Former John E. Murphy House
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Canton House
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History
nIn the seventies it was beginning to become accepted that there was treatment that worked for Alcoholics and Substance Abusers. John E. Murphy was a Director of St. Lawrence County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services that began to offer outpatient services for county residents. At that time there was also inpatient treatment available at the St. Lawrence Addictions Treatment Center, better known as Farm Cottage.
In his position with the county he was aware of a large gap in available services. There was nowhere to go for those that were either homeless or living in an environment that made recovery almost impossible to maintain. He decided to correct this and worked tirelessly to open the first half way house in the county.
The Foundation for North Country Freedom Homes was established. The Foundation Board and John found a huge Victorian home in Madrid and purchased it. In his honor it was named the John E. Murphy House. It was given an operating certificate by the then Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (DAAA) now known as the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The first resident was admitted on October 1, 1979.
It quickly became apparent that the twelve beds in the Murphy residence could not accommodate all the county residents in need of those services. With major help and funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Bureau of Housing Services (HHAP) and the support of New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Services a new facility was built in Canton. Known simply as the Canton House an operating certificate was granted by DAAA. The first admission was July 26, 1988.
Before construction on the Canton House began Mr. Murphy retired. Penelope A. Rattan was hired as the next Executive Director.
Ms. Rattan was given two major goals. The first was getting construction started on the Canton House. The second goal was to develop a more structured program that would teach recovery skills and increase the residents chances of continued recovery after graduation.
In addition as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator she had invaluable skills in creating the documentation needed to establish NCFH as a well organized and efficient corporation. Even more importantly she nurtured the corporate atmosphere into one that respected and supported the growth of both residents and staff.
The construction of the Canton House was completed and opened in 1987. Ms Rattan then recruited and hired Greg Aldrich as Program Director. He was responsible for creation of a more structured program and supervision of counseling staff. For the next eighteen years they worked together until Ms Rattan retired in 2007. Mr. Aldrich served as an interim Executive Director until being formally being given the position of Director of Services. Mr. Aldrich retired in January 2015, and the position was filled by Christopher Roberts until October of 2017. From January 2nd 2018 until April 22, 2019, Mr. Sean Vitali joined the team as Director of Services and on June 1, 2019 we welcomed Ms. Gena Chiasson as the newest Executive Director.
After both Houses were up and running another need was identified. Some of the individuals completing our Halfway House program were not ready for fully independent living but no longer in need of level of care provided in our Houses. There were numerous reasons for this they included ongoing Mental and/or Physical Health issues, being homeless, simply needing additional time to complete work on issues locally were sufficient trust had been developed that it was not in the resident’s best clinical interests to change providers.
In 1998, With OASAS approval and one time funding we opened a Supportive Living Program that provided housing for twelve. In partnership with the Canton Housing Authority we opened five apartments in the Law Lane housing complex. This program ended in 2014.
Since that opening we have focused on developing and delivering programs that have addressed the needs of a changing population.
In January 2015, the John E. Murphy home was closed and all residents were moved to the Canton house after a major renovation and expansion. The Canton House is now a 24 bed Male facility.
Though few individuals have been identified by name we work as a team. Anything that we have accomplished over the years is due to the hard work and dedication of all of us.
In his position with the county he was aware of a large gap in available services. There was nowhere to go for those that were either homeless or living in an environment that made recovery almost impossible to maintain. He decided to correct this and worked tirelessly to open the first half way house in the county.
The Foundation for North Country Freedom Homes was established. The Foundation Board and John found a huge Victorian home in Madrid and purchased it. In his honor it was named the John E. Murphy House. It was given an operating certificate by the then Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (DAAA) now known as the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The first resident was admitted on October 1, 1979.
It quickly became apparent that the twelve beds in the Murphy residence could not accommodate all the county residents in need of those services. With major help and funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Bureau of Housing Services (HHAP) and the support of New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Services a new facility was built in Canton. Known simply as the Canton House an operating certificate was granted by DAAA. The first admission was July 26, 1988.
Before construction on the Canton House began Mr. Murphy retired. Penelope A. Rattan was hired as the next Executive Director.
Ms. Rattan was given two major goals. The first was getting construction started on the Canton House. The second goal was to develop a more structured program that would teach recovery skills and increase the residents chances of continued recovery after graduation.
In addition as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator she had invaluable skills in creating the documentation needed to establish NCFH as a well organized and efficient corporation. Even more importantly she nurtured the corporate atmosphere into one that respected and supported the growth of both residents and staff.
The construction of the Canton House was completed and opened in 1987. Ms Rattan then recruited and hired Greg Aldrich as Program Director. He was responsible for creation of a more structured program and supervision of counseling staff. For the next eighteen years they worked together until Ms Rattan retired in 2007. Mr. Aldrich served as an interim Executive Director until being formally being given the position of Director of Services. Mr. Aldrich retired in January 2015, and the position was filled by Christopher Roberts until October of 2017. From January 2nd 2018 until April 22, 2019, Mr. Sean Vitali joined the team as Director of Services and on June 1, 2019 we welcomed Ms. Gena Chiasson as the newest Executive Director.
After both Houses were up and running another need was identified. Some of the individuals completing our Halfway House program were not ready for fully independent living but no longer in need of level of care provided in our Houses. There were numerous reasons for this they included ongoing Mental and/or Physical Health issues, being homeless, simply needing additional time to complete work on issues locally were sufficient trust had been developed that it was not in the resident’s best clinical interests to change providers.
In 1998, With OASAS approval and one time funding we opened a Supportive Living Program that provided housing for twelve. In partnership with the Canton Housing Authority we opened five apartments in the Law Lane housing complex. This program ended in 2014.
Since that opening we have focused on developing and delivering programs that have addressed the needs of a changing population.
In January 2015, the John E. Murphy home was closed and all residents were moved to the Canton house after a major renovation and expansion. The Canton House is now a 24 bed Male facility.
Though few individuals have been identified by name we work as a team. Anything that we have accomplished over the years is due to the hard work and dedication of all of us.
Services/Programs
Our ProgramOur residents' shared risk of relapse has convinced us that their primary need is to understand relapse and themselves. We believe that this is a full time job.
During a typical week a resident will participate in Community Group, Peer Council and other classes/activities intended to increase their understanding of the Relapse Process and how to interpret it. These are all taught or facilitated by program staff. Attendance at four to seven 12-step meetings per week is strongly encouraged. In addition, all residents receive treatment averaging from three to five hours per week from St. Lawrence County Chemical Dependency Services |
Outpatient ServicesCanton Potsdam Chemical Dependency Services is an OASAS-governed outpatient provider that provides quality, confidential outpatient services that includes a track that is dedicated to serving the residents of North Country Freedom Homes. Services include:
• An intake assessment to identify the core areas of needs and objectives. • Weekly team meetings where each resident’s recovery plan and progress is reviewed by counselors and medical staff. • Regular collaboration with Freedom Homes’ staff, including regular joint team meetings. • Individual attention for all residents with a primary counselor, with at minimum weekly therapy sessions with a primary counselor. • A continuum of therapy groups that are designed particularly for Freedom Homes residents. • The option of continued outpatient services for residents once they graduate Freedom Homes. Canton Potsdam Hospital Chemical Dependency Services accepts Medicaid and Private Insurance; for those without such coverage, a sliding scale fee is determined. |
RecoveryMost alcoholics or addicts relapse because they do not understand what relapse is and how to prevent it! Utilizing Terence T. Gorski and Marlene Miller's Staying Sober: a Guide for Relapse Prevention, we teach our residents how changes in attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors lead to dysfunction in recovery.
Through a variety of cognitive, affective and behavioral modification techniques our residents identify their personal Relapse Warning Signs. Finally, they are taught how to develop viable plans to intervene in the relapse process and remain in recovery. |
Program Goals
The NCFH program has been designed to:
1. Identify or rule out critical unresolved issues that may interfere with abstinence and recovery. If present we will:
3. Teach residents an understanding of the Relapse Process in such a way that it may be internalized.
4. Assist each resident to learn specific behaviors necessary for effectively interrupting the Relapse Process.
5. teach additional skills by completing all required elements offered by both NCFH and St. Lawrence County Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services.
6. Assist residents to make a smooth transition to more independent living by having arranged for:
1. Identify or rule out critical unresolved issues that may interfere with abstinence and recovery. If present we will:
- Refer to another program, if beyond our ability to address
- Help resolve or desensitize to the point it no longer threatens continued abstinence.
3. Teach residents an understanding of the Relapse Process in such a way that it may be internalized.
4. Assist each resident to learn specific behaviors necessary for effectively interrupting the Relapse Process.
5. teach additional skills by completing all required elements offered by both NCFH and St. Lawrence County Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services.
6. Assist residents to make a smooth transition to more independent living by having arranged for:
- Safe housing
- Income
- A way to fill each day with meaningful activity
- Continued treatment with an initial appointment scheduled
- 12 step meeting lists and ideally personal contact with a program member.
Our Relationship with Legal Entities
Many of our residents are involved with the legal system and we have no problem with that. When someone is admitted we have no reason not to trust them. That trust continues unless the resident’s behavior proves the trust unwarranted.
The majority of legal agencies require that we submit written reports regarding a resident’s participation in our program. With the resident’s written approval we will make those reports.
We have worked for years to earn the trust of the courts, probation departments and parole. We will not jeopardize that trust by being less than completely honest. If a resident is progressing satisfactorily we will send reports as agreed. If there is unacceptable behavior or the resident is in danger of being discharged we will make contact by phone and provide that information as soon as practical. That is the only information we are expected to provide and what we report is limited to this type of information. A resident is free to request and receive copies of any written communications. At the time of discharge we also provide a copy of the resident’s Discharge Summary which is given to and signed off by the resident whenever possible. We do not give any clinical details. Those are between us and the resident.
The majority of legal agencies require that we submit written reports regarding a resident’s participation in our program. With the resident’s written approval we will make those reports.
We have worked for years to earn the trust of the courts, probation departments and parole. We will not jeopardize that trust by being less than completely honest. If a resident is progressing satisfactorily we will send reports as agreed. If there is unacceptable behavior or the resident is in danger of being discharged we will make contact by phone and provide that information as soon as practical. That is the only information we are expected to provide and what we report is limited to this type of information. A resident is free to request and receive copies of any written communications. At the time of discharge we also provide a copy of the resident’s Discharge Summary which is given to and signed off by the resident whenever possible. We do not give any clinical details. Those are between us and the resident.
The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) oversees one of the nation’s largest addiction services systems with nearly 1,600 prevention, treatment and recovery programs. OASAS chemical dependence treatment programs assist about 100,000 people a day and approximately 240,000 individuals every year.
The Office also monitors gambling and substance use and abuse trends in the state; provides a comprehensive education and prevention program through more than 200 school- and community-based providers; promotes public awareness and citizen involvement through community action groups; pursues state, federal and private sources of funding for services; links clients served by other agencies and within the criminal justice system to addiction services; provides education and training for persons dealing with clients; and administers the credentialing of alcoholism and substance abuse counselors as well as prevention practitioners and prevention specialists.
OASAS is the single designated state agency responsible for the coordination of state-federal relations in the area of addiction services.
- Provides accessible, cost-effective quality services
- Strengthens communities, schools and families through prevention
- Improves lives through treatment
- Meets individual needs through specialized services
- Fosters partnerships for improved services
- Links programs with research to improve results
- Plans for the future to improve and strengthen prevention and treatment
- Promotes a productive, well-trained workforce
- Provides hope for happier, productive lives
The Office also monitors gambling and substance use and abuse trends in the state; provides a comprehensive education and prevention program through more than 200 school- and community-based providers; promotes public awareness and citizen involvement through community action groups; pursues state, federal and private sources of funding for services; links clients served by other agencies and within the criminal justice system to addiction services; provides education and training for persons dealing with clients; and administers the credentialing of alcoholism and substance abuse counselors as well as prevention practitioners and prevention specialists.
OASAS is the single designated state agency responsible for the coordination of state-federal relations in the area of addiction services.