Community advocate and the Program Manager for The Asia Academy at Dimock recognized for his commitment to the community and service to others
ROXBURY, MA – Barry Butler, the Program Manager of Askia Academy at Dimock, will receive the 12th Annual Stanley Jones Clean Slate Project Courage Award for his tireless work and commitment to helping others on March 17, 2010 at the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, First Church at 10 Putnam St. in Roxbury at 7:00 p.m.
Butler originally came to the Askia Academy at Dimock, then the First Askia Academy, thirteen years ago seeking help with his own struggle with addiction. During the process of recovery, Butler discovered his desire to help others lead more fulfilling lives, motivating him to complete the training and education necessary to become a primary counselor with First Askia Academy in 1998 and eventually the program’s director in 2004.
“I have always had a love for people, even through all my shortcomings in life,” Butler said. Reflecting back on his experience Butler said, “I truly believe I have been saved to serve others.”
In addition to his work helping those with addiction, Butler has remained a steadfast advocate for people working to restore their lives following incarceration. This includes ongoing work to establish sensible CORI reform on Beacon Hill and policy work with the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery.
“We are honored to have Barry as a member of the Dimock team,” said Ruth Kelley, Dimock’s Chief Behavioral Health Officer. “He has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of men through his work at Askia and benefited thousands more through his advocacy.” “The Courage Award represents well-deserved recognition for Barry’s commitment to those in recovery and the community-at-large,” continued Kelley.
The Askia Academy at Dimock offers addiction recovery support for men and focuses on addressing health care disparities, relapse prevention, employment preparation and the rebuilding of family relationships.
About the Dimock Center
The Dimock Center was founded in 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children and is now nationally recognized as a model for the integrated delivery of comprehensive health care and human services in an urban community. In 2009, The Dimock Center’s physicians and staff handled over 73,000 patient and client visits, providing city residents and families access to high-quality health care and human services they would not be able to receive elsewhere. The center’s programs cover a range of services that include adult & pediatric medicine, eye & dental care, HIV/AIDS services, child & family development support program, behavioral health and addiction recovery services and adult basic education.