Barrier Reduction

Engages in advocacy by highlighting systemic issues such as chronic absenteeism among economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and rural populations using data from state reports, including the 2024 NYS Comptroller report.

Offers education and awareness programs for schools, groups, and communities on substance and gambling abuse prevention, including opioid preparedness, vaping risks, and current drug trends. Provides outreach on consequences of skipping school or prevention programs.

Delivers evidence-based classroom programs in schools that teach students about brain function, life skills, decision-making, and high-risk behaviors such as substance use, bullying, and technology overuse. Includes the Student Well-Being Toolbox program and uses activities and group work to promote mental health, emotional regulation, suicide prevention, and coping strategies.

Distributes free harm reduction supplies including Narcan, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, Deterra pill disposal bags, locking pill bottles, and drug disposal bags. Organizes drug take back day events and provides Narcan training through a dedicated trainer.

Offers parenting workshops and support services including the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, "Lunch and Learn" events, and weekly study groups focused on childhood brain development and substance effects. Provides discussion-based and one-on-one sessions for parents of children ages 0–19 and facilitates access to ongoing support groups for parents of children struggling with addiction, with availability during evenings and weekends.

Operates S.A.R.A. (Sober Active Recovery Adk), a weekly recovery program for individuals aged 16+ with at least 48 hours of sobriety, featuring Tai Chi sessions, art workshops, sewing circles, guided hikes, and virtual gatherings for teens. Includes weekly support groups for women in recovery.

Provides drug and gambling counseling and referral services for youth, adults, and families in Essex County, New York. Services include SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment/Prevention) for individuals concerned about substance use, including teens caught using substances.

Provides free one-on-one youth tobacco cessation counseling through Youth Tobacco Cessation Specialists and Teen Intervene practitioners for young people seeking to quit tobacco use.

Provided hot meals to frontline medical staff at a high-impact hospital during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating emergency community support in times of public health need.

Hosts events such as team skate gatherings to celebrate the life and hockey legacy of Ryan Perry, including recognition of his jersey number 13, as part of its community engagement and awareness-building efforts.

Offers financial assistance and ongoing support to young adults lacking resources to access substance abuse treatment programs, including wilderness therapy, residential treatment, aftercare, and transitional living programs. Supports individuals through multiple stages of recovery, with documented outcomes including sustained sobriety, educational progress, and successful transitions to independent life such as college enrollment or employment.

The foundation provides financial support to initiatives aligned with reducing barriers to recovery from addiction within the mental health and substance use sector.

Provides community-based support through the Desens House Community for individuals experiencing emotional and spiritual hardship, extending beyond residential recovery participants to foster broader healing and connection.

Operates a 12-18 month residential recovery program for women overcoming substance use disorder, providing a structured, faith-based, drug-free living environment with support for trauma healing, education, vocational training, and spiritual growth. Served 6 women in the most recent reporting period.

Organizes weekly art and craft sessions every Saturday at The Connection Point in Oswego, NY, and offers a weekly fitness program focused on holistic wellness through physical activity and community engagement; hosted over 52 craft events and 52 fitness/mindfulness sessions in the reporting year.

Hosts weekly dinners on Monday evenings and breakfasts on Wednesday mornings at Elim Grace Church in Oswego, NY, and organizes recurring social events including game nights to reduce isolation and foster mentorship, friendships, and community bonding.

Hosts monthly virtual webinars and peer-led support groups to support individuals in mental health and recovery journeys.

Organizes regular meditation and movement classes designed to support mental well-being and recovery.