Huntington Station Church Takes Back Offer on Recovery and Addiction Outreach Center

St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huntington Station has taken back its offer to host a recovery and outreach center to assist those impacted by addiction, Patch has learned.

It was originally reported that the Long Island Recovery Community and Outreach Center at the church would provide a community-based, non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming and alcohol/drug-free for all members of the community.

However, Kathryn Abdis president of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church says the church withdrew their offer on July 3 in an email to Patch.

The email can be found below.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President/CEO of Family & Children’s Association, confirmed this news to Patch. He said FCA will continue to scout locations in the Huntington area and still hopes to open a center this fall.

In a statement, Reynolds said:

“St. Peter’s has advised us that they are rescinding their offer – made before we submitted our funding application to New York State - to lease FCA and its partners space to house Long Island’s first Recovery Center. While we are disappointed, we are scouting several alternative locations and know that we will find a suitable space where local young people who have found a path to recovery will be welcomed with open arms. Suffolk County continues to lead our state in drug overdose deaths and many of those fatalities are occurring in the Town of Huntington; it’s an area that would benefit greatly from a well-run project like this. Putting an end to the shame and stigma associated with addiction is critical to ending the modern day heroin crisis, as is creating safe spaces where young people can socialize without the use of drugs and alcohol. We remain excited about creating Long Island’s first Recovery Center and look forward to a packed ribbon-cutting this fall.”

Abdis’ email claims Patch posted inaccurate information and that is the reason why the church took back their offer. She also reportedly sent a similar email to FCA. Patch reached out to an FCA representative who thought the emails were fake at first.

Editor’s note: Patch only reported facts given to us in an official press release. We were also not informed on previous occasions that the offer was withdrawn, like the email claims.

With that said, here is Abdis’ email:

This is to inform you that the LIRCOC will not be started and formed at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Ogden Ct in Huntington Station.
Our Pastor, Frank Nelson has informed you. I am repeating, reinforcing that statement.
I repeat- the LIRCOC will not be associated with St. Peter’s in any way.
Your untimely and highly inaccurate articles and statements have made it necessary for us to rescind our offer.
Please issue a statement telling of this withdrawal.
This withdrawal was issued July 3rd, 2016. Thank you for a prompt response. Sincerely,
Kathryn Abdis
President, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

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