TRR photo by David Hulse Two of the current clients’ children are pictured, with a nursery aide, at the newly opened residential facility in Barryville. One of New Hope’s unique program differences is that mothers and children are not separated. (Click for larger image)

New Hope Manor expands

By DAVID HULSE

BARRYVILLE — State and county officials joined the staff of the New Hope Manor Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program for women in Barryville on June 21 to officially open the facilities’ new client residence building.

With the opening of the bright and airy new building overlooking the Delaware River, Executive Director Nicholas Roes said the program is now able to accommodate 40 women and up to 16 babies. New Hope’s acceptance of pregnant women and mothers with children is one of the 32-year-old program’s most unique aspects.

New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services funding of some $4 million covered construction of the building and a new water treatment plant for the Hillside Road campus.

	TRR photo by David Hulse A new $4 million residential building was dedicated on June 21 at the New Hope Manor Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program for women in Barryville. (Click for larger image)

Of the testimonials about New Hope, the most telling was that of Kendra Greco of Monticello, who came to New Hope seven and half months pregnant, a convicted felon and probation violator in 1998. “I didn’t think I needed treatment. I was a felon and a liar, but in reality, I was totally out of control of my life,” she said.

She regained control and gave birth to her son Jason at New Hope. Last week, her husband, Michael, held Jason, now 2, as he videotaped his wife’s remarks.

“Today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been. I’ve been employed full-time as a legal secretary since January of 2000, a student at Marist since December of 2000 and currently on the Dean’s List.” She’s working for a Masters of Business Administration and is also an advocate for abused children with the Sullivan County Family Court.

“People look at me today and see a legal secretary, a college student, a good mother and wife, and someone who will go out of her way to help others… New Hope has been a big part of my life,” she said.