rights, political action and advocacy, and professional issues.
I’m currently on the Haddam Democratic Town Committee and the Board
of Directors of the Connecticut Mental Health Association.
I
came to CCAR through of Friends of Recovery- - -a grass roots advocacy
group with goals similar to CCAR, located in Middletown. When CCAR was
formed many of us from Friends became members of CCAR as well - it seemed
like a logical affiliation. CCAR had money for expert training and consultation,
a statewide orientation and, thus, the ability to coordinate the efforts
of the local groups. I’ve long thought that the Recovery Community
needed to become visible and vocal, to inform public policy, to monitor
service delivery, and to advocate for the rights of recovering persons
and those in need of recovery. I was thrilled that FOR and CCAR came
along just when I was ready to devout substantial time to the cause
(I’m about to retire) - - - and excited to learn this is all part
of a national, multi-faceted approach toward change in this field!
I’ve
been involved in all aspects of CCAR, attending almost every meeting,
training and special event and am proud to be a charter member of the
Board of Directors. I’ve had a particular interest in public policy,
serve on that committee, maintain contact with legislators, and network
other special interest groups that might have common issues. My greatest
effort has been directed toward creating some form of national forum
for the Recovery Community. I’ve invested much time, energy and
enthusiasm in representing New England on the Interim Coordinating Committee
for this purpose.
I
believe the advocacy work of the Recovery Community is vitally necessary
now- - not only for those in recovery and those in search of recovery
but also for our whole society. I believe addiction, and the problems
caused by it, are the greatest domestic problem. I believe CCAR (and
a CCAR counterpart in every state) is the linchpin for organizing advocacy
on a local, state, national, and, someday, international basis. I believe
CCAR can continue as a leader in bringing the knowledge, strength and
hope of recovering people to work toward the common good of society.
return
to top
|
|
