Passaic County Council celebrates 25 years on May 25 by Jordan Schwartz
The Passaic County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention celebrates its 25th anniversary on May 25, and it may never have been more needed than right now.
During these difficult economic times, more and more people are turning to drugs and alcohol to escape their problems, but the Council can help.
Located in the Clifton Municipal Complex at 880 Clifton Ave., the Council is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides information, assessment and referral.
It offers alcohol, tobacco and other drug education, an Employee Assistance Program, public policy and legislative information, and National Intervention Network Services.
“The supply of drugs is always going to be there,” said Executive Director Father Alan F. Savitt, 61, a Catholic priest from the Paterson Diocese. “The change is going to come if you can impact the demand.”
Savitt believes his group can do that with informational programs such as the Underage Drinking Initiative and the Strengthening Families Program (more information at passaiccountycouncil.org).
Drug and alcohol addiction problems are often hereditary—something the executive director knows all too well.
“I was personally affected by growing up in an alcoholic family system,” said the lifelong Cliftonite. “You saw all the consequences of alcoholism and addiction.” Savitt’s father died at the age of 53 from liver cancer as a result of his heavy drinking. The priest’s younger brother passed away at age 51 for the same reason.
Their mother’s life ended in November 1996 due to Stage 4 Lymphoma, but Savitt thinks the disease was caused by her co-dependency. “It’s just as insidious and serious as other addictions,” Savitt said of the issues related to alcoholism.
Savitt himself began drinking when he was just eight years old, but was able to kick the habit at 28. Less than a decade later, the priest helped found the Council and began what would be his avocation in a 200 sq. ft. trailer near City Hall.
After renovating a historic building on the property, the Council moved to its permanent headquarters and Sister Pauline Kuntne joined as Director of Prevention Services.
“We’re the only Council with a Catholic priest and a nun on the staff and we’re both recovering addicts,” said Savitt. “We’ve been given a gift that we want to give away.”
Since its beginnings in 1984, the non-profit has faced several challenges. Back then, many in Clifton believed drugs and alcohol were problems in just neighboring Passaic and Paterson and didn’t think a center needed to be located in town. After some convincing, the Council was opened, but it has struggled with getting financial support ever since.
The Council receives grant money from the State Department of Health, as well as corporate donations, but those have decreased recently due to the recession.
County funding dried up in 1999, and as a result, the Council was almost forced to close.
“There has been a progressive need for services which we’re stretched to meet because of funding,” said Savitt. “Some Councils like down in Monmouth County, have 15 staff members and a $1.5 million budget. Ours is around $400,000.”
The executive director would like to see that total doubled in order to meet pressing needs, among the most needed is restoring the exterior of the century-old building.
But the focus right now is preparing for the 25th anniversary which is scheduled for 7 to 9 pm on May 19 at the Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson. To pull it all together, Savitt is knocking on a lot of doors and going through his old rolodex to bring in some heavy hitters. For instance, the keynote speaker will be WABC-TV Sports Director and Anchor Scott Clark.
Others scheduled to attend include Gerard McAleer, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division Special Agent in Charge; Dr. Robert Zlotnick, President, New Jersey Prevention Network; and Robert J. Lindsey, President and CEO, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
Tickets are a $50 donation and checks should be made payable to Passaic County Council. Reserve by May 15 by calling Savitt at 973-473-3366 ext. 105.
People from all walks of life are invited to support the event, because everyone can be affected by drugs and drinking. “Alcoholism and other addictions are equal opportunity, non-discriminatory diseases,” concluded Savitt.
