SCCASA Holds Main Street Open House

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - It was a windy afternoon when the Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse invited any and all to their new location on East Main Street last Monday.

SCCASA has been a longstanding organization in the county, acting as one of Schoharie’s leading prevention agencies since 1985.

Not only do members attend all of the region’s schools to give prevention education to students, but they also act as a community outreach and counseling group for those seeking recovery.

SCCASA was first located within the Burger King plaza, manning the office space just above Subway, before they switched to Mineral Springs Road. However, with new members coming on board, the organization felt it was prudent to move somewhere with more visibility and decided on East Main Street.

The staff present at the open house were thrilled with the headquarters, including new Executive Director Becky Shroeder, who returned to the organization after a five year hiatus.

Several tables were set up behind the building that urged event-goers to take informational pamphlets on prevention and aid resources, like the Never Use Alone hotline, a non-law enforcement affiliated number that talks with someone who might be having a substance crisis.

In addition, Dave Desando was available to offer Narcan training and other items like charcoal disposal bags for someone that wanted to get rid of their medication.

“You’re always welcome to call for support services,” Mrs. Shroeder emphasized. “Never be afraid to reach out.”

And the director wasn’t the only one to mirror that sentiment. Peer Specialist Tom Moran, who has been directly working with affected families and individuals for the past five years, took the same welcoming approach.

“I’m here whenever anybody needs help,” said Mr. Moran, who then continued with an anecdote about helping someone at three in the morning. “You can call me 24/7. It doesn’t matter, I’ll be there.”

Before SCCASA wrapped up the event, the staff was pleased to see the appearance of both Assemblyman Chris Tague and Senator Peter Oberacker at the open house.

Both politicians readily endorsed the organization, offering support in any way that they could. Senator Oberacker in particular said that SCCASA did “amazing” work, and looked forward to collaborating in the future.