FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Deciding to offer a collegiate recovery program on Sacred Heart University’s campus was an easy yes for administrators. The program incorporates the University’s core values, brings its mission statement to life and, most importantly, saves lives and gives life.
Bill Mitchell, SHU trustee, began to develop the idea for this program more than a year ago. After fundraising, brainstorming and some revisions, the SHU Collegiate Recovery Program officially launched this fall. An opening celebration took place in the program’s newly revamped lounge space in the Main Academic Building, with local politicians, nonprofit representatives and community members attending.
The first 12-step meeting took place at the lounge just a few weeks ago and, in coming weeks, the program also will offer meditation and yoga classes and more support group meetings. Even more critically, the program offers fellowship.
James Cafran ’19 is recovery coordinator for the program and three years sober. He said he is proud and excited to lead the program and help students during their college career.
“This initiative, and the lounge specifically, is where students can meet other students in similar situations. They can just hang out and talk. It’s all about knowing someone who has been through or who is going through what you are. Whether they’re talking about being sober, or sports or whatever, it’s about having that bond and feeling comfortable,” Cafran said.
The lounge, former home to the University’s IT department, was renovated over the summer. Tables and chairs replaced a reception desk. There’s a TV for students to gather around. A large conference room serves as a meeting place for the 12-step program. The lounge typically is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., but students who register for the program can go to the lounge off hours if they find themselves in a bad situation. Cafran said when students join the program, Public Safety can give their key cards access to the lounge so they always have a safe place to go.
Cafran said students who are struggling with addiction, simply curious about the program or even seeking out information for a friend can call or email him at any time. He said they can meet up, chat and figure out the next steps. Cafran stressed that he’s not in a position to judge or reprimand students; he’s there to support and guide.
“Everything is confidential,” he said. “They can contact me, inquire about the program and maintain their anonymity. I’m not going to tell anyone.”
The University has partnered with the Progressive Institute in Shelton — a nonprofit organization that specializes in treating mental health and substance abuse issues — to carry out some aspects of the program. Cafran said the institute will provide all the clinical services for students struggling with addiction.
“We’ll be able to assess each student, see what their needs are, their diagnosis. We’ll see where their stressors are, their strengths, and work with Sacred Heart to offer individual therapy, group therapy and other services that promote wellness and recovery,” said Liz Modugno, clinical director at the Progressive Institute.
With the Progressive Institute providing clinical services and treatment, the lounge and its on-campus offerings will ensure students stay on track with their education and extracurricular activities. “If you do this now, if you get sober now, at such a young age, your whole life is ahead of you,” Cafran said.
With the recovery program underway, University officials are looking to set up recovering housing for students in the program, as well.
For more information about the recovery program, visit https://www.sacredheart.edu/officesservices/collegiaterecoveryprogram/.
PHOTO: Sacred Heart University Trustee Bill Mitchell, left, and Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator James Cafran, right, speak with State Senator Tony Hwang at the recovery lounge open house in September. Photo by Tracy Deer-Mirek 2019
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About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 Colleges–2020 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best 252 Business Schools–2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu