Pubdate: Fri, 15 Aug 2003
Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Author: Barbara Lau

TROSA AN EFFECTIVE PATH TO SOBRIETY FOR ADDICTS

My applause to Carl Kenney for bringing the devastating nature of substance 
abuse to our attention through his successive Sunday columns. We as 
community members need to deepen our understanding of this debilitating 
disease. I agree with Pastor Kenney that a single approach to substance 
abuse treatment does not work for everyone; each individual needs a program 
that fits his or her needs.

Where I differ with Pastor Kenney is his characterization of TROSA. In 
2002, I was commissioned by the Ford Foundation and New York University to 
conduct in-depth documentary research at TROSA. I learned that the TROSA 
community provides a great deal of counseling, acceptance and love to its 
residents.

Through sharing their life stories with others, residents learn about the 
"root causes" of substance abuse and work to face their personal issues as 
the first step toward their new, clean and sober lives. TROSA's businesses, 
through which residents learn a solid work ethic and valuable vocational 
skills, enable the organization to provide food, clothing, housing and 
counseling to residents for free.

TROSA also provides extensive educational opportunities, from basic 
literacy and GED preparation courses to college scholarships. Graduates of 
TROSA's two-year program may opt to live in TROSA housing and receive 
ongoing counseling and support from other sober individuals. Many residents 
choose to participate in Durham's faith communities while they live and 
work at TROSA and their choices are supported and encouraged. I agree with 
Pastor Kenney that faith can be an important component to recovery.

I hope that Durham chooses to support many approaches to recovery and the 
good work of organizations like TROSA.

The writer is Community Programs Director for the Center for Documentary 
Studies.

BARBARA LAU

Durham
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens