News: 2009 Archive
The Michigan Lottery honors Dr. Robert Crisp for Outstanding Education
The Michigan Lottery honored 18-year board member of Community Transitional Centers, Dr. Robert Crisp this month as a part of their celebrations in recognition of Black History Month.
Crisp began his career in education over 30 years ago as a band director at
Crisp devotes much of his time outside of school continually increasing the educational opportunities for his community. Recently, in collaboration with the music department at
Programs such as the one Crisp developed, allow students to prepare themselves for future musical undertakings. It is his dedication to constantly educate and prepare his students that makes Crisp an outstanding educator.
Would you like to be a part of the area's largest celebration of recovery?
Recovery Palooza is an annual event held in September during National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Awareness Month. This year’s event, held on Saturday the 19th at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids, features live entertainment, fun family activities, food, community resource information, support group meetings, and more. Planning this event is almost as much fun as attending! See www.recoverypalooza.org for more information.
The Latino Mental Health Taskforce Honors Antonio Ruban with the Legacy Community Service Award
The Latino Mental Health Taskforce honored Antonio Ruban’s continued commitment to improving the lives of others through culturally sensitive programs with their Legacy Community Service Award. A 20-year employee of Project Rehab and program manager of the Hispanic Recovery Program, Cuban native Antonio Ruban continues to help countless individuals through recovery, specifically the Hispanic population throughout
"Antonio Ruban's commitment to serve the community and improve cultural competence made him a great candidate for this award," said Executive Director of network180, Paul Ippel.
Eva Aguirre Cooper of WOOD TV8 presented the award to Antonio Ruban on March 13, 2009 at the Latino Mental Health Taskforce Conference held at Grand Valley State University's DeVos Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ruban’s devotedness to servitude started long before his work with Project Rehab. After migrating to the
Ruban’s commitment to help those in need of treatment reaches far beyond the borders of Western
He believes his mission is to serve. Ruban is dedicated, through his desire to serve, in aiding his clients in overcoming many of the cultural barriers so an effective method of treatment can be offered.
Currently, Ruban is aiding in developing a new family assistance program called Nuevo Camino. The program offers an array of services, which are all available in Spanish, to assist individuals through recovery and help them live a successful life.
In all of his work, Ruban continues to dedicate himself to helping others, not just those in his community, but throughout
Employee Assistance Center Celebrates 30 Years of Improving Lives
(Grand Rapids MI) --- Employee Assistance Center (EAC) is celebrating 30 years of providing employee assistance programs to employers and employees. The journey began in 1979, when a local company contacted Project Rehab and asked for assistance with alcoholism and drug problems in the workplace. After the initial contact and follow up, it became clear that there was a need for services for employees, and it went beyond just helping with substance use. Project Rehab soon began an employee assistance program (EAP) called Employee Assistance Center, providing assistance with all areas of mental/behavioral health.
Today, the mission of EAC, “Improving Lives...at Work and at Home” continues to advance, strengthening families and communities along the way. EAC provides short-term counseling, training, consulting, and other services to a variety of client companies in the fields of health care, manufacturing, and nonprofits.
EAC is part of Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance, a collection of not-for-profit organizations working together to improve lives.
Project Rehab Earns Top Spot
Results of a new survey reveal that people are more comfortable recommending Project Rehab over any other provider. The biennial research project, conducted through Grand Valley State University, surveyed over 400 households in the greater Grand Rapids area to gather perceptions about providers of residential treatment for substance use disorders. When the survey was last conducted two years ago, Project Rehab was tied for first place in the same recommendation category. The research also indicated that Project Rehab's top of mind awareness increased by 3% and overall name recognition improved by 5%.
Project Rehab is part of Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance, which also includes Life Guidance Services, Employee Assistance Center, and Community Treatment Centers.
"We are very pleased that that more people are aware of our mission," said Tina Dee, Director of Community Relations at Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance. "Our hope is that this increased awareness also means that more people are aware that substance use disorders are a treatable health issue. Increasing this understanding will help reduce the stigma that often becomes an obstacle for people who need treatment."
Project Rehab was a pioneer in the treatment industry when it was founded in 1968. For more information, visit www.ProjectRehab.org.
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For more information about any of these stories, or to request an interview with a staff expert, please contact Ellen Erickson at (616) 776-0891 x101 or