Fr. Joe's Easter Greetings to You in the latest Kripa newsletter

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Newsdesk




 

Congratulating Ms. Joba Guha of Kripa Kolkata on receiving an award.

All Media Persons' Welfare Association & South 24-Parganas Journalists' Association jointly organised the 10 th award ceremony in which journalists and people from different walks of life were awarded. Aroop Biswas, Bengal Housing Minister inaugurated the programme, while Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee was the chief guest and Madan Mitra, Transport & Sports minister was the guest of honour. 

Ms. Joba Guha Program Director of  Kripa Foundation North Eastern Region recieved an award for outstandinf work in social work at the hands of Hon'ble Minister for Youth Affairs Mr. Arup Biswas.

Fr. Joe H Pereira Founder Managing Trustee Kripa Foundation and the entire Kripa Family congratulate Ms. Joba Guha for this achievement.

Submitted by
Sandeep Mitra
Kripa Kolkata

Women' meet at Kripa Pune

Kripa Pune conducts Sahachari Women’s meet programme at regular intervals. This year, Women Day was commemorated with the Sahachari group on 23^rd March 2013. Around 60 women of the Al-Anon group as well as the families of the Ex-clients and In-house clients attended the programme for discussion, sharing and interaction at the centre.

The programme concluded  with and plans for the next meeting to be conducted. Refreshments were served to all who attended.

 

Submitted & Collage by

Mozen H

An awareness by Kripa at a programme organized by Vasai Janhit, on “Empowerment of Women through Self Help Groups”.

On 21^st March 2013, the resource team from Kripa Counseling centre at Bahare, Dahanu conducted an awareness programme, organized by Vasai Janhit, on “Empowerment of Women through Self Help Groups”.

More than 100 female participants benefited from the  information on Addiction and alcohol abuse and the de-addiction facility available A separate arrangement was made to answer the queries and to distribute information brochures and leaflets. The response of the participants was clearly indicative of spread of substance abuse in tribal area and need for providing recovery facilities. Most of the target audience was happy about the initiative of the new centre of Kripa, operating in Dahanu, which is very beneficial to the adivasi tribal population.

They also expressed the need for conducting more such program in the tribal community in the vicinity in the near. The programme concluded with Tribal dances as part of entertainment.

Submitted & Collage

Mozen H

Festival of colors at Kripa Bandra

Patients and staff at Kripa Foundation's rehabilitation centre in Bandra (West), Mumbai, celebrated Holi, the festival of colors- with great fervor, on March 27, 2013. Patients from all walks of life and various faiths joined hands to participate in these celebrations, which are traditionally held to welcome the onset of the summer season in India. Participants splashed one-another with water and colours, a common Holi tradition. Kripa Bandra ensured that all colors used during these celebrations were eco-friendly and non-hazardous to humans, as part of its social commitments to preserve the environment and follow healthy practices. Father Joseph H. Pereira, Founder and Managing Trustee, Kripa Foundation, in his message to patients and staff said, such celebrations are ample proof that all festivals can be enjoyed in a spirit of amity without resorting to substances such as drugs and alcohol. Patients and staff later enjoyed a special Holi lunch, including traditional sweets

Submitted by
Aashwin Honawar
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Newsdesk

Fr. Joe conducts Intense Yoga Workshop for Women from Canada

 

 

 

 

For the second year in sucession  Fr. Joe brings his wonderful knowledge and teachings of Iyengar yoga to a small Canadian yoga group of students from non-Iyengar tradtition. These were woman  who wanted to discover India and experience the real yoga world of B.K.S Iyengar  Father Joe' eyes and expertise. And like he says: " yoga is not a work-out but a work-in." and thats excactly what he taught us for the next four days.

 

As the group put  it " We were blessed to receive his teachings. Many of us got transformed by this trip and the true teachings of Father Joe on practice of Iyengar Yoga " As one of the particpants said

 " At least now I know how to put the yoga belt to good use."

 

This small group consisted of Julie Charro, France Paquette, Nadine Landry, Sonia Leveille, Jocelyne Ashby from Canada along with particpants Miriam Batliwala,Mieko Hashide.

At the workshop we also got an oppurtunity to meet  a wonderful and terrific woman, Miriam Batliwala (lovingly called Mimi) who was so inspiring to all of us.

Doing yoga at the beautiful yoga studio at the Aashyana Lakhanpal with natural and sereine surrondings was a unique experience to be with in touch with nature.

 

 Indeed these four days of yoga retreat with Father Joe was a great an honor and priviledge  erish for a long time to come. Looking forward for the next yoga retreat with Fr. Joe in the near future.

Shanti.

Submitted by
 Louise Michuad
 Canada

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Awareness programme on addiction & HIV for General population by Kripa and VRACS team in Vasai

On 26^th March 2013, Kripa Vasai conducted an Awareness Programme at Bus Depot, Parnaka, Vasai West. Banners and Posters were well displayed and the team went around distributing pamphlets and giving information to those who wished to avail of it.

The members of the general community had a positive interaction with the staff and also promised to refer their family members and friends for treatment to the centre.

Submitted & Collage by
Mozen H
Kripa Vasai

Awareness at Aishabai College of Education of Fazlani Foundation

 

 

 

Kripa Mumbai was invited to conduct a training workshop on ‘Addiction Management’ in Municipal Schools by Aishabai College of Education of Fazlani Foundation, Aishabai & Haji Abdul Latif Charitable Trust and South Bombay Public Charitable Trust, Byculla to a group of 15 school counselors/psychologists, on 08^th and 09^th March 2013.

 

The participants were trained in topics like Addiction; disease concept, different stages, warning signs, methodology to effectively manage and deal with substance abuse cases in school settings, early identification and establishing appropriate referral systems for treatment.

 

Common drugs of abuse and preventative measures were also explained to the participants. The workshop was made participative and interactive using modalities like case studies, group discussions and presentations.  

 

The participants gave a good feedback stating that it had helped enhance their knowledge and understanding about the disease and how to manage it sensitively. The also expressed their interest in collaborating with Kripa Foundation to design training modules which could be integrated in the education curriculum of the Municipal schools for the next academic year.

Awareness Program by VRACS & Kripa Vasai Staff in the famous Village market- Papdy, Vasai

Awareness Programme at Vasai

In accordance with repeated requests from local leaders and well-wishers of the area, the staff of Vasai conducted an Awareness Programme at on 22^nd March 2013 at Papdy Market; during peak hours. The team went around interacting with passersby’s and shop-keepers; continuously giving information on the organization; its activities and services and distributing pamphlets.

It was proposed to do this every Friday, the weekly market place of Papdy village, Vasai, and with skits and street plays.

 

Submitted and collage by

Mozen H

Fr. Joe awarded the Sr. Annunciata RGS Pro-life Award at the hands of Rt. Rev. Bishop Agnelo Gracias- Auxillary Bishop of Bombay

Every year, the Diocesan Human Life Committe gives away two awards, "The Sr. Annunciata Pro-life award " and " The Lily and Rose Award"  to those individuals /institutions who have worked for the cause of Life.

Today 23rd  March 2013, these awards were given at a  function well organised by the office bearers of DHLC, which included Fr. Cajetan Menezes Managing Trustee of Snehalaya Family Service Centre, Mahim, Mumbai. This event was held  at  St. Joseph convent hall, Bandra, Mumbai. The program started with a traditional Indian prayer dance song done by students and staff of St. Joseph Convent.

 Fr. Joe was invited to the stage and the award was presented to him by Rt. Rev Bishop Agnelo Gracias Auxillary Bishop of Bombay amongst a loud applause by the house packed gathering.

Fr. Joe in his short address to the gathering thanked God, his parents ( late) Hilary and Martha Pereira, Mother church, all those who  contribute in helping him reach out the the addict and People Livng with HIV/AIDS. He specially thanked his staff whom he calls "Wounded Healers" The Kripa film 'Gods Grace" was screened which again received a thunderous applause viewing the work that Fr. Joe does to help mankind.

The Lily and Rose award was given to Perpetual Succour Home for the aged, Andheri.The home later conducted a cultural programme with some senior citizens from there home, the dance act was appricated by one and  all.

A birthday song was sung for Dr. Anthony Sequeira the brother of Sr. Annuncita, however on doctors advise he could not attend the function due to a surgery. A cake was cut on his behalf by his daughter Dr. Priya Pinto who read out a message from her father. The mesaage thanked the organisers for their kindness , Congatulated and  praised Fr. Joe' work that he does to improve the lives of the addicts and their families. In Dr  Anthony Sequiera' word " A fitting reward to Fr. Joe"

During a short intermissi snacks and tea were served to all who attended the programme. It was very touching to see Bishop Angnelo go around auditoruim, greeting each and individual at their seat.

The program ended with a final Prayer and blessing by Rt. Rev. Bishop Agnelo Gracias.

Submitted & Collage

Newsdesk







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Orientation Programme for Armed Forces Medical College students at Kripa Pune

Orientation Programme for Students

On 16^thMarch 2013, students of the Armed Forces Medical College visited Kripa Pune for an Orientation Programme.

The staff spoke on the Kripa Model of Recovery, Therapies and Activities of the organization. An In-house client shared his life story followed by queries from the students about Addiction and its related topics. They also interacted with clients of the centre. After the session, the students were conducted on a tour of the centre

Submitted by

Kripa Pune

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Mozen H

Kripa holds an Awareness - at th e New Anyava De-Addiction Centre in New Mumbai Municipal Hospital

 

 

The event was conducted at the New Mumbai Municipal Hospital at the Anyava De-Addiction Centre, which is run by the New Mumbai municipality.

 

The Kripa team was welcomed by Dr. Ajit Magdum, Director, Anvaya Deaddiction Centre, Vaishali Magdum, Professor and Secretary, Stri Mukti Sanghatna, Navi Mumbai and around 50 persons including patients, alcoholics and drug addicts, their relatives and social workers of the hospital. Two AA members, Dharam and Jaywant, also spoke at the program. The Rotary Club of Millennium City chairman Vijay Kulkarni, President, Rajan Pannikar and Reliance India's senior staff, Suresh Babu, also attended the event.

 

The Kripa Bandra Team which conducted the program included Mr. Vijay Pujari, Mr. Rohan Solomon and one recovering addict Gregory. They spoke about the Kripa Model of Recovery, the disease of addiction, how Kripa helps and counsels addicts to undergo recovery, sharing by recovering addicts and a question-answer session for about 30 minutes.

Many families inquired with the Kripa Bandra staff about admitting their affected relatives for the rehab program. The Kripa Team also gave away brochures and pamphlets as well monthly newsletters to the attendees and others.

 

The event lasted for about 2 hours and evoked an excellent response from the organizers and attendees, who asked the Kripa Team to conduct more such events for the benefit of Navi Mumbai residents. They called upon Kripa Foundation to open a complete detox and rehab centre in New Mumbai. The Rotary Club and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation have pledged to extend all help to Kripa to open a complete detox and rehab centre in New Mumbai.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honavar

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Newsdesk

Seminar for NGO' by Vasai Janhit and Kripa Foundation in Vasai

Seminar on ‘Management’

 

A One Day Seminar on ‘Management’ was organized by Vasai Janhit and Kripa Foundation for representatives of various NGOs/Trust in Vasai, on 16^th March 2013 at Kripa Vasai, under the theme, ‘Taking Our Trust / NGOs to Greater Heights.

 

The key speaker was, Mr. Conrad Saldanha who spoke on Development Issues, Initiatives, Performance Appraisal, Competency Development and the like. The response was overwhelming and the participants gave their feedback and plans were outlined for the betterment of their organizations. It was proposed to continue these seminars on a quarterly basis.

Submitted by

Mozen H

Kripa's presence at Shetkari (Farmers) Sangh (gathering) in Dahanu- Maharashtra

In an effort to keep the association with the Shetkari Sangh Club and activities ongoing with them, the resource team of Kripa Dahanu Counselling Centre conducted an Awareness program. On occasion of the tribunal celebration on 7th March 2013, the resource team conducted program at Ambesari in collaboration with Vasai Janhit Sangh.  The program was targeted at the youths, farmers and women from Adivasi tribal community in and around Ambesari.

 

The program was focused on overview of addiction and HIV / AIDS. Life experiences sharing of Kripa resource team during program added different dimension to it and was well received by the target audience. Many prominent personalities including Director of Vasai Janhit Sangh and Chairmans of three different  Shetkari Sangh ( Farmers’ Club) from Ambesari, Ghadane and Nagzari villages were present on the occasion and extended their cooperation.

Submitted and collage by

Mozen H

Orientation Programme for college students from Chennai by Kripa Mangalore

Orientation Programme for Students

 

51 Students from Madras Christian College from Chennai visited Kripa Mangalore on 20^th February 2013 to gain first hand information on the working of a Rehabilitation centre.

 

The staff put in a series of topics on the issues of concern of Drug Addiction and HIV AIDS that met with approval by all present. They listened with rapt attention to staff sharing their life experiences and the ruin caused to them by Alcohol and Drugs. The programme ended with a question-answer session and interaction with clients of the centre.

Submitted 

Mozen H

Awareness for College Students by Kripa Mangalore

Awareness for College Students

On 02^nd March 2013, Kripa Mangalore conducted an awareness programme for 35 students of Canara College. Informative sessions on the progressive nature of the disease, focus on healthy living and changes in life style consisted of the programme. Testimony by staff enabled the students to perceive the dangers of a life full of drug use and addiction.

A power point on Drug use and other related topics was much appreciated. The students posed a lot of queries that was successfully answered by the resource team.

 

Submitted and collage by

Mozen H

Breaking the shackles of addiction : A unique programme initiated by Dr Jayadev Sarangi I.A.S. Inspector General of Prison, Govt. Of Goa and Fr. Joe for prison inmates in Goa

March 16^th 2013 will go down in history as a red letter day in the lives of inmates in three different jails in the state of Goa. A unique model created to have corrective measures to reform drug addicts in any of these jails

An initiative by Fr. Joe H Pereira, Founder Managing Trustee of Kripa Foundation,  was well appreciated and accepted by the dynamic man with a vision Dr. Jayadev Sarangi  I.A.S. Inspector General of Prisons, Government of Goa.

This unique programme will consist of sensitization of the Jail staff, programmes of  awareness on the harmful effects of addiction, counseling, detoxification, rehabilitation and vocational guidance based on the Kripa Model of Recovery with the help of the 12 step programme of AA/NA inside the jail premises.

Initially the programme will be introduced in  jails of Vasco, Aquada and Mapusca in Goa. 

 Fr. Joe signed the MOU with three jail superintendents in Goa, and  personally met Dr Sarangi and thanked him for entrusting Kripa with this unique model  induction and  assured Dr. Sarangi  of all his support in his journey to help clean addicts in the jails of Goa.

 Fr. Joe was accompanied by Ebrahim Haroon of Goa.

Submitted and collage by

Newsdesk

Orientation Programme for Students of Tourism by Kripa Goa

Orientation Programme for Students of Tourism

Kripa Goa conducted an Orientation cum Exposure Programme for 19 students of Travel & Tourism, St. Xavier’s College on 13^th March 2013.

A brief introduction of Kripa Foundation; activities and services, and its model of treatment were given by the staff. The daily activities of the programme were also explained to them. The programme concluded with a testimony by In-house clients and screening of the film, ‘God’s Grace’.

 

Submitted and collage by

Mozen H

Orientation programme for Navjeevan School of Nursing students at Kripa Vasai

 

 

 

 

As part of their curriculum course, 40 students from Navjeevan School of Nursing, Shahapur visited Kripa Vasai for an Orientation Programme on 13^th March 2013.

The students who will be doing project work in the field of Addiction and HIV AIDS; Care and Support, Detoxification process, needed to understand the recovery process in a rehabilitation centre. The staff facilitated the programme and adequate information was given to them. The Kripa film, ‘God’s Grace’ was screened which concluded with a testimony and a question-answer session.

The students assured Kripa, to refer the organization in their area that is prevalent in addiction and has poor resources available for Rehabilitation programme.

Submitted and Collage by
Mozen H

Awareness programme by Kripa Pune at Shirke Group Companies

 

 

 

Awareness Programme at Shirke (Siporex) Group of Companies

As part of the Employee Assistance Programme, Kripa Pune conducted an outreach to the workers of Shirke Group of Companies on 05^th March 2013.

The team spoke on disease of addiction; its progression, and Kripa Model of Recovery. There was great response from the workers who showed their interest by raising queries.

An employee of the company, who quit addiction having being present at an earlier outreach programme by Kripa, gave his testimony to those present. He spoke on how the resource team made an impact on him and brought changes in his life. Another highlight of the outreach programmes conducted, were that the employees have started Self-Help groups under guidance and planning by the team.

 

Submitted and Collage

Mozen H

Swedish Students visit Kripa Goa

16 Students, on an Exchange Programme from Chowgule College and Educational Institutes in Sweden visited Kripa Goa on 08^th March 2013.

They wanted to understand the rehabilitation process used for people with Substance Abuse. A brief introduction of Kripa Foundation since its inception, therapeutic sessions and daily activities were explained to them. The film, God’s Grace was screened followed by sharing of life experiences. A Swedish AA member who is a friend of Kripa gave his testimony

 

Submitted and Collage by

Mozen H

Orientation and Exposure Programme at Kripa Goa

 

16 Students, on an Exchange Programme from Chowgule College and Educational Institutes in Sweden visited Kripa Goa on 08^th March 2013.

They wanted to understand the rehabilitation process used for people with Substance Abuse. A brief introduction of Kripa Foundation since its inception, therapeutic sessions and daily activities were explained to them. The film, God’s Grace was screened followed by sharing of life experiences. A Swedish AA member who is a friend of Kripa gave his testimony.

 

Submitted and collage  by

Mozen H

Awareness programme for Nursing students by Kripa Dharavi

 

 

 

On 27^th February 2013, Kripa Dharavi conducted an Orientation Programme for 30 T.Y.Bsc Nursing Students of L.T. College at the centre itself.

Basic Information on Addiction and HIV AIDS were given to the students. They also spoke on the AA / NA Twelve step program, Kripa Model of Recovery and the therapeutic sessions conducted for the clients. Other topics touched on were, Safer Injecting Practices, Vein Care and Abscess Management, Oral Substitution and Needle Syring Exchange Programme of the NACO project running in Maharashtra .

 

 

Submitted

Kripa Dharavi

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Mozen H

 

Kripa Family Wishes Sister Teresa a Happy Birthday

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Breaking News... Kripa Vasai on Crime Patrol tonight.

Dear Kripa Family and Friends,

Kindly view the popular TV serial of Crime Patrol tonight at 11 pm with a repeat tomorrow. The serial is based of drug addictions and crime.

Regards

Newsdesk

Kripa Vasai conducts an awareness programme at a Lenten village Mass

God is the author of life. He has infused His own life in us so that we may live this life to its fullest and glorify Him. Keeping this in mind on 4^th March 2013, the Kripa Staff conducted an awareness programme for the people attending worship at fipcol. Indeed it was very fitting ambience as the people were well inclined to chip in the conference soon after their hearts and minds had been elevated to God in the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev Fr. Leo.

Mr. Sanjay Joshi, the main presenter of the programme began with the topic on addiction that initially starts as a small single dosage for relief and reinforcement once a week and then with gradual progression becomes a menace not only for the drinker but also for the whole family. Delightfully and with an alluring tone he expounded the various stages of addiction, the excruciating, agonising aftermath of it resulting in total delusion, existential void, petrifying loneliness, which in due course of time leads to insanity and death.

Nevertheless, in spite of the venomous sting of the disease coupled with the powerlessness of the victim, Mr. Sanjay also promised the bright hope of recovery for all those who are willing. He assured that it is ‘Kripa’ that promises hope against hope through its spectacular amalgamation and blending of East and West; a programme of Spirituality of the East combined with Science of West, helping the victim to re-establish his/her conscious contact with the Higher Power and thus facilitating the sufferer to regain his original dignity in which he is created by the Creator.  So, he invited the congregation saying when the sun has set and the light is gone; when the hopes are bleak and the night is on; one need not panic, for there is always ‘Kripa’ with its arms extended, waiting to embrace the victim lovingly. Mr. Sanjay was assisted by Mr. Jude who added colour to the event with power points, videos and music.

The presentation was marvellous, well appreciated and followed by variety of questions raised by audience which were answered to their satisfaction. We thank Fr. Leo who facilitated the event, the participants for their willingness and openness to listen, share and debate, Mr. Sanjay for his fabulous presentation and above all Fr. Joe Pereira who through his ‘Kripa’ has enthused and inspired us to walk in the right path that leads to recovery and life.            

Submitted by
Fr. Cyril D'Souza
Kripa Vasai

Kripa's presence at the inaugration of Shetkari Sangh Club ( Farmers Club) -Dahanu, Maharashtra, India

On 04^th March 2013, the Shetkari Sangh Club was inaugurated at Jain Mandir Trust, Ambesari. Many prominent local and religious leaders, social workers and farmers were present for the occasion.

Taking good opportunity of the occasion and on request of the organizing committee, the resource team of Kripa Dahanu Counselling Centre on behalf of Paraspada Youth Club presented the activities of Kripa Foundation, an overview on addiction and HIV AIDS. They also shared their life experiences and how the effect of the Kripa Model of Recovery made changes in their life. There was continuous distribution of Pamphlets to the Public.

Fr. Joe conducts an awareness program for more than 1000 trainee police force in Mumbai

On 28^th February 2013, Fr. Joe along with Kripa Dharavi conducted an Awareness Programme for around 1000 police personnel including officers, at Andheri Police Camp.

 

ACP Mr. Ghadge welcomed Fr. Joe Pereira and Dr. M.S. Menon by felicitating them. Fr. Joe spoke on yoga and meditation and the various types of ‘asanas’ that keep an individual physically and mentally active; much needed in such stressful times. He specified the importance of meditation to keep calm and in a peaceful frame of mind. He also spoke on Addiction and the Kripa Model of Recovery.

 

Dr. M.S. Menon spoke on the abuse of various substances; addiction as an illness and its effect on the self, family and society and presented the organization activities, facilities and extent of services in Addiction and HIV AIDS. He also spoke on Harm Reduction and other addiction related illness.

 

The Kripa staff Deepak and Rajan distributed Newsletter and other IEC materials.

 

The Vote of Thanks was given by ACP Mr. Ghadge and ACP Hemant Patil, who also presented the police activities conducted in the camp
Collage and writeup
Mozen H.

Orientation Programme by Kripa Vasai for CCDT- Dahisar

in accordance with a request from  CCDT, an organization that focus on health, education and vulnerability of children in the community, Kripa Vasai conducted an orientation programme for around 10 children and 2 staff on 04^th March 2013.

 

The participants were conducted on a tour of the centre; interacted with the staff, and explained the various facilities and services of the organization. A power point presentation on the various activities at Kripa Dharavi was shown. The team also spoke on the dangers of drugs used like inhalants and nicotine. Various therapies used in the Kripa Model of Recovery were discussed. They were also treated to songs as part of music therapy.

Submitted and Collage by

Mozen H

 

 

Kripa conducts a Workshop for Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

From 25^th to 27^th February 2013, Koshish (a TISS project) and NISD organized a 3 day residential workshop for the officials of Department of Women and Child Development, Maharashtra (Ministry of Women and Child Development), Government of India. These officials work with children, women and Beggary institutions. The theme for the workshop was 'Rehabilitation' and it aimed to discuss and deliberate various aspects of rehabilitation in the context of custodial populations. 

 

Kripa Mumbai was invited to conduct sessions on ‘Deaddiction – Issues and Challenges faced in Rehabilitation' and for a panel discussion on 'Issues and Challenges'. The resource person highlighted the fact that one of the biggest challenges faced in rehabilitation of the custodial population and otherwise is social stigma and discrimination. As addiction is a widely misunderstood disease, the people afflicted by it face extreme stigma, during their active addiction and even during recovery. Addicts who also have other discrediting problems attached to them like 'homelessness', 'poverty', 'being a minority', living with HIV/AIDS, or being a woman etc, are faced with even more stigma. The possible ways to address the challenges one face while dealing with addicts and treating them is to have appropriate referral systems established for the treatment of addiction and to exhibit a more tolerant and understanding attitude towards this population.

 

Speakers and workers from other areas of work were also invited for the same, like authorities working with elderly, prisoners etc.

 

The session was well-appreciated by the officials, as most were not aware of the 'disease concept' and the fact that timely and effective treatment could be beneficial. Kripa Foundation helpline numbers were disseminated to the audience.

 

Submitted by

Ms. Krishna Iyer

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Mozen H.

 

Fr. Joe conducts an FST Meeting for a huge gathering at Kripa Vasai

 

3^rd March, 2013, the monthly family meeting was being organised in ‘Kripa’, Vasai. The hall was packed to the full. Rev. Fr. Seraphinus welcomed the parents, relatives and friends of the in house patients. The internship students namely Mansi Parekh, Bhakti Chheda, Manisha Bagal, Kavita Mitalia, Shabnam Shaikh, Hiral Pandya interns of  Maniben Nanavati Women's College, Vile Parle, Mumbai studying MA in Counselling Psychology, spoke about the imperative mission of the family members in the life of a recovering alcoholic. This was further substantiated and emphasised by Mr. Bosco D’ Souza National Program Director  in his welcome address  also introduced the core team of Kripa Vasai consisting of  Fr. Seraphinus, Mrs Jean Pereira, Fr. Cyril D’Souza, Fr. Andrew Jadhav  along with the staff who work behind the scenes round the clock to the gathering.

Rev. Fr. Joe Pereira Founder Managing Trustee of ‘Kripa Foundation’ highlighted the combination of ‘faith and reason’ as an indispensable component of recovery for both the recovering alcoholics /addicts and their relatives. He spoke of the need of surrendering oneself to his Higher Power and remaining faithful to the 12 step programme. Further he said that every human being is been divinely configured and therefore has to actualize this divine potential letting aside all pride, arrogance and self-deception,  so that one becomes a fully human being. He elaborated on the combination of various models of recovery used in Kripa.  

The audience well spell bound as and one could see tears rolling as Fr. Joe Pereira ended his session to the singing of slokas “Sarva Dharma Prathana” ( Prayer of all Religions by Acharya Vinoba Bhave.)- in Sanskrit.

It was indeed a joy to see the baffling look of the family members mixed with bewilderment and shock at their own family members (now reflecting transformation phase) and shedding the joyful tears as they met. The family members of inmates expressed thanks to Fr. Joe, Mr. Bosco and all the staff of ‘Kripa’ Vasai for this wonderful meet.  Kripa family in turn expressed a big thanks to God for His ‘Kripa’, Grace  upon all of us for enabling us to be capable of serving our fellow human being.    

Submitted by

Fr. Cyril D'Souza
Kripa Vasai
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