Liberation Programs, Inc.

04/19/2026

Hey… what are you doing on Sunday, May 3?

Nothing? Perfect. We’ve got something for you.

How about joining us and riding through New York City with the streets completely closed to traffic, crossing iconic bridges, moving through all five boroughs, and finishing with thousands of riders who just did the same incredible thing.

It’s fun. It’s energizing. And when you ride with us, it also means something. Every mile supports work that helps individuals and families access care and build stronger, healthier futures.

We have just a few spots left on our team, and have a VIP day- we start in the first wave, our charity bib gets you into the VIP tent at the end! Last day to sign up is Tuesday April 21!

If you’re even a little curious, that’s usually a good sign. Reach out to tracy.cramer@liberationprograms.org to grab one of the final spots.

You got this! Let's do it together!

04/18/2026

Here's your sneak peek! A little behind-the-scenes from a special day filming in preparation for Spirit of Hope! And a big shoutout to the incredible team at for capturing all of it!

Thank you ! You consistently demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting Stamford’s residents, and we are grateful for the care and attention you bring to this community every day.

There is still time to join us on May 5. We can't wait to see you there.

Get your tickets or tables: https://liberationprograms.org/2026-spirit-of-hope-gala/

04/17/2026

We are so proud to share this powerful conversation with Dr. Maggie Young, recently featured on the Hey Stamford! Hey Stamford podcast as Stamford’s 2026 Citizen of the Year.

With more than four decades of leadership in recovery and mental health, Maggie’s impact on individuals and families across our community is profound. In this interview, she reflects on her personal journey, the evolution of addiction treatment, and the importance of building systems of care that support long-term healing and connection.

Her work, including the development of family-centered programs that allow parents to receive care while staying with their children, continues to shape a more compassionate and effective approach to recovery.

This recognition is not just a celebration of one individual, but of a lifetime spent strengthening our community and expanding what recovery can look like.

Take a few minutes to watch and hear directly from Maggie. Her perspective is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply inspiring.

To learn more about the Citizen of the Year events, student scholarships, and veteran recognition:
https://stamfordcoty.org/citizens-of-the-year/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCA8rUxaRPA&t=3s

Dr. Maggie Young, Stamford’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, joins the podcast to share her 40+ years of impact in recovery and mental health across Stamford, CT.A...

04/15/2026

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to reflect on something many of us don’t often pause to examine, our relationship with alcohol.

Today, our CEO, John Hamilton, joined News 12 Connecticut to talk about how to better understand our own patterns, recognize when alcohol use may be becoming a problem, and the importance of having honest conversations, especially with young people.

Alcohol use doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s occasional. For others, it can quietly become something more, impacting health, relationships, and overall well-being.

That’s why awareness matters.

There are simple tools that can help guide reflection and conversation:

CAGE – a brief self-check:
Have you ever felt the need to cut down?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you felt guilty about drinking?
Have you ever needed an eye-opener?

CRAFFT - a screening tool:
C (Car): Have you ridden in a car with someone (including yourself) who was impaired?
R (Relax): Do you use alcohol to relax, pregame, or build courage?
A (Alone): Do you ever drink alone?
F (Family/Friends): Are your family or friends concerned about your drinking?
F (Forget): Have you ever forgotten what happened while drinking?
T (Trouble): Have you ever gotten into trouble because of alcohol?

It starts with asking simple but important questions:
• How does alcohol show up in my life?
• Is it helping, or hurting?
• What message are we sending to the next generation?

At Liberation Programs, we are committed to prevention, education, and ensuring that individuals and families have access to care w

If you are looking for help for yourself or someone you love, please contact 855.LIB.PROG (855-542-7764) or info@liberationprograms.org or admissions@liberationprograms.org

Because understanding yourself is often the first step toward change.

John Hamilton, President & CEO of Liberation Programs discusses how to determine if you have a problem.

03/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for “Fostering Teen Success,” hosted by the Ram Council Foundation at the New Canaan Library.

The conversation brought together parents and teens for an honest and practical discussion about what it takes to support young people in today’s environment. The panel included John Hamilton,William Egan, Attorney Maddox, and Stephan Genovese. They shared meaningful insights on how to help teens stay substance free, access mental health support, and build strong foundations for long term well-being.

Throughout the evening, participants explored actionable ways to create safe, supportive environments at home. The importance of having a trusted adult, encouraging open communication, and ensuring teens feel heard and understood were central themes.

The panel also included perspectives from individuals with lived experience and long term recovery, offering real-world insight into the impact of early decisions and the importance of support systems.

In addition, the discussion addressed the legal realities and risks associated with underage drinking, including the consequences of parents providing alcohol to teens. These moments reinforced the critical role families and communities play in prevention.

We are grateful to everyone who took part in this important conversation. Together, we continue to strengthen the support systems that help teens thrive.

03/25/2026

Reminder! Panel is tomorrow Night!
Parents and teens are invited to join an important community conversation about supporting young people.
The Ram Council Foundation will host “Fostering Teen Success,” a panel discussion focused on best practices for supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of teens. The program will bring together experts in education, mental health, and law to share insights and practical guidance for families navigating the challenges facing adolescents today.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/event/ram-council-03262026
The panel will be moderated by John Hamilton and will include panelists William Egan, Attorney Maddox, and Stephan Genovese.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 pm at the Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library. The presentation is open to parents and students in grades 8 through 12.

Community partners include Liberation Programs, Causeway Collaborative, Silver Hill Hospital, Fusion Academy, Bankwell, and New Canaan CARES. Registration is available through the New Canaan Library.

03/25/2026

If you have been thinking about it, this is your sign to join us.

It is one of those rare days where the city feels completely different. Open roads, incredible energy, and thousands of riders moving together through all five boroughs.

We have a great group coming together this year, and there is still room for a few more to ride with us. Whether you are in it for the experience, the community, or simply a really good day on the bike, we would love to have you with us.

Contact tracy.cramer@liberationprograms.org or sign up here! https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ZAEFuQ?vid=1ozfdq

And yes, that's Joe Esposito (Newport Academy) and me riding on 6th Ave past Radio City Music Hall at last year's 5 Boro!!

03/19/2026

Real progress in addressing substance use and mental health takes leadership.

It takes people who are willing to move beyond awareness and into action. At this year’s Spirit of Hope, we are recognizing two individuals who are doing exactly that.

This year, we are honored to recognize two individuals who embody that commitment.

Mayor Caroline Simmons has led Stamford forward with a thoughtful and collaborative approach to addressing substance use and mental health. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships and expanded access to care in meaningful ways.

Brian Mann, NPR correspondent, has helped reshape how our country understands addiction through reporting that is rigorous, human, and deeply impactful.

Spirit of Hope is a moment to come together as a community to recognize progress and recommit to the work ahead.

Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30 PM
Woodway Country Club in Darien

Join us.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities:
https://liberationprograms.org/2026-spirit-of-hope-gala/

03/12/2026

Parents and teens are invited to join an important community conversation about supporting young people.

The Ram Council Foundation will host “Fostering Teen Success,” a panel discussion focused on best practices for supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of teens. The program will bring together experts in education, mental health, and law to share insights and practical guidance for families navigating the challenges facing adolescents today.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/event/ram-council-03262026

The panel will be moderated by John Hamilton and will include panelists William Egan, Attorney Maddox, and Stephan Genovese.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 pm at the Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library. The presentation is open to parents and students in grades 8 through 12.

Community partners include Liberation Programs, Causeway Collaborative, Silver Hill Hospital, Fusion Academy, Bankwell, and New Canaan CARES. Registration is available through the New Canaan Library.

03/05/2026

It's Here! We’re excited to share that Liberation Programs is an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon! We have a limited number of charity bibs available for runners who want to be part of our team and raise funds to support Liberation Programs’ work.

When you run for Liberation Programs, every mile you log helps expand access to life-saving treatment, prevention, and recovery support for individuals and families in our community.

If you’re interested in applying for a spot on our Team Liberation, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply here: https://liberationprograms.org/marathon/ or email tracy.cramer@liberationprograms.org

You got this!

03/02/2026

Liberation Programs is proud to be the March Community Bag Program partner at the Stop & Shop on Villa Avenue in Fairfield.

Throughout the month of March, every time you purchase a reusable Community Bag at that location, $1 is donated directly to Liberation Programs. Every little bit counts!

As warmer days approach, it is the perfect time to refresh your reusable bag supply. By choosing a Community Bag, you are not only reducing waste, you are also helping expand access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and community outreach services across our region.

We are grateful to Stop & Shop for this partnership and to everyone who chooses a bag that gives back.

Visit the Villa Avenue Stop & Shop in Fairfield this March and support Liberation Programs one bag at a time.

Let us know if you got one!

02/28/2026

Join the Recovery Super Team at the 5 Boro Bike Tour

For one day, New York City belongs to us!

No honking. No traffic. Just you, your bike, and open streets stretching across all five boroughs. You will ride over bridges that are usually packed with cars, cruise through neighborhoods with cheering crowds and music, and experience the city in a way most people never do.

On Sunday, May 3, our Recovery Super Team is taking to the streets!

Liberation Programs is an official charity in the ride. Join our team of 30 riders! We are so grateful to sponsors: Turnbridge, Newport Healthcare, Code Red, and Mountainside! We can't wait to ride together!

Riders of all levels are welcome. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or someone who enjoys weekend rides, this tour is accessible, energizing, and genuinely joyful.

And every mile matters. Funds raised by the Recovery Super Team help individuals and families in our community access life saving care. From prevention and treatment to community outreach and recovery support, your ride helps people find stability, rebuild relationships, and chart their own path forward.

You will cross the finish line knowing you helped open the door to care for someone who needs it.

How to Get Involved

Join the Team!
• Commit to raise or personally contribute $500
• Receive your 5 Boro Bike Tour bib
• Ride in the first wave (the best wave!!)
• Celebrate at the VIP finish in Staten Island
• Wear our custom Recovery Super Team cycling jersey

Be a Sponsor!
• Join us as a sponsor, bring a team of riders (or just one!) Sponsorship is only $275 per rider!
• Then, each rider commits to raise or personally contribute $500
• Sponsors receive recognition on website, social media and our custom jersey!!

Join or sponsor the Recovery Super Team today: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ZAEFuQ?vid=1ozffe
Questions? Contact Tracy at tracy.cramer@liberationprograms.org now!