Empowering Recovery in New York

Empowering Recovery in New York

by Warren L. Maye

This year, The Salvation Army’s Manhattan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) proudly welcomed nine new soldiers into its ranks. In a similar vein, the ARC located in Hempstead, N.Y., also celebrated the graduation of several beneficiaries from its program. These were not just routine events but significant milestones that encapsulate the centers’ core mission: to redeem souls for the kingdom of God.

For the dedicated administrators and compassionate chaplains working at these facilities, witnessing their ministries come to fruition was a rewarding experience filled with hope and purpose.

Captain Daniel Diakanwa, a former chaplain of the Manhattan ARC who now serves as chaplain in Hempstead, was excited about the enrollments. “I am personally interested in this because some of them were in my soldiership classes when I was chaplain in Manhattan,” he said. “This is an important and encouraging story to share with Salvationists around the territory.”

The ARC ministry fosters a profound sense of camaraderie among those who benefit from the programs. Many participants have struggled with alcohol or substance abuse for years, often feeling isolated in their battles. But as they engage with one another through shared experiences and support systems within the rehabilitation process, they begin to rebuild connections with spouses, family members — including cherished children — and close friends who may have been affected by their past behaviors. This tradition of community support has been a hallmark of The Salvation Army since its founding in England by William and Catherine Booth over a century ago.

“The Salvation Army’s ARCs are not only dedicated to guiding individuals toward sobriety, but also to nurturing them into becoming committed Salvation Army soldiers,” Diakanwa said. “This year under the leadership of Captain Ralph Boone, chaplain and a former ARC beneficiary, nine ‘ready and able’ beneficiaries were enrolled as soldiers in Manhattan. Remarkably, two of them are preparing to enter The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training. They have been saved, washed in the blood of Christ, and are passionate about winning the world for Him.”

This public declaration to become soldiers or members within The Salvation Army brings about heightened expectations for those newly enrolled individuals. They are embarking on a journey that involves deepening their relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while engaging more fully with fellow Salvationists who gather regularly in chapels for worship services and for outreach efforts aimed at helping others within their communities. This raises an essential question: What strategies will be necessary for them to remain steadfast on this path toward growth — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?

A sober partnership

Returning to familiar environments can often trigger old habits just when new soldiers need to concentrate on establishing positive routines. To address this potential pitfall, one promising approach is collaborating with other organizations that share similar goals. For example, this year saw the Manhattan ARC join up with Sober St. Patrick’s Day — a group dedicated to providing sober alternatives for celebrating the holiday — which has been active since 2012.

“It started when founder Bill Reilly noticed a young man wearing a shirt that read ‘Irish today, hungover tomorrow,’” Jim Frawley, a board member for Sober St. Patrick’s Day, recently told a local NY1 News television host. “Reilly felt something needed to change regarding how people perceived Saint Patrick’s Day.” Reilly decided to create a movement to shift perceptions from binge drinking to celebrating Irish culture through music, dance, food, and faith.

Typically, St. Patrick’s Day is seen as an occasion filled with revelry, but it can present challenges among individuals in recovery, as it may evoke memories or temptations associated with alcohol consumption. To help counteract these challenges, Sober St. Patrick’s Day promotes healthy alternatives, offering nonalcoholic beverages, Irish music, dancing, and fun at various venues around town. The family-friendly events let patrons, including children, enjoy experiences beyond pub crawls.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day organizers invited representatives from The Salvation Army’s ARC and various other groups to march behind their banner in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Captain Daniel Gonzalez, administrator of the Manhattan ARC, brought eight soldiers with him to participate. “We were near the end of the procession, but it was still a great experience,” he said. He noticed “lively but respectful” young men marching alongside them who seemed to be beneficiaries from Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

The group was intent on spreading messages of sobriety along the parade route.

“We expected people to respond differently — perhaps with laughter or drunken antics — but instead, many became emotional as we passed by,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of individuals were tapping their hearts or making prayer gestures in honor of what we represented.

“I believe some of this reaction was due to our presence as soldiers in uniform while marching for sobriety and recovery awareness. The connection between the Army and this group is what made it all happen.”

Rebecca L. Smith, divisional director of philanthropy for the Army’s Greater New York DHQ, was instrumental in arranging the partnership. She offered a hopeful forecast for the future, saying, “Sober St. Patrick’s Day would also like us to get more involved in upcoming events.”

The soldiers are as follows: