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Grace House aiding recovering addicts in Canton

Posted 7/14/19

CANTON – Now that Grace House has been operating for six months, they currently have four women recovering from addiction who reside at the faith-based, supportive living house. The transitional …

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Grace House aiding recovering addicts in Canton

Posted

CANTON – Now that Grace House has been operating for six months, they currently have four women recovering from addiction who reside at the faith-based, supportive living house.

The transitional home can serve up to six county residents who live there with the support of a “house mother” who guides them toward reintegration into full community life. Christine Downton, new resident director as of June 24, is the new house mom from Mondays-Fridays. Her identical twin sister Caroline Rizzo takes over on weekends.

Carolyn White, a board member since the 2011 inception of a women’s home, said, “This house is an answer to prayers – a dream come true. You have no idea how many houses we walked through” before the Canton Episcopal Church provided the use of their rectory.

The New Hope, Episcopal, Unitarian and other churches in the Canton-Potsdam area have all been very supportive, along with the community, said White and Downton.

White explained that more than half of their funding is from churches and individuals. The rest comes from social service agencies and contributions from the residents with jobs.

“The major goal of the board is to run the business of Grace House successfully and meet the needs of the women here,” said White. “Hopefully we can expand. Services for women are so limited. The women’s house in Watertown has a long waiting list. Women with children living with them get first priority.”

“Grace House is the only transitional house for women in St. Lawrence County, but does not allow mothers with children living with them, she said.

Downton explained Grace House residents live more independently than in halfway houses and is not a treatment center. They go to classes and outpatient counseling, work in the community, and go to church events. They share with cooking and cleaning duties and have visitations with families on weekends. Attending a church service on Sundays is mandatory.

“Grace House been an excellent experience for me. It’s been the missing piece. Being that it’s faith based, it’s what I’ve been missing all this time. It’s nice that so many people came together and did this house,” a three-month resident said.

She is hoping to renew her license and return to nursing once she is fully recovered. “I’m glad Grace House is here. Homes like this are very needed. We need more like this.”

“We are seeing positive changes with these young ladies,” said Downton. “One of the residents who has been in the program for six months is getting ready to graduate in July. Two others are going to classes, outpatient treatment and work. One had a premature discharge but is now receiving services in Franklin County.”

“Prayers and volunteers are always welcome,” said Downton. “Talents are very important. We want residents to express their talents for their growth and faith.” She is seeking more volunteers to teach a talent or skill, such as piano, art, and cosmetology. Volunteers are also greatly needed to help with maintenance and information technology, she said.

Grace House is looking for additional house items, including a twin bed, large dressers, table lamps, area rugs, office desk, clocks, and air conditioner.

Monetary and furniture donations and volunteers are gladly accepted by emailing director@newhopetransformation.org or going to www.newhopetranformation.org.