Hill Health Center News Release

For immediate release December 11, 2002

Information: Robert Kilpatrick

503-3276 (w)

245-4533 (h)

rkilpatrick@hillhealthcenter.com

Parents Celebrated at INTACT Event

Project INTACT will host a program Thursday December 19 from noon to 3 p.m. that recognizes the achievements of parents in recovery who have overcome challenges of addiction, homelessness, unemployment, family loss and poverty, attaining a clean and sober life with work, family, supports, positive attitude, housing and improved self esteem.

INTACT (Intensive Treatment and Advocacy for Children and their Families) is located at 226 Dixwell Avenue and is a service of the Hill Health Center.

Susan Feldman, INTACT director, said, "Many of our graduates are now giving back by becoming Peer Mentors in the program, assisting others as they were once assisted. This will be a very inspiring program as these are women who never thought they could achieve the goals they attained. They will speak about their path to recovery and how they are now focused on developing careers in the helping profession. Staff who work as intensive case managers in the community will be giving out the awards.

Esther Armmand, director of New Havens Office of Substance Abuse Policy and Prevention, will be the keynote speaker. Aromatherpy and massage will be available. Lunch will be served. Parents who wish to receive these services will benefit from attending and hearing the stories of inspiration.

INTACT Services

This program provides intensive case management within the New Haven community for parents who are challenged with substance abuse issues. Project INTACT works for up to nine months with families, addressing issues including recovery, housing, employment, parenting, social support, legal assistance, basic needs, recreation, emergency food, clothing, transportation and life skills coaching. Peer Mentors who have been trained to provide support are also available to assist clients. In essence Project INTACT seeks to become an assistant to the client in meeting their multiple responsibilities and developing skills that will improve life stabilization.