Project Restoring Educating Advancing Lives (Project R.E.A.L)

Project Restoring Educating Advancing Lives began as an idea, but has quickly snowballed into a future asset to the County and the individuals it will serve. Although Project R.E.A.L. is a developing agency, I know it will be successful as it already has evoked the attention of nearly a dozen professionals who have committed time to volunteer for the cause. The goals of Project Restoring Educating Advancing Lives are to help individuals maintain sobriety, gain a greater independence, and reach their fullest potential. The agency hopes to have 10 houses operating in five years and a long-term goal of servicing 1,000 individuals each year. Project R.E.A.L has already begun to receive attention amongst county officials and various health professionals. Beside the volunteers who pledged their time to the Committee of Volunteers or Board of Directors, both Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous have agreed to send speakers to the house weekly. Jacquelyn Best, Suffolk County Deputy Director for the Department of Health Services confirmed in a meeting that Project R.E.A.L would be the first Supportive Living Residences in the County’s history. When Project R.E.A.L is up-and-running, it will change and save individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse.