Hope Connections manager discusses how this Catholic Charities of Onondaga County program helps those in recovery build a new life
By Mary Beth Roach
Q: Can you give us an overview of the program and how it works?
A: We provide peer recovery services, which is a form of support where people with lived experience of recovery — whether substance use, mental health challenges or both — use their experience to help others on their own recovery path. We really strive to build connection and understanding and we walk alongside someone as they build their life in recovery. When someone comes to us, they get assigned with a peer specialist and then they create a schedule together. Typically, it’s once a week for an hour or two hours. In the first few weeks, they work on building trust and getting to know each other. Then they’ll move into goal-setting and creating a plan to help the individual meet their recovery goals.
Q: How does Catholic Charities of Onondaga County measure the success of the program?
A: We assess four main areas, which are home, health, community and purpose. But the success of the program is really measured by the people who participate in it. Are they making steps toward managing recovery? Are they building what we call recovery capital, which are the resources the person can draw on to sustain their recovery? Are they managing their health? Are they capitalizing on their strengths? Are they using good coping skills? Do they have access to safe housing and transportation? Do they have a therapist or a primary care provider? Those are the kinds of things that we kind of look for to make sure that a person is able to sustain recovery on their own. We want them to really not need us.
Q: What benefits do you see with the peer-to-peer experience?
A: It creates almost an immediate level of trust that you can’t always get in other settings. When someone sees that you’ve been through similar struggles and found a way forward, it offers them real hope. It says to them, ‘I’ve been where you are. Recovery is possible.’
Q: Is there an age range for the people that seek help?
A: We serve individuals 18 and up.
Q: How long does the partnership usually last?
A: There is no set time. It’s different with each person. We have had people who have stayed with us for a couple of years and then there’s people that work with us, and within three months they’re ready to go and pursue recovery on their own.
Q: If someone needs assistance, how do they get in touch with the program?
A: They can just call me directly at 315-362-7640. If they don’t have access to a phone, they could also e-mail me at mangleton@ccos.us.
For more information, visit https://ccoc.us
HOA Offers Education Forum on Prostate Cancer Care on Sept 10
Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) will host a free educational forum on prostate cancer care from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at its East Syracuse location, 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy. The event is open to the public and a light dinner will be served.
Attendees are encouraged to reserve a spot at tinyurl.com/HOAEventSept10 or by calling 315-472-7504, extension 1303.
Leading the forum will be HOA’s expert team of medical doctors specializing in prostate cancer care: Shing Chin, radiation oncologist; Steven Duffy, medical oncologist; and Ajeet Gajra, medical oncologist
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion with the presenters.
“We’re proud to offer this educational forum as a resource for our community,” said HOA CEO Jennifer Pichoske. “A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s vital for patients and their loved ones to feel empowered with knowledge. Hearing directly from our prostate-cancer specialists not only helps people understand all available treatment options, it gives them confidence to make informed decisions about their care.”
Founded in 1982, HOA is a private, community-based cancer center committed to providing the highest quality of care in a healing environment that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. With offices in Auburn, East Syracuse and Camillus, HOA is a member of the Community Oncology Alliance.
HOA is the only cancer practice in Central New York recognized as an Oncology Medical Home (OMH) by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, meaning care is centered on what’s best for the patient. This model emphasizes quality over quantity, resulting in lower healthcare costs, higher patient satisfaction, reduced medical errors, and more informed care.
For more information, visit hoacny.com.