SAAR’s HOPE Recovery Center celebrates 6 years impacting lives
It was a celebration of six years impacting lives, as dozens of community members, dignitaries and individuals from various government agencies gathered yesterday at Substance Abuse Addiction and Rehabilitation Program’s H.O.P.E Recovery Center in Marpi for the center’s sixth year anniversary.
CNMI Governor Arnold I Palacios, Lt Governor David M Apatang, Mayor Ramon Blas Camacho and many members of the legislative and judiciary branches were present at the event as well as many members representing government entities and agencies.
“I want to thank especially the family who have supported those that come to the recovery center…” shared special assistant for SAAR, Diego Sablan, in his welcoming remarks, and said that he was humbled and grateful to be a part of this community. “Because of the challenges we currently face in the CNMI we can no longer work in silos. We must work together,” He expressed
Department of Correction Commissioner Anthony Torres, who was one of the guest speakers at the event shared his appreciation for the programs and their partnership with DOC, and shared how these programs and the center work, and even a personal level as his older brother Charles, who was also speaking at the event, was one of many who had overcome addiction as well. He encouraged the crowd “We must challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and advocate for increased resources to support our cause, together we empower individuals to break free from the grip of substance abuse…”
Speaking about how the program, staff and center had made personal impact on their lives, Charles Torres and Manuela Guerrero also shared their inspirational stories “Many people like myself are not bad people, we just made bad choices.” Said Torres as he shared his story “I stand before you today not as an addict in recovery but as a survivor. A survivor who has fought a battle. A battle that many deemed unbeatable. Yet here I am. I am proof that Drug Court and recovery centers like this work.” He shared, adding that along with other alumni of the drug court program, they are seeking to create their own non profit group where they can give back to the community and help others.
Guerrero also shared that she had been to the center on four separate occasions, and how addiction had estranged her and her family. Now along with a restored relationship with her family, she also has begun working at the center helping others through the same battle. “I am truly blessed and forever grateful.” She expressed her gratitude for the SAAR program, and the staff involved as they had contributed to who she is today.
SAAR Program Manager Charlotte Flores said “SAAR may be a small program but we help change lives.” Expressing thanks to the many individuals and agencies involved in helping individuals on the road to recovery, she added “Together we can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.”
The event concluded with a benediction, and the crowd joining in a song of ‘Amazing Grace’ echoing the words, as Flores said “there is hope.”
