2015 Bishop's Annual Appeal

Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps those who battle addictions

MADISON  Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects the young and old, the poor and rich, and people of every race, religion and background. In the forefront of helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol for the last 60 years is Straight & Narrow (S&N), an agency of diocesan Catholic Charities.

With its main headquarters located in downtown Pater­son, S&N has saved countless lives. Since its inception more than 60,000 people, who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol, those living with HIV/AIDS, and children and families with the desire to become stronger have been served by the agency.

Under the theme, “Serving Christ Among Us,” S&N is one of the recipients of the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The Appeal will also support diocesan Catholic Charities’ two other agencies — Catholic Family and Community Services and the Department for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, students attending Catholic schools in and around the inner city, the education of diocesan seminarians and Nazareth Village, the retired priest’s residence, will also be assisted by the Appeal.

Joe Duffy, who is executive director of S&N and president of diocesan Catholic Charities, said, “The Bishop’s Annual Appeal continues to provide more than $1 million to our Catholic Charities agencies each year. While we receive a great deal of government funds, we could not make ends meet without the support of the Appeal, without your support. The gifts that you will pledge to the Appeal are very important to us.”

The largest and oldest rehabilitation facility of its kind in the state, Straight and Narrow provides a diversity of programs to those affected by substance abuse as well as community programs to build stronger families. The one-of-a-kind agency is known across the nation for its specialized services to those battling drug and alcohol addiction. Through its residential facilities, men, women — including those who are pregnant or with infants — and teen boys receive around-the-clock help for six to 12 months. Programs, such as the 12-step program and individual and group counseling, help clients overcome addictions by seeking the source of their behavior.

Funds for the Appeal directly help about 250 men, women, adolescents and even infants and toddlers living at S&N’s residential treatment programs. Something as basic as undergarments and personal hygiene products can be expensive and often are taken for granted, said Duffy.

“BAA is one of the money sources we go to for this,” said Duffy. “The majority of our clients live below the poverty line and many are completely indigent. One true story, we had a new admission, who had no clothes but those on his back and they needed to be replaced. There was virtually nothing that fit him in our warehouse. While we rely heavily on clothes donations for clients in need, we occasionally need to buy clothes and footwear for the smallest of sizes to the largest. And we never give clients used undergarments. Out of respect for human dignity and sanitary reasons we only give new items.”

In addition to these basic necessities, BAA also helps cover the costs for clients striving for their GED. S&N offers GED classes four times a week and most of the clients cannot afford the $100 it costs for the study guide and to take the test.

“A client’s chances of remaining sober and drug free are better if he or she has a job,” Duffy said. “And getting a job is easier if a person has a high school diploma.”

With donations to the Appeal, S&N also gives every client that comes into its residential program a life-saving book. “We give each client his or her own copy of the ‘AA Big Book’ or ‘NA Basic Text.’ We hope they will keep that gift for the rest of a long life and use it as a resource to help them remain sober. This past year, we again spent more than $10,000 for these books.”

In addition to the treatment facilities, S&N provides outpatient counseling, medical detox, an intoxicated driver resource center, methadone maintenance, housing for persons with HIV/AIDS, a family success center and two day care centers for children living in Paterson. S&N welcomes visits to its facilities for those who want to witness firsthand their Appeal donations at work.

[Parishioners can provide financial support to the 2015 BAA through one-time gifts or pledges paid over several months, credit card contributions or online contributions. To make a donation online, go to www.2015appeal.org or call (973) 777-8818, ext. 218 for information.]