New center hopes to help people suffering from addiction

ST.JOSEPH, Mich. – A new center opening in Berrien County says it’s focused on helping people suffering from addiction navigate the services they need for recovery.

Carol’s Hope is one of three engagement centers in Michigan.

Engagement centers are described as a connective piece in the recovery process.

For example, when a person suffering from addiction has an emergency like a drug overdose and ends up in the hospital, an engagement center comes in and connects the addict to services and programs that he or she may need.

Engagement centers also help people stay on track during gap periods. Experts at Carol’s Hope say often there’s a wait time between when a person says they want to make a change and that person actually gets the help they need. While it might only be a few days, experts say because addiction is so powerful, the gap period is usually enough time for addicts to go back using.

“Carol’s Hope will take them in, get them a shower, get them stabilized, and connect them to the next place that can help them on their road to recovery,” said Carol’s Hope advisory board member Denise Peters.

Carol’s Hope is open to anyone 18 years and older with or without insurance. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The organization says it will eventually expand to 23 hours a day, seven days a week.

St. Joseph grandmother, Carol Stockman, created Carol’s Hope after her grandson died from a heroin addiction.

The organization says they want to reduce addictions stigma.

“If you suffer from addiction, you need to get help and this is a place to get help and take away that stigma and actually connect  you with the resources and the information that you need to start your road to recovery to get some information and some support,” said Peters.

From noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, there will be a ribbon cutting and open house. Carol’s Hope is located at 4032 M 139 Saint Joseph, Michigan.