North Country Freedom Homes Affiliates with St. Joseph’s
This year, North Country Freedom Homes, a cornerstone of recovery in St. Lawrence County, officially became an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers. Approved by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, this affiliation strengthens the program’s role within the Citizen Advocates Network, enhancing access to compassionate, evidence-based care and seamless transitions for individuals on the path to recovery.
Founded in the 1970s by John E. Murphy, North Country Freedom Homes began as the county’s first transitional housing facility in Madrid before moving to a purpose-built site in Canton in 1988. Today, it operates as a 24-bed, all-male supportive living program, helping residents build on progress made in earlier treatment while connecting with community-based providers.
In 2025, the program also achieved certification as an Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Part 820 reintegration program, allowing for a more flexible, individualized model of residential care. This designation supports tailored recovery plans, stability and community reintegration—key factors for long-term success.
“We are honored to welcome North Country Freedom Homes into the Citizen Advocates Network, where together we can offer more seamless transitions in care and a stronger foundation of support for those we serve,” said Marc Gitlitz, Chair of the St. Joseph’s Board of Directors.
North Country Freedom Homes has a long tradition of helping individuals build the skills, resilience and hope needed to thrive in recovery... Through this affiliation with St. Joseph’s, we are preserving that mission while expanding the program’s capacity to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey.
James Button, President & CEO of Citizen Advocates and affiliates
Bringing Recovery to the Community
For St. Joseph’s Recovery Coach Tyler Hunt, going to work in 2025 often meant popping up a folding table and chair in a parking lot or lobby, in locations as disparate as parks, libraries, food pantries and county jails.
Supported through an Outreach and Engagement Services (OES) grant from OASAS, Mr. Hunt crisscrossed Franklin, Essex and Clinton counties five days a week to deliver treatment without barriers. Although the grant has since concluded, its impact was significant. He provided recovery support along with Narcan kits, drug-testing strips, hygiene and first-aid kits, and other harm-reduction supplies. In total, he distributed nearly 3,000 items to approximately 1,400 individuals.
“Some people are pretty hesitant to make that phone call and go into the clinic and ask for help,” Mr. Hunt said.
A Lake Placid native, Mr. Hunt’s commitment to service and meeting people where they are is rooted in his own recovery journey. After entering treatment at St. Joseph’s following his own struggles with substance misuse, he was encouraged by his counselor to pursue recovery coach certification—a step that ultimately led him to his current role.
As the point of entry for many people seeking help, Mr. Hunt relied on his colleagues at St. Joseph’s Malone Outpatient Clinic to carry on his work at higher levels of care. He noted that his consistent, forward‑facing presence built familiarity and trust.
Mr. Hunt’s work, along with that of others throughout the organization, strengthens the delivery of services and supports to people in need. In doing so, it underscores St. Joseph’s commitment to those it serves.
I’ve become recognized throughout Clinton and Franklin counties... At almost every location I go, people know who I am and why I’m there. I’m essentially the first point of contact for many people.
Tyler Hunt, St. Joseph’s Recovery Coach
Warrior Challenge Run
Residents of St. Joseph’s Col. C. David Merkel, MD Veterans and First Responders Residential Program participated in the Warrior Challenge Run at Camp Serenity in Colton, NY, in September. Proudly sponsored by the Fieldstone Foundation, the event supported Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, an Upstate New York organization providing free therapeutic outdoor experiences for wounded warriors, veterans and their families.
St. Joseph’s recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who serve. Many carry the lasting effects of trauma and high-stress experiences, which can lead to substance use, anxiety, depression, sleep issues or disconnection from family and purpose. Asking for help can be especially difficult.
The Veterans and First Responders Residential Program offers specialized, trauma‑informed addiction treatment and a full continuum of residential services—stabilization, rehabilitation and reintegration—to support lasting recovery.
Welcoming NYS OASAS Leadership to St. Joseph’s
St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers was honored to host OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham and her leadership team for a tour of its Saranac Lake campus, including the future site of its Comprehensive Outpatient Program.
The visit provided Commissioner Cunningham with a firsthand look at the breadth of programs and services St. Joseph’s offers and the significant impact they have on individuals in our communities.
Promoting Men’s Wellness in Essex County
Dennis Furushima, Susan Hoilund and Shelley Whiteman represented St. Joseph’s at the 2025 Vivid Run in Schroon Lake. The event, organized by the Essex County Suicide Prevention Coalition, focused on raising awareness about men’s mental and physical health.
Fueling Recovery, Healing and Hope
At St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, nourishing meals are an essential part of the healing process. Led by Director of Food Services Aaron Mozdzier, the culinary team thoughtfully plans and prepares meals that support recovery for individuals in inpatient care and the Col. C. David Merkel, MD Veterans & First Responders Residential Program. Their commitment creates a welcoming environment where every person’s journey is met with compassion and care.
Equipping Staff to Navigate the Complexities of Behavioral Health
Representatives from St. Joseph’s attended the Northern Tier Providers Coalition Conference in Lake Placid, joining behavioral health professionals from across Upstate New York to share best practices and strengthen collaboration. Network Directors of Training and Development Robin Gay and Lori Burke presented “Professional Boundaries in Behavioral Health,” offering practical tools adapted from internal trainings to support ethical practice, staff well-being and quality care.
Investing in Leadership, Strengthening Community
Over four months, Sarah Richards, Tammy Landerway, Lauren Trostle and Shelley Whiteman (not pictured) completed the New York State OASAS Leadership Academy, an intensive program focused on leadership development, trauma-informed care and communication—all while continuing to serve the community with excellence. Their achievement reflects St. Joseph’s commitment to investing in its people and fostering a culture of growth.
