Mr. McCauley (far left), Dr. O'Malley (next) and Mr. Yelle (far right) with event participants

Road to Recovery

Posted on March 13, 2009 - Permalink
Audiences: Alumni Current Students Faculty and Staff HomePage Parents and Visitors

On March 2, members of Journey House shared their stories of addiction and the power of recovery in a presentation held at Woodward Residence Hall.

Students, faculty and staff participated in the program hosted by Residence Life and Housing and lead by Dr. David O'Malley, assistant professor of social work.

Journey House offers a safe environment to individuals seeking support in recovery, addressing substance abuse and treatment through counseling, groups and meetings. Members of Journey House told their stories, all centered on the common thinking, "It could never happen to me." Students also shared their personal experiences with their friends and families.

Dr. O'Malley said, "This campus and community discussion begins to break down barriers of silence and denial that often surround addiction. It allows our campus and community - students, alumni, staff, faculty and citizens - a chance to ask questions, to learn and to overcome what may be characterized as the culture of denial and fear. Addiction and recovery are no longer nameless and faceless concepts. Rather they become humanized and embodied in the form of honest and proactive conversations and relationships with people in our community."

Justin McCauley, resident director of Woodward, offered his thoughts on the event, as well.

"It's a unique privilege to have people in our community share their experience recovering from addiction with our students. It's an important part of the process to help the students learn how this can affect everyone," he said.

Kenneth Yelle, director of Journey House, summed up the event and the project's future.

"I felt that there was a positive connection made between Journey House and the BSC staff and students. We at Journey House were honored to be part of such a worthwhile event and look forward in continuing this project."

The partnership between Journey House and BSC was organized by the Office of College and Community Partnerships. (Story and photos by Nick Pirelli, Office of College and Community Partnerships)