RICAREs Honors Dale K. Klatzker
Providence (May 19, 2010) Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery (RICAREs) honored The Providence Center President/CEO Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D. as Advocate of the Year during RICAREs 11th Annual Legislative Day at the State House on May 19. Klatzker received the Advocate of the Year award for making recovery a priority at the Providence Center by supporting the implementation of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care in all Providence Center programs. In the last year, Klatzker has begun the process of creating a Recovery High School, a safe, sober environment where teens in recovery learn to maintain recovery while succeeding academically, and Rhode Island’s first Recovery Community Center, a place where people in recovery support each other through a wide variety of services provided by people in recovery.
“By developing programs that keep people engaged in recovery and emphasizing the right level of care at the right time for each person, The Providence Center has created a Recovery Oriented System of Care that keeps people engaged and in the driver’s seat of their own recovery,” said Ian Knowles, Director of RICAREs.
“This award is more meaningful than any award I have received because it comes from you, the consumers,” said Klatzker.
Klatzker recognized individuals in recovery for their strength and perseverance. “When I think of you, these words come to mind: tough, brave, gutsy, spirited, plucky, audacious, courageous, durable, strong, hardy, buoyant, resilient, heroic. We are all in recovery from something, and I am committed to creating a community that supports your journey.”
“The Providence Center provides recovery services that are second to none,” said Director of MHRH Craig Stenning in his remarks to the crowd of people in recovery, legislators and providers.
Other speakers included RICAREs board member Leslie Miller, Bruce Reilly of Direct Action for Rights and Equality, and Sol Rodriguez, Executive Director of Open Doors. RICAREs also honored Rep. Scott Slater as RI State Legislator of the Year and Sen. Charles Levesque as RI State Senator of the Year. Following the speaking program, guests were invited to observe the House and Senate sessions and speak with their local representatives and senators.
The Providence Center annually serves over 10,000 adults, children and adolescents experiencing mental illness, addiction and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral health care system, offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services. For more information call 276-4020.