Brooklyn Community Recovery Center Celebrates Strengthening Families Program Graduates

Families who have been affected by addiction connected, shared stories, and celebrated

BROOKLYN, NY (12/06/2022) (readMedia)-- Last night, Brooklyn Community Recovery Center's Strengthening Families Program held a graduation ceremony for its third cohort. The Strengthening Families Program is an evidence-based 14-week family program that meets weekly, where families affected by addiction enjoy dinner together and are given tools to bond, create supportive boundaries, and help parents learn how to monitor their children.

During the event, one family was named valedictorian, and participants shared reflections from the program over dinner. See videos and photos from the event.

"Leading this program is a highlight. We show families the value of sharing a meal together every night and create a safe space for them to explore challenges and grow closer. One past participant began the program determined to sit in the group by themself, but after one week of attending the group, they felt confident about bringing their family to the group to explore the benefits of meeting together. This program can be life-changing," said Nicole Davis, program leader.

Addiction rates have surged in recent years, with opioid-related overdose deaths increasing by 68% from 2019 to 2021. There are more families than ever affected by Substance Use Disorder, making programs like this crucial to breaking the cycle.

Led by Nicole Davis and Preston Sharp from the POWER Program with Children's Aid NY, the Strengthening Families program creates a safe space for families to explore challenges, share positive experiences, and work on building close relationships. With an open format, the program helps adults, teenagers, and children express themselves and listen to each other without feeling defensive.

This is the third cohort of the Strengthening Families Program that has been able to resume in person meetings since the pandemic hit in early 2020. The program meets at Brooklyn Community Recovery Center, a Phoenix Houses of NY/LI facility.

About Phoenix House

Since 1967, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Phoenix House New York offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, medical, psychiatric, and dental services, and impaired driver programs. These services are designed to meet the individual needs of adults at various stages of recovery, including military personnel, and veterans. In addition, Phoenix House provides educational and supportive services to family members, friends, significant others, and the community.