I CELEBRATED MY ONE YEAR MAY 1st! I never had it so good. You guys have changed my life and opened my eyes to how valuable and beautiful life can be when were living sober. I never though I’d be proud to say I got sober at 21, celebrated my 21st birthday sober and actually enjoy my life beyond what I could even articulate! I miss you guys so much! hope all is well up there! LOVE ALWAYS, <3
STEFANIE KATZ

Dear Matt and Margaret,

Just celebrated my 30th anniversary.

The kids left New York for “Greener Pastures” so we did too. Sold the house and left New York for Florida in 2010. We are currently visiting our son and his wife in Indiana. Matt would like Indiana. Very much like upstate New York. They have given us two beautiful Grandchildren. (Lucas Jeffrey is 3 and Haley is 1)

The daughter and her husband moved to Florida. They are expecting their first child, a daughter (Emma) in June.

Just wanted to drop you a note. Hope you are both well.

All Our Love,
Stephen and Joanne Dolan

Dear Margaret,

All this letters touched my heart deeply… Everything I read has to do with me and most, I learned about The New Direction and the love, support and encouragement your guys are giving to others whom are in need!

I am looking forward to hear from you this evening and hopefully I can visit your Blessing place sometimes soon.

God Bless all of you!
Maria.

By far my favorite place in the entire world… Just wanted to let you all know how much i appreciate you guys for opening New Direction. I feel blessed , I finally got my life back and I am not a slave to the disease anymore and its all because of everyone at ND. The New Direction is where the seed was planted in my head and living my life the way I was living was never the same again so I returned and it was the best decision I had made in my entire life. This place is magical and will always be part of my life. I think it was the only place I have ever been that I didn’t want to leave when my time was up. I hope to see you all as soon as I can and when life gets to be too much to handle I know I always have The New Direction to visit, take a break, and refresh on the tools that keep me on my wonderful journey I am on today!! Miss You ALL!!
Oh Lord, I ain’t what I want to be…
Oh Lord, I ain’t what I oughta be…
Oh Lord, I ain’t what I’m gonna be…
But thanks, dear Lord,
I ain’t what I use to be…

And thank you Matt & Margaret & Everyone from The New Direction!

With Love,
Joe Miele (from Lake George )

This “Thank You” from the bottom of our hearts is long overdue. Our 19 year old Zach was at New Directions this past summer. The day we arrived was something undescribable. The opened arms and caring was overwhelming. Matt and Margaret went above and beyond for what they did for our son. As parents we worry everyday for our children. But when you have a child with an addiction problem its even harder. Our son also has Tourette Syndrome. This condition acted up severely while Zach was with them. These people helped our son as though he was their own. We could never express our appreciation and gratitude for everything. All the staff, Bobby, Pam, Jeff, Melissa, Fred, Mike, Jodi a big Thank You also. If we missed anyone, we apologize. Our prayers will always be with you. God Bless you all. Zach is now in Florida still trying to find a job, but has been clean and attending his meetings everyday. He still calls New Directions and checks in with them as often as he can. Again, we thank you and may God continue His work through all of you! Matt, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS on your sobriety 40 years! You will always be in our hearts and prayers. THANK YOU!
The LoSapio Family-Zach, Tony, Trudi

I came for 3 weeks and stayed for almost five. Like so many others, I did not want to go home. I will always consider New Direction a second home and the staff will always be a part of my extended family. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was in the right place. When I saw the sign in the living room ” You are safe here”, there was no doubt. I truly love those I spent time with there. I miss just about everything, including the Walton and Hancock meetings, the great meals, staff that bent over backwards to make you comfortable and the sharing on the porch. Most of all I will never forget the comradire, love and serenity. Happy 40th Matt! I will love you and Margaret for the rest of my life.

Love Always,
Jack

On 11/18/2006 I finally made the decision to surrender. I went to New Directions on the as advice of professionals.
After trying to do it my way it. The peace and serenity that I found there was unbelievable. The past 41/2 years of my life have been unbelievable. Without the teachings and caring of Matt Margaret and there staff. I don’t know where I would be today.

Ten years ago, June 23, 2001, New Directions made a small exception and accepted a young 19-year-old girl (me). It seems like just yesterday, and it seems like a million years ago, that I walked in to that house trembeling. How was I going to possibly live without drugs and alcohol?? But I couldn’t possibly either. I was not living at all, I was dying. Margaret, after I got over my initial dislike for her and her rules, became my “Mother” while I was there. Had an exception not been made I would not be who/where I am today, Happy and Free! I am so grateful that my journey began in that big red barn at New Directions. I always meet fellow alumni in meetings and a strong bond is felt. In fact, starting a conversation about how we both went to New Directions is how I met my boyfriend of nearly six years! There is too much I can say about this place, but I will end with this. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction/alcoholism, send them to a place where they will feel at home. Home cooked meals, a loving couple that opened there home many years ago, a beautiful farm; not a hospital rehab. This is a place I actually miss, even though I was so reluctant to go in the first place. I have visited many times, and will be up in a couple of weeks to celebrate my tenth anniversary sober!

I am so gratefull to New Direction for saving me , its the love and understanding that Matt and Margaret have for the many people that come into their life . When I arrived at New Direction I was scared, my life had fell apart I had no hope,that all changed with the great staff ,the care and especially the warmth of the house, I miss the peace and tranquility that I had there. I continue to sit in front at meetings, shake the speakers hand, put my chair away, and then there’s the balance that Bobby always talks about. I don’t know were I would be if I didn’t make it to New Directions!! Love & Miss You , Carla F

By the Grace of God, today I am celebrating two years clean and sober. The staff of The New Direction gave me a solid foundation in recovery which has helped me immensely. It has helped me begin my new life one day at a time. I utilize what I learned in my everyday life. What a gift. Today my life is so much richer than before. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my stay at the farm house. Matt and Margaret made us feel like part of their family. Mike and Bobby were so informative about the disease of alcoholism/addiction and what you need to do to stay clean and sober. Being able to speak with them openly and honestly was such a comfort. Thank you all so very much. You all hold a special place in my heart. I almost forgot…. the meals were great too!

Much Love,
Nina A