TROSA AN EFFECTIVE PATH TO SOBRIETY FOR ADDICTS

My applause to Carl Kenney for bringing the devastating nature of substance
abuse to our attention through his successive Sunday columns. We as
community members need to deepen our understanding of this debilitating
disease. I agree with Pastor Kenney that a single approach to substance
abuse treatment does not work for everyone; each individual needs a program
that fits his or her needs.

Where I differ with Pastor Kenney is his characterization of TROSA. In
2002, I was commissioned by the Ford Foundation and New York University to
conduct in-depth documentary research at TROSA. I learned that the TROSA
community provides a great deal of counseling, acceptance and love to its
residents.

Through sharing their life stories with others, residents learn about the
"root causes" of substance abuse and work to face their personal issues as
the first step toward their new, clean and sober lives. TROSA's businesses,
through which residents learn a solid work ethic and valuable vocational
skills, enable the organization to provide food, clothing, housing and
counseling to residents for free.

TROSA also provides extensive educational opportunities, from basic
literacy and GED preparation courses to college scholarships. Graduates of
TROSA's two-year program may opt to live in TROSA housing and receive
ongoing counseling and support from other sober individuals. Many residents
choose to participate in Durham's faith communities while they live and
work at TROSA and their choices are supported and encouraged. I agree with
Pastor Kenney that faith can be an important component to recovery.

I hope that Durham chooses to support many approaches to recovery and the
good work of organizations like TROSA.

The writer is Community Programs Director for the Center for Documentary
Studies.

BARBARA LAU

Durham