![[Company Logo Image]](images/3legstool.gif)
Father Young Is A Hero For Greater New York
The Post Star
editorial by Robert Ward, Chairman of PYHIT
The Post Star's report "Addiction knows no gender" (Oct 21) told a powerful
story - how addiction afflicts hundreds of thousands of women nationwide,
including many in this region. State leaders and the Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Services have recognized the need for more counseling services
to help addicted individuals locally. Such services include the programs in
Glens Falls and Granville that were mentioned in the article, as well as several
others in the Warren-Washington county region operated by 820 River Street, Inc.
nonprofit organization. All of these programs are key parts of Father Young's
statewide efforts to help the homeless and addicted.
Mary Lane, whom the article profile, is one of the many "wounded healers" who work in Father Young's organization to help others who struggle as they have. Research and practical experience show that those who are in recovery can be especially effective at helping others break the damaging cycle of addiction. Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment, based in the Capital Region, provides addiction treatment, safe housing, job training, and other services to 3,000 or more men and women each year. Such services allow troubled individuals to turn their lives around and become contributing members of society. Father Young describes his mission as "creating taxpayers."
When we help addicted women and men return to productive lives, we strengthen families, reduce the likelihood of crime, and increase the pool of good workers who can attract and keep employers here. That makes Father Young's mission vitally important not only to the individuals, but to all New Yorkers.