12/05/2023
I Have A Dream
A quote made famous by Martin Luther King Jr., but one that was also said some years later by a Greek in a treatment center for an alcohol addiction. At that time, he was told to concentrate on his own recovery and not to try to save the world. That Greek was Takis Liris, and although he focused on his own recovery, he also never forgot his dream. Over the ensuing years, Takis was intent on taking whatever steps were necessary to ensure he fulfilled his dream. With the help of a couple of fellow founding members who were also recovering alcoholics, Takis established the Oasis Addiction Recovery Society, a safe haven for those new to recovery. The goal was to offer those in recovery a safe place to meet for coffee and sympathetic support with no fear of being judged.
It’s easy to stay clean and sober in a treatment center, but what happens when you leave that safe environment? Many people in recovery have family support, a job to go back to, and find again their purpose in life. But what happens to those that don’t have those assets to ground them during recovery?
They might have lost their housing, have criminal records, health issues, trust issues, no real family support, and no idea how to return as contributing members in their communities. These are the ones who go through the revolving doors of detox and treatment centers. While there are services available throughout the city, none are quite as meaningful as the unique services Oasis provides.
One may ask, why does Oasis work? The answer is simple. All the employed staff are themselves in recovery, and as such, fully understand what a recovering alcoholic/addict is going through. Staff members know what it takes to be successful. No one was more convinced of this concept than Takis.
From the small haven he created, Oasis has become an organization that not only offers a safe place for those in early recovery, but is recognized by the City of Toronto and the Provincial Government as a service provider to assist those in recovery to transition to becoming capable, contributing members of society.
From its humble beginnings, Oasis now offers programs such as Employment Essentials, initiated for clients to discover who they are and what their goals need to be for recovery. Individuals have options: return to school for upgrading, enrollment in skills training, or join the Employment Placement Program where they receive assistance in resume building, job seeking, and interviewing skills—all the time fully supported by the staff. An ODSP Employment Support Program is offered to those with concurrent disorders (i.e. addiction and mental health). Relapse Prevention and independent 12 Step Programs are also available.
Takis’ dream not only became a reality, but continues to grow and provide essential services and support to those in recovery.
Although he is no longer with us, his dream will continue on. His example of courage, determination and spirit has shown all of us involved that…
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE -Takis Liris
