Help is Here
partners to educate people and share his story. For those who are not ready to take the step to sobriety, he gives them ‘harm reduction’ information, such as a needle exchange program. Raymond adds that regarding ‘harm reduction’ clients need “somebody who is patient with you until you are ready to make that leap. Because for a lot of people, it’s a leap.” “One of the wonderful things about STAND Inc. is that we focus on a broad range of recovery.” Raymond explains that it’s not just about alcohol and substance abuse but also mental health, domestic violence, recovering from the pandemic, grief therapy, and more. “And if we don't have what they need, we don't say, ‘Oh, we don't do that; goodbye.’ We say, ‘Have a seat; let me get you a coffee. . . and connect you to those people,’ and do a warm handoff. So many people say no to you; it feels so good when someone says yes. That helps a great deal. My focus is always on saving lives in any way I can. Saving lives is very important. I’m just here doing what I can do to provide services to the community and to change the landscape to something healthier.”
Raymond Duke: PROJECT CONNECT COORDINATOR
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