Moncton, NB – November 27, 2024
The John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick (JHS SENB) Executive Director; Dan Brooks, and the John Howard Society of SENB Care Crew have received the “Community Star” Award by Horizon Health in partnership with the Department of Health. This honor is part of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), taking place from November 24 to November 30, 2024.
The theme for NAAW this year is Forging Connections. Working in the substance use health field and addressing its challenges can result in different experiences, ideas, and opinions for individuals, families, and communities. The theme reflects the importance of collaboration and shared efforts in addressing the complexities of substance use health.
Dan Brooks and the JHS SENB Care Crew have dedicated themselves to addressing substance use challenges through harm reduction, prevention, and recovery-focused initiatives, fostering meaningful partnerships, reducing stigma, and providing hope to those navigating the journey to recovery. This recognition highlights the unwavering commitment to making the community stronger and healthier.
While presenting the award, Jon Cornect; Interim Director for Addictions and Mental Health said “the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional passion, and commitment to making our community a better place, and Dan Brooks and JHS SENB team embodies all these qualities and more”.
The John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick is committed to ELEVATING, EMPOWERING, AND ENRICHING the lives of individuals, families, and communities, offering vital support and advocating for change. In this line of work, we see firsthand that change doesn’t happen overnight, nor is it ever the result of one person’s actions alone. It’s about coming together—across sectors, across neighborhoods, across backgrounds—with a shared commitment to making life just a little bit better for those who need it most. This award is truly a reflection of that collective spirit, that “we” in the community that makes all the difference.
In his acceptance speech, Dan Brooks; Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick said, “This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated team, partners, and the community we serve”. “I want to acknowledge our staff, who show up every day with compassion, resilience, and a determination to leave no one behind. Their dedication to elevating, empowering, and enriching the lives of those facing the hardest challenges is nothing short of inspiring”, he added.
In the face of a growing housing crisis, mental health struggles, and addiction challenges, we know there’s still much work to do. As we celebrate this achievement during National Addictions Awareness Week, John Howard Society SENB invites our community to reflect on the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing the challenges of substance use together.
We express our deep gratitude to our partners, including Horizon Health Network, for believing in our mission and standing beside us. Collaboration is the only way we move the needle, and together, we are building bridges of support, hope, and dignity for our most vulnerable neighbours.
For more information on how to contribute to our work, please contact: The John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick Inc. Executive Director; Dan Brooks at dan@johnhowardsenb.com OR info@johnhowardsenb.com
For more information on this release, please contact; Fund Development & Communications Manager: Mariam Owoeye at mowoeye@johnhowardsenb.com
