Work of Visions program in Albion recognized

The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) awarded the Visions Program of Rural Opportunities, Inc. (ROI) its Caring Community Award at the Fourth Annual GCasa Awards Dinner at the Genesee Community College Forum.

Visions is a transitional housing and supportive services program that serves individuals and families who are homeless. The residents live at the Visions center for up to two years while they are working to obtain permanent housing, increase their skills and/or income, and achieve greater self-determination. GCASA has worked with many of the residents of the program to help them with substance abuse issues. Prior to its opening in February 2002, the only option available to individuals was tenement housing with shared living space. Frequently people in recovery were living with roommates who used drugs openly. The Visions program of ROI has created a safe and encouraging place for recovering addicts to live.

One of the factors making Visions successful is the services that other agencies provide. Call ROI staff member Eric Shoen at 585-340-3334 for information about the programs.