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Testimonials
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I was a resident at the Murphy house from August 1989 to sometime in February -March 1990. My time in Madrid (and Canton) counts easily in the top two or three best gifts I've ever received. My last drink/drug was June 23, 1989, and I hope to keep it that way. When I came to Madrid, I couldn't imagine living without getting high and without the lifestyle and drama that came with it. Now, though I know I still have the junkie and drunk within, I can't imagine living that old life. I know I'm just one of hundreds if not thousands who've come through your doors. Still, please accept my deepest gratitude for the life for which you folks provided the foundation.
Tom M My name is Dave and I'm an alcoholic. It was 1987 and at age 23 I was arrested for DWI. At that time of my life all I wanted to do was to complete a treatment program so the courts would re-issue my license. After several tries I was able to complete a program with lies and manipulation.
Ten years of my life went by, I became a daily drinker, I was unemployable and living in my parents basement. Again through the the court system I was given a choice jail or an inpatient program and directly to a halfway house. Knowing what impatient was all about, l chosed the softer easier way and admitted myself into a program in Batavia, NY. Through the help of my inpatient counselors 21 day later I got on a Greyhound bus and arrived at the station where Lisa picked me up in August of 1998. At that time in my life my self confidence was gone, I was scared and unsure of what was to come. The program at the house was structured, we had recovery meetings to attend in the basement of the house. We went to AA meetings in nearby towns, we also had time for relaxation. We had chores to do. I learned how to cook, clean, take care of myself and help others. Just what I needed. Not only did I learn and understand that I was not a bad person, that my life was worthwhile that alcohol and drugs were just a symptom. The counselors, RA'S were kind and supportive throughout my stay helping me and my piers recover from alcoholism . I made friends, we went to the nearby college for concerts, movies in town at the old theater. I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at the house. One of the memories I cherish the most was all the Christmas cards that came in from former residence with short notes about how NCFH help give them their lives back. To this day I never missed sending a card hoping that I can pass the hope and support along to others. I come back to the website just to see how the house is doing. I miss the yearly picnics, from my understanding it was do to support from former members? I havent been back to Canton since 2000, but I still get on Google maps and take a walk down to town. I still have that picture of my friends in the living room on Christmas Eve. in front of the tree, the names have now faded. When I came back to Rochester in 1999, I slowly lost track of my peers. I will never forget the time I spent at the Canton house. I pray that everyone is still in recovery. I know of one who lost their life to addiction. My home group is the Corn Hill Group of AA, we meet every Saturday night at 6:30 at 141 Adam's Street , Rochester, NY if you need a meeting, God willing I will be there. Thank you again Greg, Brian, Ray, Lisa and Sharon just to name a few who helped me make my life become beyond my wildest dreams. Keep up the good work. The transformation of the Canton house is amazing. I am glad there are programs like this that can help so may recover from alcohol and drugs if they just have a glimmer of hope, willingness and honesty. Something that I discovered was deep inside of me. I know today that if I pick up a drink my past will become my future, for that I don't drink no matter what. Thank you NCFH and God Bless - Dave J. |
NCFH was really there for me when I was in a bad place in my life and needed help. I found the counseling and staff there genuinely courteous, professional and caring. As long as the residents there obey the rules set forth with communication and honesty, it will be a very educational and rewarding program. I would recommend this home to anybody who takes there recovery seriously, and wants to live a healthy and rewarding life again. Individuals who decide to enter this program just need to remember that nobody is going to do all the work for them. They need to be vigilant, proactive, and take accountability for their own recovery. If they do they will find their self worth and dignity again. They are worth it! - JD
Watertown Daily Times Article from 9/17/17While I was not a resident at NCFH, I was on staff there. I started as a night staff member, there to provide a timely word and to prevent untimely events. At that time in my life I was myself in early recovery, about three years, this was '91 or so, and was attending the Substance abuse curriculum at Mater Dei evenings.
I learned much more working in that house than anything I learned in school. Eventually I became the cook at the Murphy House and did that job for a couple of years, until I went on to Brockport for my social work degree. I remember and still see former clients occasionally and I am honored when they thank me for my time and efforts on their behalf. There are a lot of former residents still around and so many are still doing good. I want to thank them all anonymously and I want to thank the staff at the Murphy house, Greg, Brian, Penny, Sally, for all they taught me about recovery, caring, learning how to talk someone through their problems, and helping me become the counselor I wanted to be. One must also thank the ever present Ron Cote, a Madrid fixture who was instrumental in the success of the Murphy House. I went on to become a staff member with St. Lawrence County Alcohol Services and retired from there in 2008. In closing, I am glad to see the results of the good work done by you people. Thank you, M.B. |
Former Residents
We are currently updating our website and including an area for how we helped former residents. If you believe that your time was well spent with us and your chances of recovery improved as a result your feedback would be appreciated.
If you would like to participate, please write a short statement below about what it was and how we helped you. We will only use your first name and last initial. If you don’t want us to use your last initial let us know that and we won’t. You can also submit statements to ahooper@ncfreedomhomes.org or to NCFH - 25 Dies Street, Canton NY 13617.
By submitting this testimonial you are giving NCFH permission for use of your name and comments made. If you have any questions about this please give me a call at (315) 379-0139 Ex. 8
If you would like to participate, please write a short statement below about what it was and how we helped you. We will only use your first name and last initial. If you don’t want us to use your last initial let us know that and we won’t. You can also submit statements to ahooper@ncfreedomhomes.org or to NCFH - 25 Dies Street, Canton NY 13617.
By submitting this testimonial you are giving NCFH permission for use of your name and comments made. If you have any questions about this please give me a call at (315) 379-0139 Ex. 8