2008 TREE OF HOPE EVENT HELD

September 17, 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, was held September 16th.

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 hosted a moving ceremony to re-dedicate the evergreen tree planted six years ago – a symbol of the hope that recovery is always possible.

Following are images from this year’s event.