Hope Not Handcuffs seeks clergy support

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MID-HUDSON – Hope Not Handcuffs, a volunteer organization that partners with police departments to provide assistance to low-level drug offenders, intervening to promote and facilitate treatment to individuals, rather than having them arrested, is encouraging area members of clergy to become involved in the program, provide input and spread awareness of it throughout their communities.

The organization provides facilitation to mostly inpatient treatment for opioid and street drug addled individuals, but they will work with all individuals suffering from any substance abuse issues.

Their representatives, called ‘angels,’ respond to low level drug arrests at participating police departments and meet with the individuals in an effort to persuade them to undergo treatment.

Program Director Annette Kahrs said many of their angels have clinical and medical backgrounds; however, they do not operate in this capacity, which was a concern from faith leaders. Kahrs assured they are explicitly a support system for addicts.

“Our angels are physicians, they’re nurses, they’re teachers, they’re counselors from all walks of life and we always say it’s an amazing thing that you do that for a living, but for this, we just want you to take off that hat and just be a neighbor, a friend and hold somebody’s hand and say, ‘We love you. You’re doing the right thing,’ however it works organically,” said Kahrs.

Although Hope Not Handcuffs has worked with police departments as a pilot and beyond for years, Kahrs said she believes not many people are aware of the service and that’s where they need the help of the local faith-based communities.

“I think a lot of people don’t still know about the program – the people who need it,” said Kahrs. “So, you can let your communities know. Maybe that’s in a bulletin. Maybe, that’s having one of our fliers around your church. Maybe, it’s talking about it when you have your announcements. That’s up to you and letting people know that Hope Not Handcuffs is here and that they can call our number and we will get them the help that they need,” she said.

Currently, 30 pastors from the Christian Ministerial Fellowship in Newburgh are working with the city’s police department to bring the program to their city. It is one instance of Kahrs’ point that participation of faith-based communities are major assets to the success of the program.

Those who would like to volunteer to become angels, or learn more about the program, are encouraged to visit the website www.tccpartnership.org. Angel candidates must submit to a background check and individuals seeking treatment must have some form of ID and medical insurance information.




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