Community Listening Forum Toolkit: Make Your Voice Heard!
This step-by-step guide includes everything you need to host a succesful Community Listening Forum. Learn more...
Recovery Community Organization Toolkit: Building the Voice of the Organized Recovery Community
This guide includes steps on starting up a Recovery Community Organization. Learn more…
|
eNewsletter - May 18, 2009
Resources
Your Story Matters in New York State: Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed May 4 as Your Story Matters Day, encouraging people in recovery, their families, friends and loved ones to share their addiction recovery stories to raise public awareness and understanding about the reality of recovery.
New York State’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo urged New Yorkers to participate to give hope to the one in seven New Yorkers who are dealing with alcohol-, drug- or gambling addiction in an event that featured numerous speakers telling their recovery stories as well as remarks from elected officials.
NY State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt spoke at the event, “I applaud Governor Paterson and OASAS for their commitment to raising awareness of the importance of recovery. As a means of eliminating the stigma associated with those in recovery, I share my story as an example to others in recovery that you should be proud of who you are today. If publicly speaking about my own recovery helps just one person, I know I have done the right thing. I have been sober for 19 years and thankful for the programs and people who have assisted in my recovery."
"Spotlight stories" of recovery:
Kristina Sellers, Staten Island, "I didn't realize how serious recovery was until it became my reality. I live in recovery each day. I wake up and each day it makes me a stronger woman. Sharing my story with others keeps me motivated to stay clean and become the best I can be. Helping others that are going through the disease of addiction or are in recovery is something I cherish and I am very proud of. My road to recovery has inspired and pushed me to never give up on my dreams and goals and because of this I will keep on succeeding in life."
Vivian Velasquez, Brooklyn, "All things are possible, if you believe in yourself then you can achieve anything! You must believe, never lose hope. If one door closes, another one opens and never give up. Keep striving, stand tall and then you have to have the stamina to be an example, a success story that breaks the stigma that society has about addiction. We do recover, women do recover, we get our lives back."
Joyce Love, Albany, "Recovery is important because life is precious. I was wasting it, and thinking only about myself and not those who were a part of my life. Addiction destroys your whole existence; it's like walking around dead just too tired to lie down. It's full of pain, heartache and despair. I have been granted a gift, a chance to live two lifetimes in one. - Addiction/and now Recovery. I have been blessed to have my family in my life and a job helping those who need help just like I did. I thank God for all those who've helped me."
Eric Moore, Sr., Queens, "My story matters because it gives hope to the hopeless, guidance to those who have gone in the wrong direction, and joy to those who persevere. Recovery is great, so tell your story. It matters."
Derrick Staley, Albany, "My story is gratifying and motivating. It brings and gives strength and hope to change people's lives."
Keith Stack, Albany, "I tell my story to remind myself of the gifts I have received from recovery, and also to let others know that recovery is real."