Inspiring Independence through education for those in recovery

"This has been amazing," said Alex, of the East House Crossroads program for people in recovery. "I  can achieve my goals and be proud of myself. I want to thank all of you involved for helping me to learn and believe!"

Alex was one of forty graduates of a unique East House Enrichment program, now in its fifteenth year. The graduates, in recovery from chemical dependency or mental illness, just completed two weeks of intense study at RIT. Designed to enhance treatment programs, this program encourages clients to pursue education to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Classes such as computer skills, creative writing, Spanish, drawing, public speaking, finance, among many other subjects, were offered to the 2011 Enrichment Program class.

Daniel Meyers, President of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, was keynote speaker at the graduation, held on June 16^th in RIT’s Ingle Auditorium. Meyers reminded the graduates that "Learning is a life-long process. Celebrate this day and your achievement. You have been through a lot. The journey you took to get here is as much a gift as completing this program. I congratulate you, and wish you much success as you continue to grow and enrich your lives."

Bryan Van Blarcom, a 2004 Enrichment Program graduate, shared reflections on his experience. "At East House, I learned that I could achieve something. Once I started with Enrichment, I didn’t stop. I earned my Bachelor’s degree at RIT and work full time as a nutrition analyst at the University of Rochester. It is because of programs like this, that I was able to develop my strengths and grow more than I ever thought I could."

"I’m thankful to East House for this great opportunity. I never realized that I have what it takes to learn and achieve something," said Latoiya, an East House client in the Crossroads Apartment Program for persons in recovery.

The second annual James Papero Scholarship was presented to Guillermo, a graduate who made significant progress and is enrolled in classes at Monroe Community College. "I forgot how much I enjoy learning…East House made it interesting again. I look forward to pursuing a career as a credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse counselor," said Guillermo with a winning smile. The scholarship is named in honor of James Papero, retired Vice President of Human Resources at RIT, and long time board member of East House, who initiated this special program in 1996.

More than 200 guests attended the graduation, which included volunteer teachers, East House staff and Board members, graduates’ family members, and guests. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception in the Student Alumni Union’s dining hall.

The two-week program and graduation event was sponsored by M & T Bank. Funded wholly by donations, the program also received support from the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation, the Fred and Floy Wilmott Foundation, the Rochester Female Charitable Society, the Kessler Group, Eastman Kodak Company, Riverton Golf Course, and Wegmans Food Markets.

If you are interested in supporting the Enrichment Program, please contact Director of Development and Community Relations for East House at 256-3800 if you have any questions.
 

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