NORWICH — Recently, The Turning Point, Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others (FOR-DO) celebrated their four year anniversary with scores of community members attending to support the program in a special celebration of hope.

The event showcased accomplishments for the program while addressing concerns for the programs’ future as their federal funding expires at the end of June, possibly bringing a loss of resources and downsizing of staff.

With high hopes to continue providing services to individuals with addictive disorders, Turning Point Executive Director Debra Berrios previously approached the City of Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey and other officials over many months in support of finding additional funding.

“The City of Norwich has continued to work with our federal and state officials to advocate for any additional available dollars that can assist FOR-DO in keeping their location open here in Chenango County,” said Jeffrey.

“This location is really important to help end addiction in Chenango County as it helps close crucial service gaps for those in our community who are looking for recovery,” he added.

Berrios remained positive during the celebration and welcomed the packed room of officials, volunteers, employees, business owners and friends.

“First of all, it’s wonderful that we’re here and it’s a fantastic event,” said Berrios. “A lot of community people have showed up in support of us and want us to stay here,”

She pointed to the total fundraising, now exceeding $90,500 and said additional support is needed to remain available to Chenango County and they are hopeful the community will embrace  them and keep them here to serve those  struggling with addiction.

“We have now acquired $90,500 toward our ultimate goal of $150,000 for this year,” she said, noting they are more than halfway to their goal and the funding so far, will keep them up and running until the end of the year.

“We’re very grateful and hope to make our goal by the end of December, only time will tell,” Berrios continued. “If we don’t make the goal, we could stay here on a smaller scale, but we don’t want to even think of that because it would mean some people may not get the help they need.”

“We’re also very excited the mayor is here and a representative from the governor,” said Berrios. “Other community stake holders have come forward and said they also want to give us support.”

She said additional people and local businesses wrote checks, adding, “They were throwing thousands of dollars at us, because they know I need the help, and so do they.”

Berrios thanked the Community Foundation of South Central NY for awarding them $25,000 towards operating costs and a Food/Nutrition program for the Norwich Center.

She also thanked the RC Smith Foundation for its overwhelming generosity since their inception, and said they have continued to help support them with a total award of $100,000.

Additionally, Berrios was thankful for the award of $14,400 from Fidelis Care 2026 Behavioral grant for the center’s operating support.

She offered gratitude to Congressman Josh Riley’s Director of Community Affairs, Faith Vavra, Mayor Robert Jeffrey, Alderman David Zieno and Jim McNeil for their advocacy  and support.

Berrios said their next steps will be to apply to additional federal opportunities  which are forecasted to be posted within the next few weeks as well as continue  to work with local community stakeholders to present their need for critical funding at the local level.

Turning Point provides recovery support services to help initiate long-term recovery and prevent re-occurrence by building recovery capital, demonstrating hope, inviting all to participate, promoting volunteerism, and creating public awareness.

According to the FOR-DO website, FOR-DO is a grassroots addiction recovery community organization by, about, and for individuals and families in recovery from addictive disorders.

They envision a world where recovery from addictions is supported and celebrated as a common reality.

For additional information or to donate to Turning Point, FOR-DO, visit their website at www.for-do.org/turning-point-norwich/.